Are there affordable prices for real estate abroad?

- Is affordable housing abroad really inaccessible? Debunking myths about real estate.
- How to properly choose a vacation rental in Europe?
Recently, we have been justifiably accused of claiming that there are affordable real estate options available, while many consider them a myth. Various people assert that it is impossible to find listings with prices like "Bulgaria for 5000," "Germany for 10000," or "Spain for 20000." However, such properties do exist on the market. Nevertheless, in the overwhelming majority of cases, these offers are not suitable for 98% of buyers, as well as for almost everyone who genuinely wishes to purchase housing abroad. The perceptions of affordable housing only exacerbate the understanding of the real situation. Let's take a closer look at some typical misconceptions related to the search for inexpensive housing. At first glance, these myths may seem obvious, but as practice shows, we keep returning to these discussions time and again for a reason.
The first myth
The first misconception is that cheap offers are not unique and there are many alternatives that cost even less. When potential buyers learn about the lowest property prices in various countries, they remember this information and use it as a benchmark. In doing so, they often fail to notice how they compare it to average market values, which ultimately creates a misleading impression.
The second myth
The second misconception is that inexpensive housing in Europe is necessarily of good quality and can be profitable. You might come across listings with prices of €10,000 or €20,000 and think that this is a great option since you've saved money. However, if your choice is based solely on low cost, you may encounter many disappointments later on. It's important not to forget about taxes, agent commissions, and other additional expenses. These extra costs can significantly increase the total price, especially if the initial price was artificially low—sometimes even by half.
The third myth
Third myth: one low-cost offer is supposedly the typical price for all market categories. In fact, this statement is fundamentally wrong. More often than not, it is not necessary to study such points in depth, but we are often approached by those who are convinced that this is the situation. Unfortunately, the lowest price tag is usually characterized by the location, condition of the property and not much future prospects.
Affordable real estate in Bulgaria
When talking about Bulgaria, it's impossible not to notice that it is often mentioned when it comes to affordable real estate. Sometimes it seems that everyone can afford a "corner" by the sea, as the prices for apartments or houses range from €10,000 to €20,000, which is quite common. In our database, you can find dozens of offers at such prices. Moreover, there are many properties that cost even less — starting from €2,000! However, as the old saying goes, behind these tempting prices lie many hidden pitfalls.
Expert opinion
Yulia Lozovskaya, the editor-in-chief of the publication "Your Home Abroad," insists:“For €15,000 in Bulgaria, you can easily buy a small apartment in the city that would be suitable for living. And for €12,000, you can find a little house in the countryside, away from the seaside.”Nevertheless, such real estate in this price category most often belongs to the "secondary housing" and, as a rule, can not boast a good location or proximity to the sea. Thus, before making a final decision on the purchase, you should consider not only the cost, but also all possible nuances to avoid unwanted disappointments in the future.
Classification of resort accommodation
In the modern world, it is becoming increasingly difficult to clearly define what "resort housing" means in the traditional sense. Some properties on the real estate market can more accurately be described as ordinary summer cottages. Alexander Elizarov, who works at Park-Invest and specializes in real estate, shares his observations: "While working with inexpensive properties in Bulgaria, I came across a house for €8000. It was a simple small estate in a village with three rooms and a kitchen – nothing more, completely without frills." This raises the question: what purpose do such purchases serve?

The housing market in Germany
In the German market, there is an annual increase in housing prices, but there are also more budget-friendly options available. For example, similar to Bulgaria, you can find apartments starting from several tens of thousands of euros, which are sometimes more in demand than their Bulgarian counterparts. According to Alexander Elizarov, "a large portion of affordable housing in Germany consists of rental apartments. In one of my deals, I came across a small two-bedroom apartment in North Rhine-Westphalia, located in a less affluent area. This is typical housing that Germans rent for €300-400 a month. The furnishings and renovations were quite simple, and the apartment cost €25,000." So why are such apartments needed? They can generate a small income. Usually, these budget properties, starting from €20,000, are sold "with tenants," allowing new owners to start earning right away. However, as far as I know, no one particularly strives to live in such conditions.
Spain: market conditions
As for Spain, some time ago the market has been pleasing buyers with a lot of offers from banks and private individuals, but now it has come to a stable state. Objects worth €20000-30000 can still be found, but they often require attention. Many of them are apartments in rather poor condition, sometimes with existing furniture, but sometimes so worn out that they are not worth using. As Alexander Elizarov notes, "the most budget accommodation I have worked with is a one bedroom apartment for €28000 in the charming coastal town of Alicante. You have to take into account that this accommodation is relatively new and in good condition. But, as you realize, it is not the first line of the sea, and in order to enjoy all the delights of the resort, you will have to go to the nearest town". So why should a buyer pay attention to such options? Perhaps it's a smart choice for those looking for affordable housing near the sea. Minimize expenses - and after a while you will already have an apartment on the warm coast, even if not in the most popular resort town.
Real estate in Italy
As far as Italy is concerned, even in the face of economic difficulties, finding apartments priced in the €30000-50000 range is a real rarity. The road to finding adequate housing can be quite difficult for many buyers, and often such options require additional investment in renovation and decoration. Thus, in each of the described cases, potential buyers should weigh all the pros and cons of available offers before coming to a final decision to buy. It is worth considering every detail so as not to miss out on real opportunities in the real estate market.

Conclusion
In conclusion to our review, I want to emphasize that buying real estate abroad is a process that requires careful analysis and understanding of the actual state of the market. All the myths presented serve as a kind of warning for potential buyers, who sometimes dive headfirst into the world of enticing prices and offers. I agree that affordable options do exist, but it is important to remember that the true value of real estate does not always have a direct correlation with its market price.
When we were looking for "affordable" properties in countries like Bulgaria, Germany, Spain, or even Italy, it is important to consider many factors:
- location
- real estate condition
- additional costs that can significantly increase the overall purchase budget
One should not base their expectations on endless claims about the potential of low-budget real estate — in most cases, it does not meet the standards set at higher price levels.
In the concluding lines of our research, we would like to urge readers not to succumb to illusions about"cheap happiness."However, it is important to remain open to reasonable searches. Real estate is a commodity. And like any product, it requires attention and a conscious choice. If you want to buy a house or an apartment abroad, be prepared to invest not only money but also time in studying the market and exploring all possible pitfalls.
I hope this article helps you make a more balanced and thoughtful decision in your quest to find your own corner beyond your homeland.
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