This week we’ve strayed off the beaten track to find some alternative towns, cities and resorts that offer investment returns in beautiful surroundings.
1. Citta Sant Angelo, Italy
Sunsets over the Adriatic Sea, vistas of vineyards and olive groves, and romantic architecture perfectly sum up the idyllic Italian town of Citta Sant Angelo. It’s located in the Abruzzo region of Italy, an area that until recently had been largely ignored by tourists and property investors. As people begin seeking authentic experiences abroad, Citta Sant Angelo is gaining appeal.
Ljubljana, Slovenia
2. Ljubljana, Slovenia
This old world European capital offers easy access to beaches and ski resorts. Both architecturally and scenically stunning, the city is starting to gain popularity with European travellers and British expats. Property prices in Slovenia are much cheaper than other parts of Europe, and the market has seen 4% year-on-year gains in the last year.
Rising property prices, increased connectivity, low cost living and a reputation as a tech start-up hotspot are encouraging younger property investors to buy in Lisbon.
3. Lisbon, Portugal
Secret? Well, okay Lisbon was founded in around 1200BC so it can hardly be described as up and coming, but investors are seeing the potential Europe’s second oldest capital (after Athens). However, rising property prices, increased connectivity, low cost living and a reputation as a tech start-up hotspot are encouraging younger property investors to buy here. They are joining retirees and expats who have taken advantage of tax and visa incentives, while an improved infrastructure and economic outlook is encouraging lifestyle buyers.
Rising property prices, increased connectivity, low cost living and a reputation as a tech start-up hotspot are encouraging younger property investors to buy in Lisbon.
4. Cali, Columbia
Cali is Columbia’s third largest city and one of the safest spots in the country. Property prices in here are very cheap compared to other parts of South America, with high potential rental yields for investors. Located near the equator, but at an elevation of 3,300 feet, the climate is mild and enjoyable and the scenery out of this world. If you love salsa dancing and performing arts this is the place for you.
5. Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic
Santo Domingo is the oldest European (Spanish) city in the Americas, and the capital of Spain’s first colony in this part of the world. Santo Domingo has a romantic Spanish feel with impressive colonial architecture, contrasted by a booming tourism scene and its big international hotel brands from around the world. The Dominican Republic offers one of the quickest and easiest residency naturalisation programs around and there are no restrictions on foreigners buying property there.
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6. San Pedro, Belize
If the Caribbean is calling, consider investing in property in San Pedro this year. Situated in one of the most idyllic locations on the planet, this small fishing village turned tourism hub has retained a quaint laid-back feel. Property prices in San Pedro have risen quickly over the last few years; however, there are still deals to be had and it remains affordable in comparison to other Caribbean destinations.
7. Saint-Chinian, France
Many British expats and retirees dream of the South of France as a spot to live and invest. Saint-Chinian could just be the perfect spot, away from the expensive Provence area in a lesser known part of the Occitanic region. The village is like something out of a fairy tale, with wine one of the drivers of the local economy and a French country village feel that is everything you have dreamed of. Property prices in the area are about half those found in Provence and the Cote d’Azur.
Playa Del Carmen, Mexico
8. Playa Del Carmen, Mexico
Though certainly not ‘undiscovered’, Playa Del Carmen is still an excellent investment spot for those seeking an idyllic tropical resort destination, strong rental yields and an exciting expat community. Expats make up about 7% of the population and the area is responsible for nearly 30% of Mexico’s tourism revenue, with Cancun just an hour’s drive away. There are few restrictions for foreign workers, investing in property is straight-forward and English is commonly spoken in the area.
Bali offers expats a beautiful tropical location, fascinating culture and a warm welcome.
9. Bali, Indonesia
Bali offers expats a beautiful tropical location, fascinating culture and a warm welcome. With a thriving tourism industry thanks to beautiful beaches and stunning scenery, as well as an inexpensive cost of living, Bali is rated highly by both foreign property buyers and travellers. Property prices in Bali are steady, the rental market offers strong yields and the barriers to property ownership are low.
Da Nang, Vietnam (TBone Lee / Shutterstock.com)
10. Da Nang, Vietnam
This modern, emerging location with its unique and hospitable Asian charm is a coastal city in Vietnam and the third largest city in the country. The economy in the area is booming and infrastructure development is progressing at a rapid rate, yet it is still an affordable and well-preserved place to live and invest. While property prices across Vietnam are low, it’s starting to get discovered with construction levels increasing and sales in 2016 up 193% from 2015. If Vietnam is on your radar, now is the time to get into the market.