What are the Best Places to Invest in Real Estate Internationally?

Best International Real Estate Investment Hotspots

Best for: Diversification and currency arbitrage
Risk level: Varies by country

Global investors look for economic stability and transparent ownership laws.

Popular Regions

#1. Portugal (Golden Visa reforms & tourism demand)

#2. Mexico (expat and short-term rental markets)

#3. Dubai (tax efficiency and luxury rental demand)

#4. Canada (long-term appreciation, stricter regulations)

#5. Indonesia, Bali ( tokenized real estate investing opportunities)

Why they work: Geographic diversification and exposure to different economic cycles.

Best Places to Invest by Property Type

Single-Family Rentals (SFR)

• Suburban Sun Belt cities

• Strong school districts

• Family-oriented job markets

Multifamily Properties

• Urban cores with rent growth

• College towns

• Workforce housing markets

Short-Term Rentals (STR)

• Tourist-driven economies

• Markets with clear, favorable STR regulations

How to Choose the Best Market for You

Ask yourself:

1. Do I want cash flow or appreciation?

2. Am I investing locally or remotely?

3. What’s my risk tolerance?

4. How involved do I want to be?

Matching strategy to market is more important than chasing “hot” cities.

Common Mistakes when Choosing Real Estate Markets

• Following headlines instead of data

• Ignoring local regulations

• Overestimating appreciation

• Underestimating property management costs

• Investing without exit strategies

Best Places to Invest in Real Estate FAQs

What is the best state to invest in real estate?

There’s no single best state, but states with job growth, population inflows, and landlord-friendly laws—like Texas, Florida, and North Carolina—are consistently attractive.

Are small cities better than big cities for real estate investing?

Small and mid-sized cities often offer better cash flow, while large cities typically offer long-term appreciation. The best choice depends on your goals.

Is now a good time to invest in real estate?

Market timing matters less than market selection and deal quality. Investors who focus on fundamentals can find opportunities in most cycles.

What’s the safest real estate market to invest in?

Markets with diversified economies, stable populations, and affordable housing—often in the Midwest—are considered lower risk.

Can beginners invest in top real estate markets?

Yes. Many beginners start through REITs, partnerships, or fractional real estate investing, which reduces capital and management barriers.

Conclusion: The best places to invest in real estate aren’t universal—they depend on data, strategy, and time horizon. Sun Belt cities offer growth, Midwest markets deliver cash flow, and emerging regions provide upside for patient investors. For those who want exposure to top real estate markets without buying entire properties, fractional real estate investing is becoming an increasingly popular option—allowing investors to diversify across locations, property types, and risk levels with lower capital requirements.