Dreaming of a life or a holiday home abroad doesn’t have to be a fantasy limited by your budget. With new technologies making our working lives more flexible, a home in the sun is now more attainable than ever. This guide highlights some of Europe’s most affordable property hotspots, where you can find a lifestyle-rich property without a hefty price tag. We’ve expanded our list for 2025 to include new locations, from tranquil corners of France to hidden Spanish coastlines, all combining great value with an appealing lifestyle.
French Countryside Charms
While many associate France with high-end real estate, some departments offer a truly authentic and affordable experience.
- Indre: This peaceful region, tucked away in central France, is a hidden gem. Its picturesque countryside is dotted with historic stone towns and the scenic River Indre, keeping it off the main tourist radar and, as a result, exceptionally affordable. You can find character-filled homes along riverside trails and in medieval villages. The area is perfect for nature lovers and history buffs, with tranquil lakes and beautiful trails. Its proximity to Calais makes it easily accessible from the UK, making it an ideal spot for a traditional French country home. Properties here are available for well below €100,000.
- Hérault: A lesser-known treasure in southwest France, Hérault offers a blend of Mediterranean coastline, ancient villages, and a rugged, protected landscape. It has a rich history, with lively cities like Montpellier and historic Béziers surrounded by vineyards. While lacking the international glamour of the Côte d’Azur, its property prices are far more reasonable, and the atmosphere is more authentic. The real bargains can be found in the small inland villages, where you can find traditional homes for less than €100,000. Even a villa near the beach can be acquired for between €300,000 and €400,000.
Spanish Coastal Secrets
Spain’s sunny coasts are famous, but you can still find great value by looking beyond the most crowded areas.
- Mar Menor: This area in the Murcia region offers a great alternative to the pricier southern Costa Blanca. It’s a fantastic spot for buyers, with lower property prices and reduced purchasing costs. With the new Murcia International Airport now open, values are starting to rise, making it a smart investment. The towns around the Mar Menor, like San Pedro del Pinatar and Los Alcázares, are ideal for a beachside lifestyle, with flat terrain, long promenades, and less crowded beaches.
- Costa de Almería: This coastline, home to Europe’s only desert, is refreshingly undeveloped. It features traditional whitewashed villages and a rugged, untouched landscape, particularly around the protected Cabo de Gata-Níjar natural park. While flight options may be more limited than in other parts of Spain, this has helped keep property prices and the cost of living low. You can find modern one-bedroom apartments in resorts like Mojácar Playa for under €150,000, while a small character home in a traditional inland village can be purchased for less than €100,000.
Portuguese Gems
Portugal’s popular Algarve region can be expensive, but some areas offer a way to enjoy the lifestyle on a budget.
- Portimão: As the second-largest city in the Algarve, Portimão and its suburbs are a surprising option for lifestyle buyers. It offers a lively waterfront, a historic center, and a world-class marina. While prices are relative to the Algarve, you can get all the benefits of the region at a more affordable price than its more famous neighbors. Homes in residential districts on the western outskirts offer an excellent value alternative to pricier resorts, with a budget of €150,000 or more giving you access to the city and the beach.
- Castro Marim and Vila Real de Santo Antonio: Located on the far eastern edge of the Algarve, these two towns offer some of the region’s most affordable properties. Situated near the Spanish border, they provide a blend of traditional Portuguese life and easy access to beaches. A centrally located apartment in good condition can be found for €150,000 to €200,000, while a traditional farmhouse needing updates is also an option at a similar price.
Greek Island Finds
While some Greek islands are known for their high prices, good value can still be found.
- Apokoronas, Crete: Crete has its pricey spots, but the Apokoronas district in the west offers an affordable alternative. This area features traditional villages and small resorts built around unspoiled fishing villages. It’s home to a foreign community, mostly British, who have embraced the authentic and very affordable Cretan lifestyle. Simple traditional homes are available from around €100,000, with new-build homes on small complexes starting around €225,000.
Italian and Cypriot Bargains
Italy and Cyprus also offer incredible value for buyers willing to explore their less-traveled regions.
- Calabria, Italy: Located in the “foot of the boot,” Calabria is a rustic and authentic corner of Italy. Its low cost of living and beautiful, raw scenery make up for its lack of fame. The region has stunning coastline with white sandy beaches and colorful fishing towns, where you can find older apartments near the beach for as little as €40,000 to €100,000.
- Sicily’s €1 Villages: Sicily has become famous for its “one-euro homes” scheme, where buyers can snap up a derelict property for a single euro. The catch is you must renovate it within a set period. While renovation costs can be substantial (estimated at €50,000 to €80,000), it’s a unique way to own a historic Italian home.
- Paralimni, Cyprus: Located in the eastern part of the Republic of Cyprus, Paralimni offers a mix of a working town and a welcoming expat community. It’s close to beautiful sandy beaches and provides an excellent entry point into the Cypriot market. You can find a wide range of affordable properties here, many for under €100,000.
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