9 of the cheapest European cities for expats to buy property

The cost of real estate in Europe is rising due to an influx of foreign citizens, but it is still possible to find affordable options. The fintech site Money Transfers has compiled a list of the cheapest cities for purchasing real estate per square meter. This list includes cities in Eastern Europe, including the ancient city of Heraclea Linkestis.

More and more Americans are choosing to live abroad due to the appeal of adventure, new career opportunities, or the desire to save money. However, this trend is leading to rising real estate prices in some popular international cities. For example, Portugal has closed its golden visa program to curb the surge in real estate demand from wealthy foreigners. Of course, there are always good deals to be found; you just need to broaden your horizons. Using data from the comparison site Numbeo, Money Transfers compiled a list of the cheapest European cities for purchasing real estate per square meter. The list is dominated by cities in Eastern Europe. For each city, Money Transfers used the average price per square meter from Numbeo and multiplied it by 100 to estimate the average price for an apartment of about 100 square meters. All prices are listed in US dollars. Cities in Ukraine and Russia are not included in the list.

9. Oradea, Romania

The average price for an apartment with an area of 100 square meters is $178,070.28.

Attractions: Oradea is located on the border with Romania, on the banks of the Crisul Repede River. The city is renowned as a center of economic and cultural life and is known for its modernist architecture. Foreigners can purchase real estate in Oradea, but full ownership of land is not permitted.

8. Patras, Greece

The average price for an apartment with an area of 100 square meters is $174,760.67.

Attractions: Patras is a coastal city adorned with numerous historical monuments, including the Roman Odeon. Currently, it is the main venue for the Patras International Festival, dedicated to music, dance, and art. Foreigners can buy and sell real estate in Patras.

7. Sibiu, Romania

The average price for an apartment with an area of 100 square meters is $165,398.36.

Attractions: Sibiu is a city with a rich history, located in the heart of Romania. It is home to numerous museums, including the famous Astra National Museum - the largest open-air exhibition space in Europe.

6. Craiova, Romania

The average price for an apartment with an area of 100 square meters is $161,142.09.

Attractions: Craiova is located near the Jiu River and is situated in the southwestern region of Romania. One of the main attractions of the city is the Romanescu Park - the largest urban park in Romania. Citizens of the EU and EEA have the right to purchase real estate in Romania, but foreigners from other countries cannot have full ownership of land.

5. Burgas, Bulgaria

The average price for an apartment with an area of 100 square meters is $147,839.06.

Attractions: Burgas is located on the Black Sea coast. The city offers many natural attractions, such as the Sea Garden, a vast park area where trees and plants from around the world are cultivated. Foreigners can own property in Burgas, but they do not have the right to own land.

4. Plovdiv, Bulgaria

The average price for an apartment with an area of 100 square meters is $142,105.63.

Attractions: Plovdiv is located in the central part of Bulgaria and is the second largest city in the country. It is home to the Ancient Theatre of Philippopolis - one of the best-preserved ancient theaters in the world. Foreigners can purchase real estate in Plovdiv, but they do not have the right to own land.

3. Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina

The average price for an apartment with an area of 100 square meters is $138,777.39.

Attractions: Mostar is one of the most popular places in Bosnia and Herzegovina, located on the banks of the Neretva River. The main attraction of the city is the Koski Mehmed Pasha Mosque, built in the 17th century. Foreigners have the right to buy and sell real estate in Mostar depending on the reciprocity between Bosnia and Herzegovina and their home country.

2. Chișinău, Moldova

The average price for an apartment with an area of 100 square meters is $138,345.05.

Attractions: Chișinău is the capital of Moldova, a city with many architectural wonders, including the Triumphal Arch. This monument was built in the 1840s to commemorate Russia's victory over the Turkish army. Foreigners can buy and sell non-agricultural real estate in Chișinău.

1. Bitola, North Macedonia

The average price for an apartment with an area of 100 square meters is $97,942.75.

Attractions: Bitola is the second largest city in North Macedonia, known for the ancient city of Heraclea Lyncestis, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Currently, the city is recognized as a cultural center of Macedonia. Foreigners can purchase real estate in Bitola, but this depends on reciprocity between North Macedonia and their home country.