Location and environment are the most important driving forces behind the value of a property. Oftentimes, seafront properties in a pleasant climate with access to the beach command a higher price tag, whether it’s vacant land, a condo, villa, or a freestanding house. The median home price in most prominent seafront areas of the US, like California and Florida, starts from one to three million dollars, while prices of properties in most prime coastal areas of the world, like the Caribbean, the Mediterranean, or in the Pacific, are also higher when compared to the mainland. However, there are still many areas where prices for seafront properties are considerably cheaper in comparison.
In this article, we have listed some of the best affordable places to buy seafront real estate without compromising on the quality of life, weather safety, and services. Despite being cheap, all of these places are fairly developed. To diversify this list even further, we have tried our best to include at least one locality from each continent.
Fiji
An archipelago consisting of more than 300 islands and islets, Fiji is situated northeast of New Zealand and southwest of Samoa, right in the South Pacific Ocean. It is celebrated for its tropical landscapes, pristine beaches, lush rainforests, and diverse marine life. Tourism is a major driver of Fiji’s economy, with visitors drawn to the island’s natural beauty, water sports, and cultural attractions. It is one of the few countries in the Pacific that allows non-Fijians to own properties. However, there are three types of land in Fiji: native trust land, crown land, and freehold. Properties built on native and crown land cannot be owned by foreigners, while properties built on freehold land can be bought, sold, and owned by foreign nationals. According to a local realtor website, prices for seafront properties have soared up to a median of $500,000 this year, mainly due to an influx of Chinese and Australian buyers.
Dalmatia, Croatia
Located in the Western Balkans along the eastern coast of the Adriatic Sea, Dalmatia is known for its beautiful coastline, islands, and historical cities. The region is part of modern-day Croatia, and it stretches from the island of Rab in the north to the Bay of Kotor in the south, including numerous islands and coastal cities such as Split, Zadar, and Dubrovnik. Buying beachfront properties near major cities and tourist areas has become very expensive, but there are ongoing projects in lesser-known areas where one can get vacant land or seafront houses. Currently, there are over 1200 listings for seafront properties on its local realtor website, with the median cost for a seafront villa around $400,000. It’s a wonderful holiday destination with typical Mediterranean charm, good gastronomy, and options for sightseeing and natural beauty, making the rental market in this part of the country also in high demand. The region is highly accessible and well connected with Europe and the rest of the world, with several international airports and great road links.
The Azores, Portugal
Often described as the best-kept secret of Europe and the perfect location for nature lovers who enjoy tranquility, outdoor adventures, and breathtaking scenery. The Azores is an archipelago right in the Mid-Atlantic, about 1,500 kilometers off the coast of Portugal. The archipelago is highly accessible from Europe and North America, with daily flights from its three international airports. Foreign nationals are freely allowed to buy any sort of property on any of its islands, be it land, house, apartment, or even commercial properties. The housing market of the Azores is very diverse, offering a wide variety of seafront real estate with a cheaper price tag. Many seafront properties in the Azores are far less expensive than those on mainland Portugal or the adjacent archipelago of Madeira. On the downside, the Azores is a bit remote, with many modern-day services and facilities being somewhat outdated.
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Andalusia, Spain
The second largest and most prominent region of Spain, Andalusia, is conveniently located along the Strait of Gibraltar, the passage between the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea. The terrain of Andalusia varies greatly depending on the region. Toward the coast, the terrain descends into the famous beach cities of Marbella and Malaga, notable for their fine sands and constant sunshine. Besides the island of Mallorca, the most expensive properties in Spain are located in this region. However, Andalusia is a large region with a broad real estate inventory to fit any budget. Shore prices in areas like Marbella and Malaga are very expensive, but coastal properties in the provinces of Cádiz and Almeria are fairly priced, with median listings for a seafront house between $350,000 to $400,000. In addition to freestanding houses, there is a wide variety of seafront apartments in Andalusia, with the cheapest being in its coastal city of Tarifa and the most expensive in Marbella. Be aware that taxes in Spain are a significant consideration, with property purchase taxes reaching up to 10%.
Sicily, Italy
Italy’s largest island, Sicily offers exceptional beaches, charming villages and towns, and an abundance of affordable real estate right in the heart of the Mediterranean Sea. It exudes a traditional Italian experience, complete with medieval hilltop towns and incredibly cheap seafront properties. In the past, people used to avoid it completely, but nowadays, travel connections with the mainland and the safety index are improving, leading to a growing number of people looking to invest here. Generally, the region only receives seasonal tourists, as long-term living in the region is not very appealing. Sicily’s property prices are the lowest in Italy, with the median home listing price amounting to only $85,000. For luxury, exceptional houses in southern Sicily can set you back $300,000, while many mid-sized apartments in cities like Palermo and Catania cost way under $55,000, although most of these are rustic and require renovations.
Calabria, Italy
Just beside Sicily, the region of Calabria is Italy’s least visited and most rural. It’s a land of sparkling turquoise waters, endless green mountains, and charming medieval villages. Almost all coastal properties in this part of Italy are the cheapest, with vacant land right beside the coast being dirt cheap. The average price for a five-bedroom freestanding house in its prime coastal areas is just under $260,000, while the median price for one acre of residential land right beside the sea starts from $72,000. There is a wide variety of properties available throughout this region, from prime real estate on the coastal parts to budget-oriented options further inland. However, this region is not very well developed, and basic facilities and services like healthcare and education are very outdated, even in its main city of Reggio Calabria.
Turkish Riviera, Turkey
The Turkish Riviera is a 600-mile-long stretch of Mediterranean coastline in the southwestern region of Turkey. It stretches from the southern part of Izmir to the city of Alanya in the southern region of the country and includes many beautiful coastal communities and cities, each with its own unique atmosphere. The property market on the Turkish Riviera offers stable prices, great returns on investment, and many unique areas to choose from. Foreign investors are allowed full freedom to invest in Turkey’s real estate, with the government even offering tax incentives and residency programs. There is great variation in prices to fit any budget, with smaller villas and condos on the outskirts of developing parts costing around $180,000, while prime coastal areas with direct beach access can cost around $350,000. The Turkish Riviera attracts many tourists worldwide seeking an affordable vacation near the Mediterranean, so the rental market in this part of the country is also flourishing.
Varna, Bulgaria
A port city and seaside resort on Bulgaria’s Black Sea, Varna is next to the coastal resorts of Golden Sands. With its sandy and numerous beaches, windy coastlines, and beautiful atmosphere, Varna is the focal point for investing in Bulgarian beachfront properties. A luxury furnished home with sea views in one of its upscale areas can reach up to $400,000, containing all the luxurious amenities that come with such an expenditure. However, most property types in this city are apartments, and a three-bedroom new build condo with sea views can be easily bought for under $180,000. Another benefit of buying property here is the very low tax rates, with the current annual rate in Bulgaria just under 0.15% of the assessed value of the estate.
Peloponnese, Greece
The Peloponnese Peninsula is often characterized as an island within the mainland, located in southern Greece and bordered by both the Aegean and Ionian Seas. It is separated from the mainland by a small canal but is connected to the rest of Greece by several bridges and tunnels. Its topography is diverse, with mountain ranges in the northwestern part of the peninsula, the Arcadian Plateau in the central part, and a picturesque coastline in the eastern and southern parts hosting several seafront communities. The main points of interest for most retirees in this region are the cities of Kalamata and Patras, known for their natural attractions, sunny weather, local cuisines, and a slow pace of life. The whole region is relatively cheaper for buying seafront property compared to nearby Greek islands. The median price for a seafront house is around $260,000, while a two-bedroom seafront apartment in Patras starts from $60,000.
Dominican Republic
Situated in the Greater Antilles archipelago, the Dominican Republic encompasses most of the island of Hispaniola, with Haiti occupying a section of the western side. It has long been one of the most popular countries in the Caribbean for real estate investment, and this year is no different. Almost 8% of its property purchases in 2023 were made by foreign-born residents. Plus, there are always new developments in its real estate inventory, so a lack of options is never an issue for those looking to invest here. Most international buyers often choose to invest in its gated housing complexes of Punta Cana and Las Terrenas. These self-contained communities offer dedicated home comforts such as international supermarkets, 24/7 security, affordable private healthcare, and many restaurant chains.
Bar, Montenegro
When people think about buying real estate in Montenegro, places like Budva and Kotor are always the main points of interest. However, due to a high influx of property purchases in the last five years, the median price of seafront properties in Kotor and Budva has exceeded $600,000. The beachside locality of Bar serves as a great alternative for those on a tight budget. In contrast to its counterparts, a seafront condo in Bar is priced at around $160,000, and a three-bedroom beachfront house costs around $180,000 to $350,000. Thus, buying in this Adriatic town is much cheaper than almost all the other seafront areas of Montenegro.
Albanian Riviera
Stretching from the Adriatic to the Ionian Sea, the Albanian Riviera comprises many small towns and the major cities of Vlore and Saranda. Most people perceive the Albanian Riviera as the entire coastline of the country, but it only encompasses the area bordering Greece in front of the island of Corfu. The beach cities of this area have become attractive retirement and travel destinations because they are significantly less crowded and cheaper than other European hotspots. Many newly constructed apartment complexes on this shoreline offer very affordable rates with easy access to the beach. The median price for a mid-sized apartment in the city of Saranda starts from $90,000 to $300,000.
Puerto Montt, Chile
A not-so-famous port city in southern Chile, Puerto Montt is known as a gateway to the Andes Mountains and the Patagonian Fjords. Featuring an oceanic climate with cool summers and mild winters, Puerto Montt is an excellent place for beachfront living. Foreigners are allowed full freedom to buy property in Chile just like any ordinary citizen. The cost of living in Puerto Montt is nominal compared to other cities in the country, and it is relatively untouched by tourism, making it an ideal place to buy a beachfront property for use as a personal vacation home or as a main base to enjoy the quiet, laid-back lifestyle. A newly built, well-furnished, excellent-quality house with sea views can cost just around $200,000.
Santa Marta, Colombia
Situated in the Colombian department of Magdalena, Santa Marta is one of the safest cities in the country and serves as a tourist spot for foreigners and Colombians alike. Apart from the gorgeous beaches and mountain scenery, Santa Marta offers a comfortable lifestyle, with a very low cost of living. A single person can easily reside here for under $1,000. Its real estate market is very cheap and offers great returns on investment, particularly in the form of rental properties. With a range of well-developed apartment buildings, the city displays sea views from every front. With today’s resurgence of the US dollar, prices here are better than ever. A smaller two-bedroom apartment facing the sea can be bought for a little more than $80,000.
Zanzibar, Tanzania
When people opt to buy property in Africa, places like South Africa or the island nations of Mauritius and Seychelles are the top choices. However, Tanzania’s island of Zanzibar has garnered its own unique allure with its turquoise waters, numerous sandy beaches, luxury resorts, delicious cuisines, and very low living costs. According to a recent survey by several international real estate firms, Zanzibar is expected to become one of the most enticing tourist hubs in this part of Africa, so prices for properties will rise exponentially in the coming years. Furthermore, the safety index on this island is considerably higher compared to mainland Tanzania, and the local government is currently welcoming investors by mainstreaming property ownership laws to be lenient for foreigners. Many savvy investors have already purchased beachfront properties here with hopes of high returns on investment in the near future.