How to Blow Your $150,000 Budget on Dream Homes Abroad
Dream Homes Overseas for less than $150,000
This is the first of a 4 part series detailing international real estate around the globe that we have found at bargain basement prices. Next week we will be listing properties in the $100,000 budget range. The week after those priced at $75,000 and the final week properties that are selling for an amazing $50,000 or less!
Our criteria was to find properties that are ready to move in to, or require little in the way of renovation to make them habitable. We have not included lots and only listed timeshare or fractional ownership where we thought it was a particularly good deal.
Read on …….
Never has there been more incentive to realize what is for many people, a long held dream of living abroad. The economy back home is hardly inspiring, the jobs market is lackluster, the cost of living isn’t cheap and yet the quality of life is far from adequate for many people. If you share these thoughts and feelings and you’d really like to explore your options elsewhere in the world, we’ve taken a trip around the world’s real estate markets with a theoretical $150,000 budget to see what you could exchange your current home and lifestyle for in some fabulous settings overseas.
Whether you dream of learning a foreign language and perhaps moving to live in Europe in France or maybe Italy, we have homes that might suit you. If on the other hand you’re just interested in securing a holiday home for your family that you can use whilst you’re still in full time employment back home, we’ve found some real gems in Chile or Mexico perhaps. And for those who are maybe more adventurous, who fancy a challenge of turning a real estate wreck into a dream property for profit, we’ve got investment ideas aplenty.
If you have a dream of escaping overseas – even if it’s just a dream that gets you through a hard working week rather than one you ever plan on making come to fruition – here for your delectation are some real estate samples for a budget of just $150,000.
Note: property details including prices are based on those listed by the vendors and agents cited, and exchange rates are based on those on the 5th of November 2009.
Stunning Homes in Asia for $150,000
Did you know that Asia is home to among the highest paid expats in the world according to the latest findings from a global survey of expatriates by HSBC International Bank? Now that’s a reason to consider relocating to the likes of Singapore, China, India or Malaysia! Or a reason to consider Thailand as an alternative is the wealth of tourism based demand that there is in this nation. If you’re looking for an investment property abroad, Thailand is an exceptional choice – what’s more, if you’d prefer to move abroad you could potentially start your own tourism facing business if you relocated to Thailand.
There’s a development of condominiums that might be perfect, it’s located on a hillside with fabulous sea views overlooking the gentle waters of the Andaman Sea at Kata Bay. The development consists of 150 units in total, comprising 48 cozy one-bed studios and 102 two-bed apartments. Apartment sizes range from 55 to 105 square meters and they have all been designed to be functional and modern, featuring elegant modern bathrooms and ample sized balconies. The open plan living and kitchen area is tastefully furnished, whilst floor to ceiling sliding doors afford the best possible views to the sea beyond.
On-site there’s a well-equipped fitness centre, communal pool and pool bar as well as a holistic spa. There is shuttle transportation provided free of charge between the residence, the beach and the nearby shopping centre. The complete condominium project is designed with the comfort, safety and wellbeing of the whole family in mind and offers 24 hour on-site security. A professional and experienced property management company will provide administration and management services to the residences so it couldn’t actually be easier if you wanted to invest your money into this development and let it out for profit from the tourism market. Prices range from $84,842 to $352,536 so you could certainly find something for your $150,000 budget.
Elsewhere in Asia there’s a stunning, brand new villa for sale in Denpasar which is near Bali in Indonesia. The property is on the market for $134,103 – or, if you’re willing to stretch your budget to $162,415 you can have the property with an additional piece on land on which will be constructed a swimming pool. The house has beautiful marble floors and consists of 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, a spacious living room with open kitchen, balcony and terrace. The views from the property are unobstructed across rice terraces – a beautiful home a million miles away from your current life!
What Will $150,000 Buy Your in Africa?
Your property dollars can stretch a very long way in Africa, but you have to decide which stunning nation you want to live in. If you fancy the exotic appeal of Morocco for example, you can purchase an apartment at the Paradise Golf and Beach Resort in Tangier. 1 bed, 1 bathroom properties start from $126,471 and for that you’ll buy yourself a fantastic holiday home in year round sunshine on a four star development. The development features swimming pools, landscaped gardens, onsite cafes, bars, restaurants and even a supermarket. Your property will be within a gated and secure community that also features a 4 star hotel, with a water sports centre. Finally, an 18 hole golf course is to be integrated into the development and it is literally walking distance to stunning beaches.
If you would like a similar quality development but in an alternative location, what about a beachfront apartment for sale on the Red Sea Riviera in Egypt? The development is called Cape Citadel and it comprises of fully furnished studios, apartments, chalets and semi-detached villas and unfurnished detached villas. Each property enjoys a sea view and the development is on the shores of one the world’s best diving areas. The development’s location is further enhanced by its dramatic backdrop of rock-faced mountains that guard the interior Nile Valley from the sea. In terms of the features of this 5-Star Resort, they consist of a private beach, a 28 berth marina and the residents of all properties have unrestricted access to the amenities at the onsite Citadel Azur Hotel which include restaurants, bars as well as a range of entertainment and wellness facilities. Prices start from $150,000…
If you perhaps prefer a permanent home in Africa, what about South Africa where $128,672 of your budget will buy you a spacious, detached 3 bedroom family home in Aston Bay on the Eastern Cape. This house is immaculate, modern, it has 2 garages, landscaped gardens and is in an elevated position with great views over the surrounding environment. This is an incredibly well priced property in a great location in South Africa.
Bargain Hunting in North America on $150,000
For $142,419 you could purchase your family a retreat in Quebec, Canada. There’s a stunning and spacious modern cabin style home for sale on the edge of beautiful woodland in Tadoussac. The property’s location is described as being close to the sea, the forest, a golf course, Saguenay fjord, sea mammals, dunes and beautiful beaches. The property itself is gorgeous and ready to move in to. It was built in 1993 then extended in 1996 and has fabulous cathedral roofing. There’s a dining room, fitted kitchen, living room with large windows, bathroom, shower and toilet, and on the 1st floor there are 4 bedrooms, 2 walk in closets, a balcony and a bathroom. The basement has been converted into useable space and the property has extensive wooden decks, fruit trees and outbuildings. A perfect home from home or hideaway retreat!
If you prefer a warmer setting then head south to Mexico instead and perhaps choose an apartment at the Tulum White residential estate which consists of 16 villas and 12 apartments featuring floor to ceiling glass windows overlooking 30,000 square feet of spectacularly landscaped tropical gardens. These feature waterfalls, local flora and a communal swimming pool that provides a welcome respite from the intense heat of the Yucatan Peninsula sun. This development is just minutes from one of the most beautiful beaches in the world and apartments start from $115,000.
Getting More for Your $150,000 in South America
If you head further south still, you will find you can get even more bang for your real estate buck. In southern Chile you can buy the most stunning property relatively close to downtown Puerto Varas. This extremely modern looking home features 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms and has galleried bedrooms with circular windows. The bedrooms also overlook the stunning sitting room that has massive picture glass windows and a ceiling that reaches up to the full height of the home. Featuring masses of bare timber, this stunning home really has to be seen to be believed, and it’s only on the market for a mere $143,609!
In Argentina a similar budget will get you an equally fabulous home but in a far more residential setting. In Tigre in the Northern Suburbs of Buenos Aires almost on the banks of the river you can buy a spectacular Mediterranean style villa, fully furnished for $130,000. The home has 3 bedrooms, it is incredibly light and spacious, it has balconies and terraces, a fabulous garden and comes with its own river pier and moorings. It truly is an incredible family home.
European Properties for Sale for $150,000
In France in the region of Brittany in the North, there is a fabulous project available for those looking to turn their hand to property restoration. You can buy a three bedroom farm house for sale that comes complete with land and many outbuildings such as stables, and turn the whole lot into a large family home, or even a business such as a bed and breakfast. The property is in the village of Plumaugat and the main residence is perfectly habitable as it is, but because there is so much scope for improvement and also further development with the stone outbuildings, this is certainly real estate that someone looking for project would choose. The asking price is $155,499 – but I’m sure there’s room for negotiation!
If you perhaps prefer a sunnier destination then what about the Calabria region of Italy where for $148,843 you can buy the most charming detached villa property with incredible views across the Gulf of Policastro. Set in the town of San Nicola Arcella, this residence is ideal as a holiday home, a holiday rental property or even a retirement home in Italy. It is in pristine condition, comes with fabulous landscaped gardens and features 3 bedrooms, spacious living areas and plenty of terraced outdoor space. This is a fabulous buy for your budget.
Can You Buy a New Home in Australia for $150,000?
Rather than heading for mainland Australia, why not look to New Zealand where your dollars will buy you much more real estate – in Auckland for example you can purchase a straight investment property. It is a fully managed apartment that’s already let so it even comes with guaranteed rental returns. The apartment is a studio with 1 bathroom, it’s in a central location and is fully managed as stated. It’s on the market for $92,851 – so well under your budget – and what’s more, it’s a hands off investment opportunity.
If you’d like to move to New Zealand then how about a very tidy 3 bedroom character home in Invercargill? In need of modernization, this detached family home is however, very good value for money. On the market at $135,966 the property is in a prime location close to all amenities and employment opportunities, and it comes with a detached garage – that can be used for extra storage – as well as extensive gardens.
Finally, in Australia itself, your $150,000 won’t stretch very far at all – but we have managed to find you a small, detached, recently renovated family home in Cummins – which is a town on Eyre Peninsula in South Australia about 50 miles from Port Lincoln. The home is immaculate inside and it has a large back yard that has been completely untouched as yet. You can get your hands on this for $149,819. And that concludes our tour of the world’s real estate market on a budget of just $150,000!
For details on the properties mentioned in this article subscribe to the Expat Daily News Newsletter – check the list titled International Real Estate for Less than $150,000. Subscription is free, it is easy to unsubscribe and we do not spam or sell email addresses to third parties.
Check back next week to see what you can buy for less than $100,000
About the author: Susan Beverley is a writer and editor for Escape From America Magazine and also writes for and maintains Expat Daily News – the expat news blog for EscapeArtist.com. She has traveled extensively before becoming an expat herself for the last five years having found a place to call home in South America. She understands the concerns, needs and difficulties that expats face from first-hand experience and is dedicated to supporting and encouraging anyone who is looking for a new nation to call home.
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I’ve bought at Paradise Beach in morocco if anyone wants some info for thaty development
Oh, New Zealanders are not going to be pleased with you suggesting that they are an adjunct to Australia (“rather than heading for mainland Australia…”) — New Zealand is an independent and completely separate country!
great post as usual .. thanks .. you just gave me a few more ideas to play with
I have been reading Escape from America for several years, and I find some media>JU $ > au $ >H ̀ = =qR h =qR H0 =qR =m( =qR nt resident of the Philippines, and have no particular plans to relocate. I pay a considerable amount of money (but much less than in a major American city) for a luxury apartment in Makati – the quiet part of Makati, but within walking distance of all the activity I could possibly want.
Whom is your advice for? I am a New Yorker who grew up going to Broadway theaters and Greenwich Village coffee houses. I carefully chose my college(s) and graduate school(s) to be in major urban areas. You suggest that I move to Invercargill, NZ, to save money?
I sometimes get similar advice from Filipinos: “Go to — and you can find a big house for much less than you are paying.” I reply, “But whom would I talk to?”
good points linda i agree. Martin in Dublin
Like others I think this sounds like cut and paste real estate ads, One can find better values if they go and hang out for awhaile and see if you really like the place in the low season. Everyone know the high season is great, that’s why they call it High Season.
Regarding France, the weatherin the north really sucks, Try the Med coast south of Montpillier. great values and mild weather. Two thing I look for the most. Did I say very low taxes too. Our total tax nut is under 2,000 euros for a 130m2 Apt in the historic distric of the centre ville of Narbonne.