Countries with the Most Affordable Real Estate (2026)
At just $1,300/m², South Africa offers some of the most affordable urban real estate in the world.
Updated March 2026
| # | Country | Price /m² | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |  South Africa | $1,300/m² | View → |
| 2 |  Colombia | $1,500/m² | View → |
| 3 |  Brazil | $1,700/m² | View → |
| 4 |  Mexico | $1,900/m² | View → |
| 5 |  India | $2,100/m² | View → |
| 6 |  Greece | $2,200/m² | View → |
| 7 |  Malaysia | $2,300/m² | View → |
| 8 |  Argentina | $2,400/m² | View → |
| 9 |  Indonesia | $2,600/m² | View → |
| 10 |  Poland | $2,700/m² | View → |
| 11 |  Italy | $3,100/m² | View → |
| 12 |  Philippines | $3,200/m² | View → |
| 13 |  Spain | $3,300/m² | View → |
| 14 |  Thailand | $3,400/m² | View → |
| 15 |  Portugal | $3,700/m² | View → |
| 16 |  Vietnam | $3,800/m² | View → |
| 17 |  United Arab Emirates | $4,100/m² | View → |
| 18 |  Czech Republic | $4,500/m² | View → |
| 19 |  United States | $4,900/m² | View → |
| 20 |  New Zealand | $5,300/m² | View → |
| 21 |  Canada | $5,400/m² | View → |
| 22 |  Sweden | $6,100/m² | View → |
| 23 |  Germany | $6,200/m² | View → |
| 24 |  Netherlands | $6,400/m² | View → |
| 25 |  France | $6,800/m² | View → |
| 26 |  Australia | $7,800/m² | View → |
| 27 |  United Kingdom | $8,200/m² | View → |
| 28 |  Japan | $9,100/m² | View → |
| 29 |  Switzerland | $14,500/m² | View → |
| 30 |  Singapore | $17,200/m² | View → |
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What affects most affordable real estate?
Affordable property markets are typically found in emerging economies with growing urbanisation and rising middle-class demand.
Headline price-per-m² doesn't capture transaction costs (stamp duty, agent fees, legal fees) which can add 5–15% to the purchase price.
Foreign-buyer restrictions are common in cheap markets — check whether you need a local entity, residency, or partner to purchase.
Frequently asked
Which country has the most affordable real estate?
South Africa currently leads with $1,300/m².
Can foreigners buy property in South Africa?
Yes — foreigners can generally buy property in South Africa, though local taxes and registration apply.
How do I compare countries internationally?
Use the interactive world map or take the matchmaking quiz.