As we begin this new year, let’s take a moment to reflect on the successes and lessons learned in the dynamic world of overseas property investment in 2024.
It was a year that brought us unprecedented opportunities in markets across the globe… from the sun-kissed shores of the Mediterranean to the thriving cities of Latin America to steadfast old world hubs in Europe.
We’ll leverage the insights we gained in 2024 to capitalize on emerging opportunities in 2025. We’re as willing as ever to expand our horizons, and we’re excited about the new markets we’ll discover together this new year.
So, before we chart the course for where smart overseas real estate investment is headed in 2025, let’s explore the standout markets of the past year…
Panama
Panama has been on our radar for well over 20 years, and it proved itself again in 2024. Panama remains perhaps the world’s best place to make an investment overseas.
It’s rock solid in terms of its fundamentals, with a stable, pro-business government, a successful economy that uses the U.S. dollar as its currency, and robust legal and banking systems. Plus, it offers a golden visa program, whereby investors can gain residency through the purchase of real estate.
Its property markets continue to be ripe with opportunity, and in 2024, we highlighted multiple deals in Panama City’s top neighborhoods; a luxury mountain resort in Panama’s main retirement haven, Boquete; a local housing play in the highlands of Chiriquí; and more.
Here’s just one example of the unique and exclusive deals we brought to you last year…
It’s in Panama City’s most prestigious address, just a block from the oceanfront boulevard. The project boasts five-star amenities, including a pool, a solarium, a gym, squash courts, a sauna, a spa, and a co-working lounge.
We got in early—with the pick of the best units starting at just $219k—at an exclusive deal that included an easy payment plan. Projected rental income is about $18,000 annually.
Northern Cyprus
Northern Cyprus has year-round warm weather, clear blue waters, and hundreds of miles of soft, sandy coastline… all the perks of a dream Mediterranean lifestyle for a fraction of the normal cost.
When OPA Director Lief Simon first visited the region, he reported that it was “one of the single biggest profit opportunities I have known.” In the few years since, prices around Northern Cyprus have soared, and readers who invested early have enjoyed appreciation of as much as 116% on their units.
Now, we’re turning our sights to the next big thing in Northern Cyprus: the last stretch of undeveloped coastline on this Mediterranean island, the West Coast, where the next major spike in property values is about to happen.
Through our trusted local contacts, we brought you an opportunity to snap up ocean-view studio apartments in a new resort on the West Coast for as little as $110k (as well as penthouse property for as little as $200k).
The resort is rich in amenities, with pools, a water sports club, a gym, a beach bar, sauna and steam rooms, restaurants, a mini golf course, and more…
It’s a hands-off investment; the developer’s team is available to help with rental management, concierge service, and more.
Belize
Belize is like an old friend at Live And Invest Overseas. We have a long-standing relationship with this country, which, in Founding Publisher Kathleen Peddicord’s case, goes back almost 40 years.
Belize stacks up as a lifestyle and investment haven, with tropical weather, beautiful beaches, and Caribbean flair. It’s the only English-speaking country in Central America, it has easy residency policies, and it’s a tax haven.
The most iconic destination in the country is Ambergris Caye, a Caribbean island with sparkling turquoise waters and gently swaying palm trees… a quintessential, unadulterated island escape.
It’s here where we recently alerted you to the best Caribbean property play that we’ve seen in 40 years…
It’s pre-construction condo hotel property backed by a big name: Marriott Residences and Resort. The project will be the most impressive, full-service, and well-positioned property on the island.
With studios and one-, two-, and three-bedroom condominium beach homes, these premium oceanfront residences will offer exceptional views, exceptional service, and full access to the resort’s exceptional on-site amenities, including two oceanfront pools, a rooftop sunset lounge, oceanfront restaurants, a watersports and dive shop, a fitness club, a luxury spa, a kids’ club, retail space, and a private resort dock.
The only snag is that only a limited number of units are available for the private investor. At the latest prices available, studios of 434 square feet start at $319,900, plus closing costs.
Montenegro
We’ve been established in Montenegro for a number of years, and in 2024, more of the world found out about its many wonders. This country continues to emerge as a hot spot for European real estate investment.
Kotor Bay is the area of Montenegro we identify for property investment, with competitive real estate prices and incredible landscapes.
The scenery is straight out of the pages of a fairytale, with towering mountains, crystal-clear Adriatic waters, and sleek yachts and vessels… part of the reason it’s known as Europe’s secret riviera. The ultra-wealthy treat this place as a yachting paradise… more important for us, it stacks up for investors…
Here we can claim ready-to-move-in luxury properties, just minutes from an exclusive marina with million-euro waterfront residences, restaurants, luxury shopping, and hotels, starting at about $157k.
Only a handful of units remain.
Spain
In 2024, we named Spain the best place in the world to retire in our annual Overseas Retirement Index…
This country continues to measure up as an amazing place to live, with diverse landscapes, dynamic cities and quaint mountain villages, long stretches of Mediterranean and Atlantic coastlines, and more. Spain boasts low costs of living, excellent health care and infrastructure, and friendly expat communities.
In southeastern Spain’s Murcia region, we introduced you to an award-winning resort that’s loaded with amenities where luxury getaways start from just 250k euros.
The resort has the largest crystal lagoon in Europe, with beaches, a jetty, and clear waters for swimming and watersports. It also has pools, adventure golf, volleyball, yoga, a beach club, gym, and multi-sport track.
It’s all only 10 minutes from a famous beach—Mar Menor, a saltwater lagoon with exceptionally warm, calm waters and sandy beaches.
We’ve recommended this project to readers for a number of years and have seen the value of its properties spike. A variety of property types, from apartments to standalone villas, are available for lifestyle or investment, although inventory moves quickly.
Colombia
In November 2024, we got the details of an exciting new opportunity in one of our all-time favorite places: Medellín, Colombia.
Medellín is one of the world’s most livable cities thanks to its efficient public transportation system, friendly locals, ample green spaces, and perfect weather. It’s never too cold or too hot, so you don’t need heating or air conditioning, helping to keep utility bills low.
Medellín’s property market has grown significantly over the past 15 years. A rising reputation for safety and standard of living, foreign investment, and urban development have driven this growth. The city commands strong rental yields thanks to its growing popularity among tourists and digital nomads.
In Medellín’s most popular neighborhood, El Poblado, Lief Simon identified a new residential investment project… one that he says is “the most exciting profit opportunity he’s seen in this location in 15 years.”
At the latest available pricing, units started at $120k, reserved with just $5k down. Net returns were projected conservatively at 10% to 12% per year, and capital appreciation was projected at over 50% by completion of construction.
Where We’re Headed In 2025…
Of course, this is just an overview of everything we brought you in 2024. We also discussed agricultural investment opportunities, we interviewed market insiders, we hosted countless webinars with local developers and property experts, and more…
What’s next on the agenda?
We’re geared up and ready to attack 2025 and are making plans to uncover more agricultural and real estate investment opportunities in Panama, Northern Cyprus, Belize, Montenegro, Spain, Colombia, and beyond.
To smooth travels and successful property buys,
Sophia Titley
Editor, Overseas Property Alert
