Portugal

One of the best places to buy real estate overseas is Portugal. The country is located on the edge of the Iberian Peninsula and flanked by Spain to the east, overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. 

It is possible for a non-resident to get a mortgage in Portugal. It is a nation with a history that is steeped in discovery and exploration. 

It has a beautiful sunny weather and an array of vast coastlines. The country is deemed a secret hot spot for a European retirement.

Portugal can offer any retiree the life they want. It has the appeal of having local water sports, golf courses and scuba diving regions. You can also relax by the beach if you want to.

The cost of living is relatively low in respect to other European countries. 

Portugal has a retirement program that allows expatriates residency in the country, provided they can afford a monthly income of €1,200 (~$1,350/month USD).

The healthcare system is good, pleasant climate, stunning cliffs, picturesque sandy beaches, friendly people, and low crime rates.

There are no foreign property ownership restrictions. There are no restrictions on foreign property ownership here, and non-EU citizens can get a five-year residency permit (known as Portugal's golden visa) if they buy property worth a minimum of €500,000.

Italy is a south-central European country, with boot-shaped borders extending into the Mediterranean Sea. 

It is one of the best countries with a great diversity of art, culture and scenery. It is definitely an expatriate favorite. 

The country has low crime rates, little to no real estate restrictions and above average health care system.

Living in Italy will require a bit of learning the local language and familiarizing with its local expat community.

The country’s historical cities, world-renowned cuisine, and geographic beauty make it a popular destination for tourists.

Italy is home to Mount Etna, Europe’s tallest and most active volcano, and houses two countries within its borders – the Vatican and San Marino.

Italy has an ample amount of advantages for foreigners wanting to retire. 

It has some of the best real estate prices in Europe. There are no restrictions on who can buy property in Italy. 

The Italian real estate sector has always been attractive for international investors. 

Both the commercial and the residential real estate markets provide numerous investment opportunities to foreign citizens coming to Italy. 

The government has also enabled programs for high net worth individuals who want to obtain Italian residency by purchasing a property in the country.

Turkey is one of the best places to buy real estate in Europe. The country is enjoying strong economic growth as the population increases, and the middle class expands.

There is great investment potential in both tourism rentals and student rentals. The country has a low cost of entry for investments. 

A rental unit in this market can be within any investor’s budget. You can also access developer financing.

According to the article 35 of the Land Registry Law numbered 2644, foreign real persons can not acquire real estate more than 2,5 hectares (6,17 acres) in Turkey. 

However, for acquisition up to 30 hectares (74,13 acres), decision of the Council of Ministers is required.

The Republic of Ireland is an island nation in the Atlantic Ocean. It is separated from the United Kingdom on the east by the Irish Sea.

It has well-watered grasslands, and is known for its rich cultural traditions, lively pub scene, and its struggles for independence. 

The country comprises five-sixths of the island of Ireland. Ireland is offering residency to foreigners who buy properties worth Euro 400,000 or more.  

There are no restrictions on foreigners/non-residents buying property in Ireland. US citizens are able to buy both residential and commercial property located within the Emerald Isle, regardless of where they live. 

Non-residents can pay in cash, or may be able to secure a non-resident mortgage in Ireland.

Spain comprises much of the Iberian Peninsula on the southwestern edge of Europe. It shares a border with Portugal.

It also includes the Balearic Islands in the Mediterranean Sea, the Canary Islands in the Atlantic Ocean, and two enclaves in North Africa.

The country has no restrictions on property ownership for foreigners, with the exception of military land and land near international borders.

Spain plans to launch a permanent residency program through investment scheme. 

Cyprus is the gateway to Europe. The country offers residency permit on a minimum investment of Euro 300,000. 

In Cyprus, E.U. citizens are allowed to buy an apartment, a villa, and land. Non-Europeans can buy an apartment or a villa. 

The villa should be on a land of no more than one acre. Property buyers must apply to the Council of Ministers to enable the transfer of the title deeds from a Cypriot to a non-Cypriot.

The deed transfer permission is often granted within 6 months. Commercial use of the property is restricted for foreigners. 

A common language and historic connections help Americans feel familiar with the United Kingdom. 

The United Kingdom has a stable economy and real estate market. It is an attractive location for investors looking to buy a property as an investment.

There are no legal restrictions on buying property in the UK. Foreigners and non-residents can also get a mortgage in the UK. 

However, those with less than two years of residency in the UK and without a job may face more stringent requirements and a bigger deposit. 

The same taxes apply on property-related income for non-residents as for UK residents. 

Stamp duty is paid at the same rate and Capital Gains Tax will be paid at the same rate if the property is sold at a profit. 

If you are a non-resident landlord of a UK property, you’ll need to pay tax on rental income.

Although, you may be able to get an exemption if you pay tax on this income in your home country, and your country has a double taxation agreement with the UK.

Property in France is reasonably priced. France offers those planning on retiring abroad a wide range of lifestyle options. This is where Americans go when they follow their hearts.

Regardless of where you choose to live in France, you will have fresh food. 

There is also a steady supply of wine available at your fingertips, adequate medical care coverage, and a low crime rate.

As a foreigner, you may also experience some difficulties with the language barrier. Many small towns are not bilingual.

Foreigners are eligible for in-country financing. There are no restrictions on who can acquire real estate in France. 

You will get the same treatment as French citizens when buying property. 

The country has a solid economy and effervescent real estate market. there are no restrictions on foreigners to purchase real estate in Germany. 

All property purchase contract must be signed before a German notary.

The power of attorney must be certified before a (foreign) notary or a German consular officer. 

The purchaser must not be present in Germany in order to enter into the purchase contract.

Financing is usually done by one of the many German mortgage banks. 

No purchase contract should be signed without having finance in place. German tenancy law provides tenants a high degree of protection.

The purchaser is protected by a so called priority notice. This protects the buyer from unexpected sales activities, such as selling the property to a different buyer for a higher price.

Real estate in Romania is priced in Euros. The acquisition of apartments and buildings is not restricted for foreigners. 

Land is not allowed to pass to non-Romanians unless it is through a Romanian company (even 100% foreign-controlled). 

Some land, such as forest land, reserves and coastline, cannot be bought by anyone, regardless of nationality.

Montenegro is located between Croatia and Albania in Southern Europe. 

The country has a unique and ancient architecture coupled with its mountainside terrains.

It offers a beautiful view of the Adriatic sea. The country is desirable for retirees. It offers retirees a favorable tax environment.

You could own a home of your own in seaside town of Budva, Montenegro. 

Budva offers beautiful sandy beaches and a Mediterranean climate.

There are no legal restrictions on Foreigners buying properties in Montenegro except those restrictions regulated by the law on ownership rights.

There are a few limitations, among which is the limitation for foreign persons to acquire agricultural land. 

However, even in the case of agricultural land, you can form a company and purchase the land through the company.

If you have no experience of buying a property in Montenegro, having a reliable sales consultant is very important.

You have to be aware that buying land is a bit more complicated than buying an apartment. 

You need to take your time and be involved in the process. 

Once you know the right town/county/neighborhood, your agent should check if the urbanization plans in that area are valid.

The country has competitively low real estate opportunities, and low cost of living. 

It offers permanent residency opportunity through the citizenship by investment program.  

If you are looking to own a whitewashed villa on a Greek isle, this would be the time to shop. 

Greece has a lot to offer the foreigners who are investing in the country. For overseas residents, the country offers terrific tax deals.

If your native country is under a tax treaty with Greece, you don’t have to pay double taxes. 

Income from Greece’s properties will be taxable in Greece only, and any income from abroad will be tax-free. Any foreigner can own a home in Greece. 

The country does not apply any restrictions on the purchase. However, it is highly advisable that you have legal assistance to hold your back.

If you are looking to invest for good returns or cash flow, I wouldn’t recommend it. Your money could work better for you elsewhere.

Slovenia is beautiful, save and business friendly country to live and work.  It is a more discreet and less travelled country. 

It offers many advantages for retirement. The country has a beautiful aesthetic appeal.

It has a Mediterranean coastline over 30 miles long and medieval architecture designs. 

The environment is exceptional, low crime rates, and low real-estate restrictions for foreigners looking to buy.

Slovenia offers a diversity of mountain top ski regions for the winter months, and warm lakeside scenery in the warm summer months.

The country has well established medical coverage plans. Having a global medical care is highly recommended for foreigners. 

Slovenian Constitution in Article 68 says “that a foreigner can get ownership rights for real estate under conditions provided by law or a treaty ratified by the National Assembly”. 

Members of the EU are allowed to purchase properties under the same conditions as Slovenian citizens. 

US citizens may purchase a property without restrictions due to the Treaty on Trade and Navigation. 

Foreigners from other countries may acquire property in Slovenia only if they have a business registered in Slovenia.

You can obtain Slovenian citizenship through marriage, or obtain property through inheritance, provided the condition of reciprocity is met.

The best option for foreigners to buy real estate in Slovenia is to register a company.

Switzerland is a small country in Central Europe made up of 16,000 square miles of glacier-carved Alps, lakes and valleys. 

It’s one of the world’s wealthiest countries. It is well-known for its neutrality. 

Non-resident foreign individuals may not purchase land and or property to use as a primary residence. 

A non-resident may acquire a holiday home in Switzerland upon receipt of an authorization from the canton where the property is located.

Croatia borders the Adriatic Sea and offers appealing retirement lifestyle options. 

Non-Croatians can purchase real estate if they have approval from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The approval is issued if Croatian nationals can buy a property in the country of the buyer. Approval can take up to 12 months.

It can be reduced if the property is purchased through a domestic company. The company can be entirely owned and controlled by a foreigner. 

The three-island nation of Malta is in the middle of the Mediterranean. An EU member where English is spoken by the multilingual population. 

Health care is superb and you can fly to any part of Europe easily. The Maltese people are warm and welcoming. 

Malta imposes restrictions on foreigners purchasing property in this country.

Despite the country’s reputation for liberalism, there are many restrictions on foreigners buying property in Denmark.

You must have permission from the Department of Civil Affairs if you are a citizen of a country outside the EU/EEA or Switzerland and you do not have a domicile in Denmark or you have not had residence in Denmark for at least five years.

If you are a non-EU/EEA citizen, you must apply to the Ministry of Justice for permission to buy real estate in Denmark. When the Ministry of Justice has received all the information necessary to consider an application, the expected processing time is usually about 4 weeks.

Whether or not you have a domicile is determined by a discretionary assessment of whether or not you have your fixed and permanent home in Denmark. To have a domicile in Denmark therefore requires more than merely living in Denmark. 

International buyers do not face any restrictions when it comes to property purchases in Belgium. There are no restrictions to stop foreigners buying property in Belgium or taking out a Belgian mortgage, even if they are non-resident.

Non-residents have a different tax status to people who live in the country permanently, and transaction costs are generally perceived as higher than many other European countries.

However, different tax implications apply between resident and non-resident buyers in Belgium.

The Kingdom of Sweden is bordered by Norway to the west and the Baltic Sea to the east. 

It expands across much of the Scandinavian Peninsula. It is one of the largest countries in the European Union by land mass.

There are no restrictions on who can own real estate under Swedish law.

As a general principle any legal entity may purchase and own any type of land. 

One limitation to this general rule can however be found in statutory restrictions for business entities to acquire agricultural land from private individuals. 

For such an acquisition to be valid, the purchaser must obtain a permit from the Swedish Board of Agriculture within the legally stipulated timeframe.

There are no restrictions placed on foreigners and non-Dutch residents buying property. The Netherlands does not place any restrictions on the purchase of property by foreigners, whether resident or non-resident. 

However, to get a mortgage you must live and be registered in the Netherlands. EU citizens are expected to have lived in the Netherlands for a minimum of six months, possess a citizen service number (BSN) and have permanent employment in the country. Non-EU citizens might also need to prove that their residence permit can be extended.

If you are from a country in the EU, EEA or Switzerland you do not need a visa to live or work in the Netherlands. Nevertheless, you will need to apply for a residence permit and a national identification number – called a BSN. 

Be aware that you can only apply for permanent residence in the Netherlands after living in the country for five years and some banks may not provide non-permanent residents a mortgage covering the highest percentage of the purchase price.

As with Dutch citizens, certain additional costs related to buying a home in the Netherlands are tax-deductible, providing it is your primary residence. The most notable of these tax-deductible costs are your mortgage repayments.

You do not need to be a citizen of Norway to buy property there. Foreigners don’t face any restrictions at all buying Property in Norway. Foreign citizens living in Norway and people living abroad may freely purchase housing or property in Norway. 

If you plan to move to Norway and have your residence permit, you can buy it right away. Even someone looking for a second home in Europe without obtaining Norwegian citizenship can also purchase a property. 

It is important to note that owning property in Norway will not help you get your citizenship or visa faster.

However, you should be aware that certain types of property may involve an obligation to live in the property or farm the land on the property.

This applies to properties in popular holiday areas and agricultural properties. Agricultural properties may also be subject to a type of birthright. This means that you may lose the right to the property to someone with birthright.

The same applies to purchase of a tenant-owned flat, where someone with pre-emption rights can take the flat from you. In all cases, you must be informed of this before you sign the agreement, and you will be given a refund.

Most banks offer mortgage loans for purchase of a house or flat. If you want to buy a property in Norway, you must obtain a loan commitment certificate from a bank before you start to look at properties. The mortgage loan from the bank is paid back over a long period, usually between 20 and 30 years. 

Depending on where you choose to buy, you might not even have to pay property tax. Finding the best place to buy in Norway can be difficult because each city or town brings a beautiful and unique charm that Americans hoping to move abroad will love. 

BELIZE

Belize is one of the best places to buy real estate overseas. The weather is mild, it has a tropical landscape and numerous recreational opportunities.

It is a highly sought after destination for real estate investors, and vacationers. 

The Caribbean island offers a good location for rental investment.

Quality rental accommodation at a reasonable price is hard to come by. English is the main spoken language. 

It has well-paved roads, underground utilities, air conditioning, and high-speed internet access.

Some coastal areas and caves are restricted. You may require municipal approval for freehold sale. The real estate market is not regulated.

Government approval from the Ministry of Natural Resources is needed for any property purchase by non-locals.

Make sure to get as much help and advice from specialists with experience of property deals in this country. 

Nicaragua has a rich history, warm weather, freshwater lake, and low cost of living. 

It is a charming region for travelers and full-time residents to enjoy.

Foreigners have the same rights as Nicaraguans regarding property ownership. 

Avoid the autonomous regions where the government needs to consult the indigenous people. 

Panama is a Central American nation that is home to the Panama Canal. 

The Canal is a hub of global trade and transportation that joins the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans through the Caribbean Sea.

Purchasing a beachfront property on the Pacific west coast of Panama City can give you a good chance of gaining capital appreciation and rental income. 

The country is one of the best places to buy real-estate overseas.

Individual investors can participate in organic plantations in fertile interior lands for turnkey profits. 

Property within 6 miles of international borders is restricted. There are also restrictions on some island and waterfront properties unless it is situated in one of the Tourism Zones. 

Some beaches are nationalized. Beachfront properties must provide a right of way. Building over the water also requires a permit. 

Low taxes and low living costs may lure you to Panama. There are few limitations on what foreigners can buy in terms of real estate. 

Costa Rica is close to the United States, has a good airline connection, a high-quality health care system, and a crime rate lower that other parts of Central America.

It is a great location for Americans to buy holiday homes. The cost of living is much lower than the U.S. 

Property ownership in Costa Rica is an individual right legally protected by the constitution. 

The constitution grants the same rights to foreign citizens. 

A person or legal person that has acquired property can dispose of it in any way by selling, renting, encumbering, or mortgaging.

You can use the property for any desired purpose, as long as it is in accordance with the law and the regulations for land use. 

All physical or legal persons, whether Costa Rican nationals or foreigners, may purchase, sell, own and in any way dispose of property that belongs to them.

Mexico

Mexico is a top destination among Canadians and Americans for both tourism and retirement. 

The country is enjoying good growth in the local tourism market. The country’s middle class continues to expand.

Foreigners are not allowed to buy real estate within 62 miles of an international border or 31 miles of the coast. 

You can also buy real estate through a Mexican land trust, or a Mexican corporation.

Land granted by the government to Mexico’s indigenous people cannot be owned by foreigners. 

Tourists stay for long periods, driving the need for rental properties. You can buy a home for personal use or for rental. 

Canada takes up about two-fifths of the North American continent. It is the second-largest country in the world after Russia.

The country is sparsely populated, with most of its 35.5 million residents living within 125 miles of the U.S. border. 

The country has a good reputation of welcoming immigrants. English is widely spoken. 

The country’s real estate market and economy is growing. 

There are few restrictions on foreign ownership of property in Canada, apart from land belonging to the British crown.

The restrictions are at provincial or territorial level. 

Nova Scotia, Newfoundland, and New Brunswick, the other east coast provinces, as well as the provinces of Quebec, Ontario, and British Columbia do not have restrictions on foreign ownership or real estate. 

Dominican Republic

The Dominican Republic offers a high-quality lifestyle at a not-so-high cost. The country is enjoying continued strong growth, and an increasing foreign direct investment.

You can invest pre-construction in an apartment intended for the business traveler market. 

A furnished rental can be an excellent source of cash flow and capital appreciation. It is possible to qualify for financing as a non-resident.  

There are no restrictions on foreign individuals or entities owning or leasing real estate in the Dominican Republic. 

The process for purchasing or leasing real estate for foreigners is exactly the same as for Dominicans.

It is easy to get a residency permit in this English-speaking, income-tax-free country. You can buy property as investment and for personal use.

Non-Bahamians must register any purchase with the Foreign Investments Board, and special permits are required.

Foreigners should register any property investment with the Exchange Control at the Central Bank of the Bahamas if they wish to sell and take the proceeds out of the country. 

Do you like white sandy beaches, watching dolphins and whales, scuba diving and snorkeling, along with a vibrant night life? 

Try the English-speaking island nation of Jamaica. It’s also the home of reggae music. Foreigners are eligible to buy property in Jamaica without any restrictions. 

As a foreign property buyer, the process begins when you make an offer. Once the seller accepts the purchase offer, a land survey is carried out. 

A title search is also done to check if any other claims exist on the property or if there are conflicting interests involved in the property.

All you need to buy property is a TRN (Taxpayer Registration Number) and a lot of money. The reason for a TRN requirement is that you will have to pay an annual property tax.

The Jamaican real estate market is very strong and is continuously growing. Foreign investors dominate the high-end market. 

Vacation homes are more popular. The prices of vacation homes can range from US$ 250,000 up to US$ 10 million.

Turks and Caicos is part of the Caribbean islands and has crystalline water and white sand beaches. 

It is one of the best places to buy real estate overseas. Banks in the Turks and Caicos will lend to non-residents.  

The Turks and Caicos does not have any restrictions on foreign ownership on real estate. 

Before buying any property, it’s highly advisable to check for restrictive agreements and charges (liens). 

The Turks and Caicos uses a Torrens style land registry system with the government maintaining a register of land and property holdings.

Possible restrictions on titles may include charges (liens) and restrictions on sale, restrictive agreements on building height, involvement in homeowners associations (HOAs), and duty for maintenance of features, such as a canal.

It’s not necessary to involve a real estate agent when buying real estate in the Turks and Caicos. 

It’s possible to directly contact prospective property sellers, and have a local lawyer oversee and handle the relatively simple conveyance process.

Colombia

Low prices and great weather year-round may lure you to Colombia. 

This South American country has a rich history from coastal Caribbean cities with cobblestone streets, and colonial architecture to mountain cities.

It is also safe to live in Colombia. As a foreigner, you can indeed buy property in Colombia. 

The process is the same for foreigners as it is for locals, the only requirements are that a foreigner has a valid passport and have sufficient funds for the purchase. 

In fact, buying a property in Colombia can even lead to a residency permit. 

Depending on the size of your investment, you can apply for a one-year or five-year visa.

Argentines and Porteños (natives of the capital) are very friendly, engaging, and open to foreigners who are curious about their way of life.

Foreigners have the same property rights as locals in Argentina. However, for purchases of large blocks of farmland, you will need a special certificate from the national land registry (Tierra Rurales).

In Argentina every single real estate purchase must go through a special attorney called an “escribano público” (Notary Public). The escribano is crucial when buying real estate in Argentina. 

The legal side of buying property in Argentina is straightforward. The only documents needed are your passport and your personal Argentine tax number or CDI (Clave de Identificación). To obtain a CDI you must prove your address in Argentina (rental apartment, friend’s house) with a “certificado de domicilio”.

This can be obtained at the nearest police station to where you are staying. With this document and your passport you must then go to the nearest AFIP office (Argentine tax authority) to get the CDI. 

If you do not speak Spanish it is recommended that you go there with somebody who does speak the language and is also familiar with the system. Otherwise, you can let somebody else do it for you (requires a Power of Attorney).

Brazil is a big country of many different property markets. The coastal region with gorgeous sandy beaches is a top destination for tourists and buyers.

Rentals targeting the local holiday market can earn better than 8% net yield. 

Non-Brazilians can buy almost any property in the country and enjoy similar rights to locals.

Foreign ownership of property situated in or near areas of national security, near the coast, and near borders with other countries is restricted. 

According to Chilean legislation there are no restrictions for foreign investors to acquire or occupy real estate in Chile. Chilean legislation allows a foreigner to buy real estate, whether he is resident or not. A passport number is enough to buy a property.

Concerning purchases in boundary zones, some restrictions apply. Nationals of bordering countries (or entities with head offices in those countries, or those which 40% or more of their capital interest is owned by nationals of a bordering country) cannot own or hold in possession properties located in zones declared as “national border line”; and Public lands located within 10 kilometers from the Chilean borders, or within 5 kilometers from the Chilean coast, can only be owned or leased by Chilean citizens or entities.

Singapore

Singapore is a trading, education hub, and a popular holiday destination. Foreigners and companies buying residential real estate have to pay an additional stamp duty of 15 per cent of the purchase price.

The country does not offer residency to foreign buyers. It has world class infrastructure and high quality of life.  

This country has lower living costs, and properties are available at reasonable prices. There are English-speaking Filipinos. 

It is also easy to rent properties to tourists. You can find a perfect holiday home here. 

Foreigners are prohibited from owning land in the Philippines, but can legally own a residence. 

The Philippine Condominium Act allows foreigners to own condo units, as long as 60% of the building is owned by Filipinos. 

If you want to buy a house, consider a long-term lease agreement with a Filipino landowner.

If you want to buy property in China, plan on living there. Foreign buyers need to demonstrate that they have worked in China for at least a year and are buying the residence for personal use.

The country has a rich history and economic growth.  

Foreigners can buy property in Japan freely, much like a Japanese citizen would. This applies to both residents and non-residents.

Unlike in many countries there are no bars on foreigners buying both properties and land, which means you can get a freehold or choose to develop your own home if you want to.

You may also need to report your home purchase under the Foreign Exchange and Foreign Trade Control Act if you’re not a resident in Japan. This involves submitting a report showing your personal details and the details of the property you’ve bought, within 20 days of purchase.

The average costs of homes in Japan can vary widely based on location and the type of property. Naturally properties in prime locations in the center of major cities are going to come in with a much higher price tag than a rural retreat in the country.

If you’re not a resident of Japan, the documents required are actually straightforward. At the most basic level you’ll just need to provide your identity to start the process.

Foreigners are only able to own land leasehold. A foreigner can hold freehold title to the construction on the land. 

Property ownership for foreigners in Thailand is carefully controlled. Without special permission from the Minister of the Interior.

Foreigners are not allowed to own the land on which any piece of property is built.  

New Zealand

New Zealand is an island nation in the Pacific Ocean southeast of Australia. 

There are a few restrictions for foreigners wishing to buy property in New Zealand.

Foreign property buyers must obtain approval from the Overseas Investment Commission, and from a Minister. 

The paperwork process is quick and can be completed within a month. 

The Commonwealth of Australia occupies the Australian continent. The country also includes Tasmania. 

Australian citizens and permanent residents can acquire any type of property.

Foreigners not living in Australia, and corporations, can acquire up to 50% of residential developments. 

Foreigners are allowed to purchase new property or land for building. This is as long as construction starts within 12 months of purchase. 

It is important for foreign nationals to get approval from the Foreign Investment Review Board. This application takes forty days. 

Kenya

Kenya is home to the fastest growing economy in Africa. The country is located on the eastern shore of Africa facing the Indian Ocean.

It has an outstanding landscape and beautiful sandy beaches along the coastline. 

It is a regional transportation hub, gateway to African continent, and the largest economy in East Africa. 

The country has a young, highly-educated, English speaking workforce. 

Kenya has made huge investments in transportation, telecommunications (high speed internet), energy, and grid infrastructure.

The East African nation is one of the best places in Africa to start a business and buy property. 

The country has strong property rights, a mature and diversified economy, and improving infrastructure.  

Non- Kenyans are allowed by law to legally purchase, convey, and own land in Kenya. 

The Constitution, however, restricts that ownership to the leasehold of a period of 99 years. 

The Constitution at Article 40 guarantees ownership of land in Kenya by any person.

Ghana is one of the most stable countries on Africa’s west coast. English is widely spoken here. 

It is one of the most free market economies in Africa. 

Foreign property ownership is allowed and real estate prices are fair. 

There are many investment opportunities available in real estate, telecommunications, financial services, energy and manufacturing.

There are no restrictions on foreigners buying property in Ghana. 

However, there are different kinds of land, some of which cannot be privately owned.

If you want to live a modern, urban lifestyle, then Accra is the city for you. 

The country has a booming real estate market, a fantastic culinary scene, multiple bars, and excellent shopping malls.  

Mauritius is a small island in the Indian Ocean. It is a hassle free, foreigner friendly island. 

The country is multi-ethnic, multi-religious, multi-cultural and multi-lingual. 

It is one of the top 20 countries for doing business according to the World Bank. 

It is a hub for financial services, and a beautiful island that attracts many tourists. 

Foreigners are allowed to own and develop property on the island.

Foreigners also automatically qualify for permanent residency if they invest more than $500,000.  

The Non-Citizens (Property Restriction) Act has been amended on 20 December 2016 to allow foreigners to: purchase apartments in condominium developments of at least two levels above ground (G+2) with the prior approval of the Economic Development Board (EDB).

There are no prohibitions on the acquisition and ownership of immovable property by foreign nationals. The only restriction applies to foreign nationals who are in the country illegally.

Foreign buyers can freely purchase property. However, mortgage options top out for non-resident buyers at just 50% of the property purchase price. 

The transaction costs of buying a home in South Africa should also be a consideration; they can range anywhere from 5–15 or more on top of your property price. 

As a foreign buyer, you'll typically need a deposit of at least 50% of the purchase price of the property if you are a non-resident.

Taxes depend on the price range of your property. Foreign nationals who are in South Africa legally are subject to the same tax regulations as residents when acquiring and disposing of immovable property.

Foreigners can buy property in Gaborone, Phakalane, Lobatse, F/town and some other areas outside Tribal Territories. Foreigners can also buy any freehold land or property. 

In Botswana it is illegal to buy unimproved land or plot unless it is freehold property. Foreigners cannot buy in such areas like Tlokweng, Mogoditshane, Molepolole etc. as they are considered to be Tribal areas.

Foreigners are permitted to hold land in Angola. A foreigner can purchase property in Angola, it's just very expensive.

The process of acquiring land in Angola is slow and complex, as the land is viewed as original property of the state. There are many restrictions, for example, the documentation required and the bureaucracy.

Foreigners can buy property in Egypt, under Law No 230 of 1996. Foreigners can own a maximum of two properties within Egypt, provided that the area of each property does not exceed 4,000 square meters, and their purpose must be for a family member to live in the property.

Some incentives are granted to foreign investors to be able to acquire the residency visa based on property ownership. There are also restrictions on land ownership in certain areas such as Sinai by foreigners. A foreigner cannot own agricultural lands or, similarly, lands that can be reclaimed for agricultural purposes all over Egypt.

Egyptian law does not permit a foreigner to own non-residential property in person. A foreigner can own and purchase non-residential property through incorporating a company to carry on a business, administrative or industrial activity in Egypt.

In order to purchase a property you will need to hold a residence visa. Owning a property in Egypt does not guarantee you a residence or visit visa. The Egyptian immigration authorities can revoke or refuse to renew your visa at any time.

Foreigners can only obtain rights to land in Rwanda only if it’s for investment purposes. It’s advisable for foreigners to first speak to a local attorney before engaging in land acquisition in Rwanda.