How many of us, when we’re abroad, spend our time looking in estate agent windows thinking, “Oooh, we could afford that. Shall we?” Compared to the astronomical price of UK property, a cottage in northern France, a holiday condo in the US or a sea-view apartment on a sunny Spanish costa can seem very reasonable indeed.
Today we bring you ten of the cheapest properties abroad, none over £85,000. There may be cheaper elsewhere, but these are not in slums and they all have functioning roofs. A bit of elbow grease, a pot of white-wash, some wisteria around the door and you’ve got the shabby chic home of your dreams.
Portugal
Townhouse and land in the Douro Valley for €50,000
This colourful townhouse in Santa Marinha do Zêzere might need a bit of work, but it’s certainly worth it for what you get. The two-bedroom house is surrounded by 2,320m2 of land, with fantastic views from its hillside position to the countryside. Oh, and did we mention the location? It’s right in the heart of the magnificent Douro Valley, considered as one of Portugal’s most beautiful regions.
Village house with land and fruit trees for €55,000
This typically Portuguese village house in Portalegre is on the market for just €55,000. For that, as well as a cosy, two-bedroom home with a large living room and separate kitchen, you can enjoy your own produce from the olive and fruit trees on the 1,250m2 of land.
Three properties with a view for €57,000
Who would have thought you could own one home with a view like this over the Douro River, let alone three? These three homes, in need of renovation or rebuilding, sit on a plot of 1,404m2 with their own water supply. Just 100m from the Douro and with magnificent views, this is a fantastic investment opportunity for anyone looking to breathe new life into an old home.
France
Renovated village home in Normandy for €54,000
This typical stone-built village has undergone a complete structural renovation, with new wiring, double-glazing, a new kitchen and bathroom. There’s a large back garden with plenty of space for a terrace or BBQ, and it’s just a few minutes’ walk to the local shops and services. The whole home is well presented with period features throughout.
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Immaculately restored cottage in Normandy for €59,500
This cosy cottage in Le Teilleul has been renovated by the present owner to provide light and airy accommodation with open plan living space on the ground floor. There are plenty of period features, including exposed beams and the ornamental fireplace in the living room. The medieval towns of Domfront and St Hilaire du Harcouët with all amenities are only a short distance away.
Spain
Character property in Almeria for €50,000
Situated in the beautiful pueblo blanco of Lubrin, this townhouse is filled with character. A superb example of an elegant character mansion property, it’s situated in a small hamlet just a short drive – 10 minutes – from the pretty market town of Lubrin and 15 minutes to Bedar. The property has the added benefit of having a complete new roof and terrace added within the last 10 years.
Direct sea views in Villamartin for €54,500
Lovely top floor corner Apartment in el Mirador del Mediterraneo, close to Villamartin with private terrace giving distant sea views. The complex offers 3 communal pools, on site restaurant and parking within the urbanisation. The property will be sold complete with furnishings and air conditioning. Just a 10 minute walk from Villamartin Plaza. A short drive away you will find some of the Orihuela Costa’s finest beaches, Zenia Boulevard Shopping Centre as well as 4 excellent golf courses of Villamartin, Las Colinas, Campoamor and Las Ramblas and an array of supermarkets, bars and restaurants.
Italy
Trullo to restore for €50,000
Trulli can run into the millions for a really high-end property – so this one really is a rare gem at €50,000. It’s completely unrestored, so it’s the perfect chance to put your own stamp on one of these unique homes. Outside, there are grounds of 12,000m2 with 60 olive trees and 12 almond trees. The possibilities are endless – a permanent home, a holiday home, a tourist business?
Historic Sardinian farmhouse for €50,000
This is a rare opportunity to buy one of the few remaining historic Sardinian farmhouses characteristic of the region of Gallura. Built in local stone, it makes a fantastic restoration project. The agents advise that it would be possible to build an extra 30% of space onto the property, and it is one of the few areas of the region where you can still build a swimming pool.
USA
Perfect condo in Davenport for $110,000
Fantastic condo in Davenport for just under £90,000, with three bedrooms, two bathrooms, a good-sized kitchen with a breakfast bar and a private patio area. You can also enjoy access to the communal facilities, including a swimming pool, tennis courts, basketball courts and even a fishing pier.