International property investment isn’t just about collecting keys to buildings across the globe. It’s about strategic financial growth and creating a portfolio that can weather economics storms.
In my two decades of working with international investors, Jeremy Savory learned that success comes down to one critical skill: knowing how to spread your risk and capital intelligently. At Savory & Partners, he helped clients purchase over 2,000 properties worldwide, and last year alone saw a 70% surge in international property investments.
Why a Single-Market Approach is Risky
Parking all your capital in one country is like sailing without an anchor. Political shifts, interest rate changes, and unpredictable regulatory changes can leave you open to market fluctuations and the potential for capital depreciation. The smart approach? Build a network of properties across different markets and commit to a strategy of portfolio diversification.
Take currency fluctuations, for instance. I’ve watched investors lose substantial value simply because their home market’s currency took an unexpected hit. By holding assets in multiple jurisdictions and making a strong capital play you create a natural buffer against these risks.
Where to Invest and Why
When evaluating markets, I focus on three things: economic growth, rental yields, and the ease of doing business.
Consider high-growth economies like Turkey and Colombia where expanding infrastructure spending combined with an increasingly affluent middle-class is driving economic growth. I’ve seen firsthand how property prices in these regions have surged as a result of broader socio-economic factors. In 2024 alone, 10% of our client’s total property sales were in Turkey, a testament to its capital appreciation potential and investor-friendly climate.
Rental income is another critical metric. I prioritise locations where rental yields are strong, and returns are inflation-linked. For instance, certain Spanish and Italian rental agreements adjust rents based on live inflation rates, thereby ensuring steady returns and creating a recession-proof asset. To date, we have helped investors purchase over 608 properties in Portugal, Greece, and Spain, all of which are known for their stable rental markets.
Lastly, ease and speed of transactions make a difference. Dubai, for example, is one of the fastest places to complete a property transaction, with the process from offer to completion often taking just a few weeks. In contrast, a property sale I completed in Greece took over six months to finalise. In 2024 alone, we facilitated the purchase of over 250 properties worldwide, of which 70 are in Dubai, ensuring clients navigated legal complexities seamlessly.
Looking Beyond Traditional Residential Investments
Most investors get tunnel vision with residential properties. But the real opportunities often lie in less conventional spaces.
Commercial-to-residential conversions are becoming a goldmine. With remote work transforming urban landscapes, savvy investors are reimagining commercial spaces.
Student housing presents another compelling option—consistent occupancy, lower maintenance, and steady returns.
Alternatively, I would advise exploring strategic land purchases near major infrastructure projects. For example, land near the region’s largest oil refinery, the Dangote Refinery in Africa or the Héroes del Chaco Bridge in Paraguay have shown remarkable growth.
Avoiding Common Pitfalls
Investing overseas isn’t without its challenges, but most mistakes are avoidable with the right approach. The biggest error I see investors make is letting emotion drive their decisions. If you’re buying purely for investment, forget about aesthetics—focus on financial performance.
Conducting proper due diligence is just as important. I’ve encountered cases where properties had hidden debts, structural issues, or legal complications that could have been easily identified with proper research. Always work with local experts who understand the Market intricacies.
Financing is another area where investors get caught out. Mortgage rates vary widely across markets, and the cost of borrowing can significantly impact returns. I always advise comparing rates from multiple lenders, as what seems like a minor difference in interest rates can translate into thousands in additional costs over time.
Currently, mortgage rates vary from 4.5% in the U.S. to more moderate rates in the UAE, making it one of the most attractive places to finance a property purchase.
Looking Ahead: Where Are the Best Opportunities?
The global real estate landscape is shifting, and new opportunities are emerging in regions that were previously overlooked. As such I see increasing potential in secondary cities— those with strong infrastructure investment and growing economies but lower property prices than major hubs. These cities offer high rental yields and strong appreciation potential.
My advice to new investors is to start small to test the waters. After purchasing my first property in the UK in my early twenties, instead of locking the remaining $10,000 in a tax-free ISA, I used it for a deposit on an off-plan apartment in Warsaw.
A well-diversified property portfolio is built on strategy, patience, and a willingness to explore beyond familiar markets. Those who do their research, take calculated risks, and stay ahead of market trends will position themselves for long-term success.
The world is full of opportunities, and the best time to start looking is now.
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