Everyone's talking about Dubai, Lisbon, or Bali. But seasoned investors know that the real magic happens in places where competition is low, appreciation potential is high, and regulations haven’t been maxed out. In 2024, several emerging or overlooked markets are offering exactly that — without the inflated prices or saturation of popular real estate hotspots.
In this blog, we spotlight 10 of the most underrated real estate markets around the world — locations where smart investors are quietly gaining ground. If you're looking for first-mover advantage and long-term upside, these destinations are worth your radar.
Why it's hot: Albania is a hidden gem on Europe’s coast with a rising tourism sector and low entry costs.
Average prices: From €1,000 per sqm in central Tirana.
Rental yield potential: 6–8% for both short- and long-term rentals.
Investor perks: Easy residency, EU candidate status, growing infrastructure.
Why it's hot: Positioned between Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh, this beach city is seeing rapid development and tourism.
Average prices: Around $1,200 per sqm.
Rental yield potential: 7–9% with beachfront or serviced apartments.
Investor perks: Expanding expat base, strong local economy, rising demand.
Why it's still underrated: Despite increased attention, prices remain low and growth potential is strong.
Average prices: $900–$1,500 per sqm.
Rental yield potential: Up to 12%.
Bonus: No property tax for individuals, foreigner-friendly laws.
Why it's hot: Mexico’s 4th largest city with a mix of universities, culture, and growing tourism.
Average prices: From $800 per sqm.
Rental yield potential: 6–8% in central zones.
Perks: Lower cost than CDMX, stable local rental demand, expanding economy.
Why it's hot: Seaside resort city becoming a regional tourism magnet.
Average prices: From $1,200 per sqm.
Rental yield potential: 10–12% (seasonal short-term rentals).
Perks: Visa-free access for many nationalities, affordable luxury properties.
Why it's hot: Less developed than Limassol or Nicosia, Larnaca is catching investor interest due to airport proximity and planned marina development.
Average prices: From €1,700 per sqm.
Rental yield potential: 5–7%.
Perks: EU member, English widely spoken, tax incentives.
Why it's hot: A growing hub for expats with high-altitude views and affordable colonial properties.
Average prices: $900–$1,400 per sqm.
Rental yield potential: 6–9%.
Perks: Stable rental demand from expats and students, investor visas available.
Why it's hot: One of Europe’s oldest cities with rising digital nomad interest and a cost-effective EU entry point.
Average prices: From €850 per sqm.
Rental yield potential: 5–8%.
Perks: EU access, residency programs, low taxation, and growth in IT sector.
Why it's hot: Coastal city with improving infrastructure and beachfront investments.
Average prices: From €900 per sqm.
Rental yield potential: 7–10% during summer season.
Perks: Visa-free stays, low closing costs, rising regional tourism.
Why it's hot: Vibrant capital city with a growing startup ecosystem and cultural appeal.
Average prices: Around €2,000 per sqm in the center, lower in fringe neighborhoods.
Rental yield potential: 5–7%.
Perks: Residency for property buyers, low taxes, strong long-term leasing market.
Underrated doesn’t mean unknown — it means underpriced relative to its potential. Here's what to look for:
New airports, metro lines, or digital nomad hubs often signal future property value increases.
Residency-by-investment, tax breaks, or simplified foreign ownership laws are green flags for investors.
If rental demand is rising but new housing development is limited, yields tend to be higher.
Tourism rebounds and remote worker inflows often drive short-term rental income and long-term appreciation.
The beauty of real estate is that the crowd is often wrong — and being early in an underrated market can deliver exceptional returns. As 2024 unfolds, opportunities exist well beyond the “big name” investment cities. By acting now in these underappreciated locations, you can lock in high yields, rising values, and long-term growth while the competition is still sleeping.
Whether you’re building a diversified global portfolio or just hunting for that next high-ROI opportunity, these markets offer rare combinations of low entry, strong demand, and legal openness to international investors.
