The international real estate market is experiencing unprecedented momentum, driven by globalization, increasing individual mobility, the rise of remote working, and the search for second homes or secure investments. Here's an overview of the major trends shaping the sector.
📈 1. A post-Covid recovery with mixed regions
After a period of slowdown in 2020–2021, the market has experienced a gradual but uneven recovery:
Southern Europe (Spain, Portugal, Italy, Greece): Strong demand for second homes and retirement properties, fueled by buyers from the North (France, Germany, the United Kingdom, the Nordic countries).
United States and Canada: Price pressures in some cities, but opportunities in rural or secondary areas.
Southeast Asia: Hesitant recovery, highly dependent on the resumption of tourism (Bali, Thailand).
Emirates & Gulf: A booming market, particularly in Dubai, which attracts international investors with favorable tax conditions.
💻 2. The "remote work" effect and digital nomads
Massive remote working and the explosion of online jobs have created a new mobile population with high purchasing power. This category seeks housing in areas that are:
- Sunny and affordable
- With good digital infrastructure
- Where digital nomad visas are easy to obtain (Portugal, Croatia, Mexico, Georgia, etc.)
🌎 This phenomenon is transforming certain local markets: simple tourist villages are becoming international residential hubs.
🏡 3. Increase in purchases for second homes or retirement
With the aging of Western populations and the desire for quality of life, more and more retirees want to:
- Buy abroad for their retirement (Portugal, Spain, Thailand, etc.)
- Pass on a property to their children
- Benefit from a favorable climate and a lower cost of living
👉 This segment remains strong, driven by baby boomers and young retirees.
💶 4. Real estate as a safe haven for investors
In a context of inflation and geopolitical uncertainty, real estate remains a safe investment:
Attractive rental yields in certain medium-sized cities
Price stability in high-demand tourist areas
Diversification of assets in different currencies
🌍 Some investors buy abroad to protect themselves against currency or political fluctuations in their home country.
⚖️ 5. Obstacles and Barriers to International Purchasing
Despite these positive trends, several obstacles remain:
- Lack of knowledge of local laws and purchasing processes
- Tax complexity (dual taxation, inheritance, etc.)
- Risk of overvaluation in certain tight markets
- Language or cultural barriers
- Access to financing for non-residents is sometimes difficult
💡 Quality local support is a decisive factor in overcoming these obstacles.
📊 Some key figures (to be updated by the user):
🔹 In 2023, more than 12% of European real estate buyers invested abroad.
🔹 Portugal is among the most popular destinations for second homes for the French.
🔹 Croatia and Greece are gaining ground among digital nomads.
🔹 International purchases are dominated by those aged 40-65, but those aged 30-40 are making progress thanks to remote working.
🧭 Conclusion
The international real estate market is undergoing rapid change, combining:
New opportunities (mobility, remote working, investments)
Economic volatility
Growing need for reliable information and local support
➡️ To succeed, buyers must be educated, informed, compare, and, above all, have the right support.
