Why Interest Rates Reshape Global Real Estate Decisions

Hey you 🫶

Ever stared at dreamy ocean-view condos in Portugal or watched those fancy Bali villas on YouTube and thought, "Ugh, I wish that was me!"? Same. Like... same same. I used to scroll through Instagram looking at travel creators living in cute apartments in Europe and think, "Okay but how do you even start with that? Like, what’s the first move??"

So lemme spill some ✨real tea✨ — a few years ago, I didn’t even own a parking space in my name, let alone a home. And now? I’ve got properties in 3 countries (say whaat? yep!), and I’m about to tell you how I went from knowing literally zero about real estate to having a mini international portfolio. All while still asking my bestie if I can borrow her Netflix password. 😂

Let me be super clear: I’m not some “guru” or whatever, and I didn’t inherit cash or marry into money. I’m just a regular gal who figured some stuff out, took some L’s (💀), and kept going. If I can do it, you can too. Promise.

Ready? Buckle up buttercup — we’re goin’ global. 🌍

📚 Table of Contents

• Why Even Invest Abroad?
• Starting from Literal Scratch
• Doing That Nerdy Research (But Fun Tho)
• Money Moves: Budgeting & Financing
• Buying Your First Overseas Property
• Managing Property from Afar (Like a Boss)
• FAQ – Real Ones Only
• Wrappin' It All Up

Why Even Invest Abroad?

Okay, let’s get this out the way: investing in international real estate sounds ✨bougie✨. But it's actually... not?? Like, hear me out.

I used to think foreign property was for mega-rich people who wear linen suits and drink espresso shots in Italy. Turns out, people like us (regular-degular, chill, student-loan-having folks) can get in on this game too. Fr.

So why even go global? Here’s what I realized:

1. Diversification = safety blanket. If the U.S. market crashes (again 🙃), at least my lil apartment in Lisbon is chillin’.

2. Cost of entry is wayyy lower in some countries. Like, a studio in Kansas might cost the same as a literal house in Albania.

3. Airbnb or local rental = income stream. I have one in Medellín that covers its own mortgage and then some. Wild.

And honestly... it just feels cool. Owning something in another country is like having your own secret portal — I get to go whenever I want, rent it when I don’t. It’s giving main character energy.

🌍 Pros of Buying Property Overseas

Perk	Why It Matters
Cheaper Markets	Entry cost is lower than U.S.
Diversification	Reduces local market risk
Rental Potential	Tourism = Cash Flow
Lifestyle	Vacation + Asset = Win

Not bad, huh?

Okay let’s say you’re vibin’ with the idea. Cool. But then the big Q comes in...

"HOW DO YOU START??" Let’s talk about that 👇

Starting from Literal Scratch

So like... when I say I started from scratch, I mean zip, zilch, nada. No rich uncle. No business degree. Just me, my laptop, and vibes.

First off, I had to rewire how I thought about money and ownership. Cuz real estate always felt like something you did “when you're older” — like, 40s with kids and a golden retriever. 😅 But guess what? The real estate world doesn’t care how old you are — it cares if you’re prepared and strategic.

I started with ONE question: “What do I actually want this for?” Is it passive income? Retirement? Just bragging rights lol? My answer? Freedom and cashflow.

Once I had that clarity, things got way easier. I made this quick list (you can steal it, dw):

• 🏖️ Do I want to live there sometimes?
• 💵 Is it gonna make money, or just cost me?
• 🌍 Is it stable? (politically & economically)
• ✈️ How easy is it to get there?
• 📜 Can foreigners even own property there?

That checklist saved me from some ✨bad ideas✨ (lookin at you, overpriced Dubai condos... 🙃). You seriously need to start with your goals, or the whole process becomes overwhelming fast.

Also — side note — no shame if your first property is teeny tiny. My first was a 1-bedroom apartment in Tulum that needed SO much work. Like, the kitchen sink was basically just a hole. But I flipped it, rented it, and now it’s booked half the year. Boom. ✨

🛠️ My Newbie Checklist (Trust Me, It Helps)

Thing to Check	Why You Gotta
Local laws for foreigners	Some countries ban foreign ownership (wild, right?)
Currency risks	Your income could be in USD, but expenses? Nah
Ease of entry (visas, etc)	Do you wanna live there later?
Internet + infrastructure	Trust me. Bad WiFi = bad guests = bad reviews

This list is where I legit began. Every country I researched went through this mental filter first. If it passed, I kept diggin’. If not? Bye. ✌️

Doing That Nerdy Research (But Fun Tho)

Okay sooo... not gonna lie, this part made me feel like a full-time detective. 🔍

I was glued to forums, watching YouTube vlogs at 2am, reading boring gov websites, and even stalking random expats on Instagram to ask stuff like “Hey, how’s rent collection in Mexico?” Lol. But fr — research is where the smart money wins.

Now, lemme tell you the big secret that Google won’t shout at you:

You gotta research PEOPLE just as much as PLACES.

Here’s what I mean: a country might look perfect on paper — low cost, high demand, stable economy. But if the realtors are shady, if tenants don’t pay on time, or if your lawyer ghosts you mid-sale? You’re toast, bestie. 🍞

So I built what I called my lil “Int’l Real Estate Intel Sheet” (yes I gave it a cute name 🙈). It tracked all the stuff that actually mattered to me, not just what the hype blogs said.

📊 My Research Breakdown (a.k.a. The Sheet™)

Category	Stuff to Check
Country	Ownership laws, taxes, visas
City	Tourism, crime rate, rental yields
Local Experts	Lawyers, agents, builders, Airbnb managers
Currency & Economy	Exchange rate risk, inflation, GDP trends

Each city got a score (yup, I made it a game 😎). If a place scored low on “reliability of agents” or “ease of remote management”, it was a pass. Your time and peace are worth gold. Don’t fight a system you don’t understand — pick one that works with you.

And hey — when I say “talk to people,” I mean talk to people. I slid into DMs of other investors, joined Facebook groups, went on local subreddits. I even hopped on WhatsApp with a Brazilian lawyer once. These convos saved me thousands. IYKYK.

Money Moves: Budgeting & Financing

Alright, I’m gonna be real with you here... the money part stressed me out. HARD. 😵‍💫

I wasn’t sitting on some inheritance or stock portfolio. Just a regular 9-to-5 and a lil savings cushion that I low-key built from skipping brunch for a year (sad but true 🥲).

But guess what? You actually don’t need to be a baller to buy overseas. What you need is:

• A smart plan 💡
• Some discipline 🧘‍♀️
• And patience, bestie, soooo much patience 🐢

Here’s how I broke it down:

STEP 1: I started tracking every cent. Used apps, spreadsheets, even sticky notes. I found out I was spending $200/month on oat lattes. Yikes. 🙃

STEP 2: Opened a separate savings account and auto-transferred 20% of my paycheck every month. Out of sight = out of mind = growing faster.

STEP 3: Researched seller financing options. Yep — some countries let the seller carry the mortgage, and you pay monthly like rent.

STEP 4: Took on a side hustle for 9 months. Freelance writing, pet sitting, Airbnb co-hosting — anything I could manage on weekends. That extra cash became my closing cost fund.

And yep, I had to say no to some fun stuff. No Miami trip that summer. No new iPhone. But every time I said “nah,” I reminded myself: I’m saying YES to waking up in my own apartment in Spain someday.

💳 My First Property Budget (Tulum Apt)

Item	Amount (USD)
Purchase Price	$48,000
Closing Costs	$4,500
Renovation	$6,200
Legal & Taxes	$1,800
Total	$60,500

Is it a lot? Kinda. But it was my dream. And I pieced it together bit by bit. And if you're thinking "Dang, that still feels outta reach," remember this:

You don’t need to start BIG. You just need to START.

Buying Your First Overseas Property

Okayyy so this part? Whew. It’s where things got real-real. 😳

You’ve done the research, stacked some savings, picked your country, and now it’s time to actually buy the dang thing. NGL, I almost bailed here. So many docs, weird legal lingo, sketchy emails in half-English... but we got through it, and I’m gonna walk you through it step-by-step, no fluff. 💅

First thing I learned? Every country does real estate a lil differently. Some have notaries, some use lawyers, some let your cousin just write up a contract on a napkin (don’t do that lol). You gotta know their process and build your own mini A-team.

Here’s what my process looked like in Mexico:

🔑 How I Bought My Apartment in Tulum (Timeline + Key Players)

Step	What Happened
Found Property	Via local agent I found on FB group
Initial Offer	Verbal, then formalized by lawyer
Due Diligence	Lawyer reviewed title, permits, liens
Deposit	Sent 10% to escrow (yep, scary as heck)
Final Contract	Signed with notario, translated version provided
Closing	Paid remaining, got deed, happy tears

Each step took longer than I thought. And more than once I was like, "Uhhh... should I just buy a new couch instead?" 😂

But let me say this: Having a bilingual lawyer changed everything. Worth every single penny. I tried to save on legal at first — bad idea. Now I won’t even buy a suitcase in a foreign country without asking a lawyer (kidding... kinda).

Also, pro tip? NEVER wire money without double-checking with your lawyer and the escrow company. There are scams out there and some are too good at looking real. Like, Oscar-worthy scammin’.

But once it’s yours? Babyyyyy, that feeling is unreal. You own a place. In another country. That’s some boss move energy right there. 🔥

Managing Property from Afar (Like a Boss)

Okay, so the place is yours — you did it, proud of you 😭 — but now comes the real boss level: managing it remotely. And if you’re like me (a lil chaotic, time-zone confused), this part can feel... terrifying.

But it’s not impossible. You just need systems. I repeat: systems are your best friend. And maybe a chill handyman on WhatsApp too. 😂

Let’s break it down:

• 🏠 If you’re renting short-term (Airbnb): You’ll need a reliable cleaner, check-in/check-out system, guest support, and review management. I use Hospitable + smart locks.
• 👨‍💼 For long-term tenants: You'll want an English-speaking property manager. I hired a local guy who sends me monthly WhatsApp reports with pics (he’s literally my fave person now).
• 🧾 Bookkeeping: I use Wave to track income and expenses + my U.S. accountant handles the tax part (with some added fees, obviously 🙃)

⚙️ My Remote Management Toolkit

Tool	Why I Use It
Hospitable	Automates Airbnb guest messages + reviews
Wave	Free accounting software for income/expenses
WhatsApp	Direct line to my cleaner, manager, etc.
Ring Camera	Peace of mind (and low-key FOMO watching sunsets remotely 🌅)

The key? Trust your team. And treat them right. I send my cleaner birthday gifts. My manager got a bonus last December. Because they run my investment when I’m asleep in another hemisphere — and that’s priceless.

FAQ – Real Ones Only

Q1. Do I need to be a citizen or have residency to buy property abroad?

Not always! Lots of countries let foreigners buy property — like Mexico, Portugal, Colombia. But some have restrictions (like Thailand or the Philippines for land). Always check the local rules.

Q2. Can I get a mortgage as a foreigner?

Sometimes. But honestly? Most people pay cash or do seller financing. Foreign mortgages can be expensive and hard to get unless you have residency. I saved and paid in full.

Q3. How do I avoid scams?

Never work without a bilingual lawyer. Don’t send money via sketchy platforms. Use legit escrow. Talk to other expats and TRUST your gut. If it feels weird... it prob is.

Q4. What about taxes?

Yeah, they’re a thing. Some countries tax rental income. Some have capital gains tax. Plus, you still gotta report foreign property to the IRS if you're American. Use a CPA who knows international stuff.

Q5. Is Airbnb still worth it?

Depends on the country + city rules. Some places are cracking down (like NYC or Barcelona). Others are booming (like Tulum or Medellín). Just make sure short-term rental is allowed BEFORE you buy.

Q6. How much money do I actually need to start?

I bought my first for $60k all-in. But I’ve seen decent places for $35k in Albania, $45k in Turkey, and even $25k in parts of Ecuador. The key is doing your research and being flexible.

Q7. Do I need to speak the local language?

Nope. But it HELPS. I didn’t speak Spanish at first and it was rough. Now I can handle basics and it makes a huge difference. Just don’t expect everyone to speak English, especially when dealing with legal docs.

Q8. Can I live there full-time if I buy?

Depends on the visa laws. Buying property sometimes helps you get residency (like in Portugal with the Golden Visa), but not always. Owning doesn’t automatically mean you can stay long-term. Always check visa rules.

Wrappin' It All Up

If you’re still here reading this... 🥹 first of all, you’re the real MVP.

Let me just say this: I’m not special. I don’t have a finance degree, I didn’t grow up rich, and I definitely had no idea what I was doing when I started this overseas property journey.

But here’s what I DID have:

• ✨ Curiosity
• 📚 Obsession with learning
• 💬 The nerve to DM strangers online for advice
• 💡 And a deep gut feeling that I wanted more freedom

I’ve made mistakes. I overpaid for my first reno. I trusted one contractor who ghosted me. I paid $400 for a plumbing fix that cost $80. 💀 But each time, I learned something new. Each experience made me smarter, faster, savvier.

I look back now and I’m like, "Damn. I really built this thing from nada." Like literally zero. And now? I have multiple income streams. I can travel more. I can crash at my own place in Mexico when I need a break from life.

So if you’re sitting there thinking: "That’s cool but I could never..." YES. YOU. COULD. It’s not easy, and it’s def not instant. But it’s possible. And so worth it.

So go make that spreadsheet. Follow those expats. Book that flight. Read the laws. Talk to a lawyer. Google until your eyes hurt. Because the life you want? It starts one baby step at a time.

And if no one told you today — I believe in you. 💖

📌 Today’s Key Takeaways

• 🌎 You don’t need to be rich to start investing abroad — you just need a plan.
• 🧠 Research is your best friend. Google, forums, Facebook groups — use them all.
• 💰 Save smart. Cut back, side hustle, open a separate account.
• 🧾 Always use a bilingual lawyer. Always.
• 📲 Build your systems early — tech will save your sanity.
• 📍 Start small. One tiny property is better than zero big dreams.
• ❤️ Trust the process, even when it’s messy. You’re building your future.

⛔ Disclaimer : This blog post is based on personal experiences and opinions shared as of August 8, 2025. Information provided is for educational and inspirational purposes only and should not be considered financial or legal advice. Please consult with a certified financial advisor or international real estate attorney before making investment decisions. Real estate laws and markets vary significantly by country.