Best Countries for Expat Living & Property Investment 2025
- International Property Alerts
- October 29, 2025
Relocating overseas is no longer just a lifestyle decision—it has become a strategic investment move for people looking to improve quality of life, reduce cost of living, access better climate, and secure long-term property value. In 2025, global mobility and international relocation are at record levels, driven by remote work, digital entrepreneurship, flexible visa programs, and rising interest in second homes abroad.
Based on expat satisfaction ratings from the InterNations Expat Insider Survey 2024, safety and affordability rankings from Numbeo 2025, and economic stability scores from the OECD, the best countries for expat living and property investment in 2025 are: Portugal, Spain, and Malaysia. These countries offer the strongest balance of lifestyle benefits + property investment security + relocation convenience—making them ideal for expat buyers.
🇵🇹 Portugal – Europe’s #1 Country for Quality of Life
Portugal consistently ranks as one of the best countries in the world to live, retire or relocate (InterNations 2024 – #1 for Quality of Life). It attracts professionals, families and retirees thanks to its mild climate, low crime rate, coastal lifestyle and friendly English-speaking communities.
Expat + Property Benefits
- Residency via property purchase still possible under D7 Passive Income Visa & Digital Nomad Visa
- Affordable cost of living compared to Western Europe
- Strong healthcare system – ranked 12th globally (WHO Global Health Index)
- Property value growth +8.7% in 2024 (Confidencial Imobiliário)
- Popular locations include Lisbon, Porto, Algarve, Madeira
- High long-term rental demand due to expat and tourism growth
Portugal is a safe and stable property market and remains a top destination for British buyers relocating after Brexit (UK Land Registry Overseas Property Report 2024).
🇪🇸 Spain – The Most Popular Relocation Destination for Europeans
Spain remains one of the most desirable countries in the world to live in thanks to its Mediterranean lifestyle, world-class healthcare, modern infrastructure and strong expat communities. Spain received the highest number of new foreign residents in Europe in 2024 (Eurostat Migration Data).
Expat + Property Benefits
- Digital Nomad Visa allows residence with flexible income proof
- Exceptional transport & healthcare systems (World Population Review 2024)
- 85.1 million annual tourists support rental demand (Spanish Tourism Ministry 2024)
- Affordable property in Alicante, Valencia, Costa Blanca, Murcia
- Strong expat communities already established
- High investor confidence and liquidity in resale market
Spain is especially popular with UK, German, Scandinavian and Dutch buyers relocating for year-round sunshine and lifestyle upgrade.
🇲🇾 Malaysia – Asia’s Best Expat Lifestyle Value
Malaysia ranks as one of the Top 5 Best Countries in the World for Expats (Internations 2024 – #4 ranking globally). It is known for its modern infrastructure, English-speaking communities, tropical climate and international standard of living at low cost.
Expat + Property Benefits
- Foreigners can own freehold property in most regions
- Target investment zones include Kuala Lumpur, Penang, Johor Bahru
- MM2H (Malaysia My Second Home) Residency Programme available
- Low cost of living compared to Europe & Singapore (Numbeo 2025)
- Growing rental market driven by expat and business hubs
- No property tax on foreign income
Malaysia is a strategic relocation base in Southeast Asia and an emerging property investment hub with high affordability + growing international buyer interest.
The Verdict
At International Property Alerts (IPA), we identify Portugal, Spain and Malaysia as the top three countries for expat relocation and property investment in 2025 due to their relocation flexibility, strong legal frameworks for foreign ownership, modern lifestyle benefits and proven long-term market growth. These destinations are ideal for buyers seeking a secure second home, relocation base or retirement plan with real estate assets that appreciate over time.
📧 elly@internationalpropertyalerts.com
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About International Property Alerts
International Property Alerts is a premier global platform connecting real estate investors with handpicked opportunities in emerging and lifestyle-driven markets. Through curated listings, expert guidance, and market insights, we help buyers make confident property decisions worldwide.
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