Everyone loves a bargain – whether it’s a pair of boots or a weekend in the sun. But what about your very own holiday home abroad?
If you’re open-minded on location and not afraid of getting your hands dirty, you could secure a bolthole for much less than you might think.
So, if you dream of warm-weather getaways without the high price tag, here’s how to find the cheapest places to buy a holiday home overseas.
Where to find the most affordable holiday homes
If you’re flexible on where to buy, here are some of the best value-for-money destinations:
Portugal – Move away from the Algarve and you can pick up charming village houses from €40,000. Peaceful, sunny and only an hour or so to the beach.
Spain – Avoid the most well-known costas and there are plenty of options, where the prices are lower. Try the coast of Almeria, the northern Valencia coast and Spain’s gorgeous northern coast – great for surfing!
France – In regions like Limousin or the Creuse, old stone farmhouses and cottages in need of TLC start from €25,000.
Italy – Calabria, Sicily and Puglia all have low-cost options. In some towns, holiday homes go for under €50,000 – perfect for la dolce vita on a budget.
Bulgaria – On the Black Sea coast, you’ll find beach apartments from just €25,000, with village homes inland from €15,000. Resorts like Sunny Beach and Nessebar offer sea views without Mediterranean prices.
Turkey – Property near Izmir or Antalya starts at around €40,000. With warm weather and low living costs it’s a strong option for long holidays all year.
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Smart ways to buy a cheap holiday home
Go in-land for better value
Coastal views are lovely – but they come at a premium. The further you go from the shore, the more prices tend to drop.
Take Spain, for example. On the Costa del Sol, prices average €2,300 per square metre. Head 20 minutes inland to towns like Alhaurín el Grande or Coín, and similar homes come in around €1,900 per square metre. You’ll still enjoy sunshine and sangria – just without the tourist tax.
Buy a fixer-upper
Holiday homes don’t have to be turnkey. In fact, renovation projects can be one of the most affordable ways to buy abroad.
All over rural France and Italy, you’ll find empty homes sold at a fraction of their potential value – especially in areas with declining populations.
You’ll need to budget for repairs, of course. But even with renovations, you could still come in under what a ready-to-move-in home would cost in a more touristy area.
Consider emerging holiday hotspots
Some destinations are just starting to appear on holidaymakers’ radars. If you can get in before the crowds, you could land a future hotspot at today’s prices.
For example, Portugal’s Alentejo region offers open landscapes, great wine and old-world charm – but at prices far lower than the Algarve. In Bulgaria, seaside towns like Balchik or Pomorie remain under the radar but deliver plenty of sun and sea for less.
Look out for distressed sales
Owners who need a quick sale – perhaps due to a divorce, inheritance or financial pressure – can offer fantastic deals.
You’ll often find these homes at auctions or listed through specialist agents. In Spain, for example, bank repossessions are sometimes priced 20–30% below market value. If you’re ready to act fast, you might just bag a serious bargain.
Don’t scrimp on the important things
Saving money is great, but you still need to be cautious and there are definitely areas NOT to scrimp:
Always hire an independent lawyer to ensure there are no hidden debts or legal issues.
Factor in ongoing costs like maintenance, utilities, local taxes and travel.
Think about accessibility – if it takes too long to reach or you need to drive for every pint of milk, it might not feel like much of a holiday.
Resale value matters – even if you plan to keep it forever, make sure it’s somewhere others might want to buy one day too.
Buying a holiday home abroad doesn’t have to cost the earth. With a bit of research and a willingness to look beyond the obvious, you could find a slice of sunshine for a surprisingly low price.
Whether it’s a fixer-upper in France, a seaside studio in Bulgaria or a rustic cottage in inland Portugal, there’s a bargain out there with your name on it.
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