6 Overseas Markets With Affordable Beach Property

Beachfront living is a dream for many people, but prohibitively high prices in the United States mean that it’s a reality for only a select few.

For those who aspire to own beach property but can’t afford California’s prices, the solution is to look beyond the borders of the United States.

I’ve identified six international destinations where the average price per square foot of beachfront property is many multiples less than that of California (which can be as high as $2,500 per square foot and beyond).

These are attractive, well-developed markets where you can achieve the dream of seeing sparkling waters from your bedroom window and more.

A property purchase in one of these markets can bring additional benefits like portfolio and currency diversification.

Overseas property is a store of value held outside of the United States, likely in a currency that isn’t the U.S. dollar. This can be an important hedge against risk since overseas markets can be immune to disruption in U.S. markets and fare better during crises.

By gaining access to lower prices overseas, you can further insulate yourself from risk because you can afford to buy more property. Instead of spending $600,000 on one property in one market, for instance, you could spend the same amount and get three properties in three different markets with three different currencies.

Here are six international markets where beach property is affordable. The costs per square foot are based on the average prices for two-bedroom, two-bathroom ocean-view apartments in each case.

Cartagena, Colombia

Average Cost per Square Foot: $182

Cartagena is a world-famous destination on Colombia’s Caribbean coast. It’s known for its colorful Spanish-colonial center, which is one of the few remaining walled cities in existence today.

It commands strong tourism numbers because of its intrinsic beauty, Caribbean beaches, warm climate, and well-connected international airport.

These factors, plus the fact that a wide selection of property is available for less than $200,000, make it ideal for property investment.

Cartagena offers buyers remarkable diversity in property type as well as low operating costs and steady occupancy.

The El Laguito and Bocagrande areas command steady short-term demand, making them solid choices for a buy-to-rent investment. Castillogrande is ideal for a second home investment since it’s more peaceful.

Santa Marta, Colombia

Average Cost per Square Foot: $183

Santa Marta is on the same coast as Cartagena, just a few hours’ drive away, yet it doesn’t attract as much international tourism attention. Instead, it’s popular among domestic tourists.

Along its 12-mile stretch of coastline, you’ll find breathtaking coves bordered by small towns, new residential projects on isolated beaches, and Colombia’s oldest historic center.

Its beaches have soft sands, clear, warm waters, watersports, and scuba diving. Come sundown, the beachfront comes alive with music, street food, and socializing.

This is an ideal market to invest in property for personal use. The cost of property and general costs of living are much lower than in most Caribbean destinations.

The Santa Marta market can also offer worthwhile capital gains, as prices have risen by over 49% in the past three years.

Viña del Mar, Chile

Average Cost per Square Foot: $232

Chile stands out in Latin America for its solid infrastructure, drinkable water, safety, and low corruption levels.

Viña del Mar is Chile’s primary coastal attraction. This is a great year-round destination with its moderate weather. Daily means are 63°F in summer and 52°F in winter.

It offers both resort and city lifestyles, with modern infrastructure and a wide selection of cultural activities for entertainment. Property prices and operating costs are low, and inventory is good.

Viña del Mar is the best buy for investors, as it offers the most amenities and walkability. For a full-time home, Viña del Mar proper or Concón, just 10 miles to the north, are good options. Concón is a peaceful, small-town environment.

Iskele Long Beach, Northern Cyprus

Average Cost per Square Foot: $241

Northern Cyprus (a region and de facto state of the Republic of Cyprus) is rich in soft-sand Mediterranean beaches. It boasts great weather, low costs of living, welcoming locals, and inexpensive property.

The Iskele Long Beach area of Northern Cyprus gets its name from its 1.55-mile beach, the longest in the region. It enjoys a healthy tourism trade and good infrastructure and is known for its myriad restaurants, clubs, casinos, and luxury hotels.

Since 2020, Iskele has seen remarkable price appreciation. Property values have doubled in the past few years, yet this remains an affordable market—especially when you compare it to other European markets on the Mediterranean Sea.

Ambergris Caye, Belize

Average Cost per Square Foot: $282

Belize is a beloved vacation destination and retirement haven.

It’s convenient for Americans, as it’s English-speaking and less than three hours flying from the southern United States. Plus, it’s on the Caribbean Sea, with many bays, inlets, and cayes to explore.

Belize’s top destination is Ambergris Caye, an island found 35 miles off the mainland. It’s a destination for relaxation on the beach, basking in natural beauty, diving, and enjoying year-round sunshine.

Property on Ambergris Caye is no longer low-cost, but it’s still a bargain compared to most other Caribbean islands.

Investors looking for low-hassle buys with few ongoing costs are putting their money into land. Land values have appreciated by 15% to 20% per year over the past three years, and local experts expect this growth to continue.

For cash flow-producing investments, investors are buying condos. During the high season (November to May), the short-term rental market is active and can generate excellent yields.

Ambergris Caye is not a year-round active rental market, but its property and income taxes are low, and repeat visitors help keep occupancy rates and yields high.

Mazatlán, Mexico

Average Cost per Square Foot: $295

Mazatlán is a resort city on Mexico’s Pacific coast.

Its main appeal is its 11-mile stretch of beachfront and its sprawling, Spanish-colonial historic center that’s full of restaurants, cafés, shops, and more. It’s also close to the United States, so you can easily and comfortably drive or fly here.

Excellent property deals can be found on Mazatlán’s waterfront, where rental traffic is high.

Mazatlán benefits from a year-round rental market because it’s popular with foreigners and nationals. Americans and Canadians drive occupancy during the winter months, and Mexicans come during the summer.

If you’re choosing between Mexico’s beach markets, this is where you’ll get the most intrinsic value for your money.