9 Cheapest European Cities for Foreigners to Buy Real Estate

Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina

Immigrants in Europe have had an impact on rising real estate prices, but there are still affordable corners. Fintech site Money Transfers has compiled a list of the cheapest cities to buy property by square meter. Eastern European cities dominate the list, including the home of the ancient city of Heraclea Linquestia. Whether it's the lure of adventure, new career opportunities or the desire for more affordable living, more and more Americans are embracing expat status. But this universal love of living abroad has led to rising real estate prices in some popular tourist destinations. Take Portugal, for example, which has discontinued its popular Golden Visa program in an attempt to stem the invasion of wealthy foreigners who have driven up real estate prices there. Of course, you can always find bargains - you just need to expand your horizons. Using data from Numbeo, a website comparing the cost of living in major cities around the world, fintech company Money Transfers has compiled a list of the least expensive European cities to buy property by square meter for expats. Eastern European cities dominate the list. Numbeo collects average costs, including the average cost per square meter of a city center apartment. Although the methodology is based on user-submitted data from around the world, it is a valuable tool for comparing prices between cities. For each European city, Money Transfers obtained the average price per square meter from Nu

9. Oradea, Romania

Oradea, Romania Alexandru Spatari / Getty Images

Average price per 100 square meter apartment: $178,070.28

Known about the town: Oradea is located on both sides of the Crisu Repede River just 8 miles from the Romanian border. This city is famous as a center of economic and cultural activity and admires a lot of Art Nouveau architecture.

Can expats buy property there: European expats have the right to purchase property in Oradea. Although expats from other parts of the world can also purchase real estate, they are not entitled to full ownership of the land.

8. Patras, Greece

Patras, Greece Posnov / Getty Images

Average price per 100 sq. ft. apartment: $174,760.67

Known about the city: Patras is a coastal city adorned with numerous historical sites, including the Roman Odeon. The ancient entertainment center is the main venue for the Patras International Festival, dedicated to music, dance and art.

Can expats buyreal estate there: Foreigners can buy and sell real estate in Patras.

7. Sibiu, Romania

Sibiu, Romania Alexander Spatari / Getty Images

The average price for a 100 sq. m. apartment: $165,398.36

It is known about the city: Located in the heart of Romania, Sibiu is a city rich in history. It has many museums, including the famous Astra National Museum - the largest open-air exhibition space in Europe.

Can expats buy property there: Expats who are not citizens of the EU and EEA can own property in the city, but they cannot own land. However, European expats can do both.

6. Craiova, Romania

Craiova, Romania Jack F / Getty Images

The average price for a 100 sq.

It is known about the city: Craiova is located near the Jiu River and is situated in the southwestern region of Romania. One of the city's biggest attractions is the Romanescu Park, recognized as the largest urban park in Romania.

Can expats buy property there: Citizens of the EU and EEA have the right to purchase property in Romania. Although people from other regions of the world can also acquire property, they do not have the right to full ownership of the land.

5. Burgas, Bulgaria

Burgas, Bulgaria D_Zheleva / Getty Images

The average price for a 100 sq. m. apartment: $147,839.06

It is known about the city: Burgas is located along the coast of the Black Sea. The city has many natural attractions, such as the Sea Garden - a vast park area where trees and plants from all over the world grow.

Can expats buy property there: Expats can own property in Burgas, but not land.

4. Plovdiv, Bulgaria

Plovdiv, Bulgaria Evgeny Dinev / Getty Images

The average price for a 100 sq. m. apartment is $142,105.63.

It is known about the city: Plovdiv is located in the southern 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.

Can expats buy property there: Like in Burgas, non-residents can purchase property in Plovdiv, but they do not have the right to own land.

3. Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina

Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina Olezzo / Getty Images

The average price for a 100 sq. m. apartment is $138,777.39.

It is known about the city: Mostar is located along the Neretva River and is one of the most popular destinations in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The small town is best known for the Koski Mehmed Pasha Mosque, an impressive architectural marvel built in the 17th century.

Can expats buyreal estate there: Expats have the right to buy and sell real estate in Mostar. However, this depends on the reciprocity between Bosnia and Herzegovina and their home country.

2. Chișinău, Moldova

Chisinau, Moldova Igor Sirosh / Getty Images

The average price for a 100 sq. m. apartment: $138,345.05

It is known about the city: The capital of Moldova, Chișinău, impresses with its architectural wonders, such as the Triumphal Arch. This monument was built in the 1840s in honor of Russia's victory over the Turkish army.

Can expats buy property there: Expats can freely buy and sell non-urban real estate.

1. Bitola, North Macedonia

Bitola, North Macedonia joyt / Getty Images

The average price for a 100 sq. m. apartment: $97,942.75

It is known about the city: Bitola is the second largest city in the Republic of North Macedonia and the home of the ancient city of Heraclea Lynkestis, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Currently, the city is recognized as the cultural epicenter of Macedonia.

Can expats buy property there: Expats can purchase real estate, but it depends on the reciprocity between North Macedonia and their home country.