What do International Real Estate Buyers Look For In a Property

Where do buyers buy, and what do they buy

International buyers look for a diverse range of properties, from luxury residences and vacation homes to commercial properties and raw land for development, with preferences often driven by investment goals, security, lifestyle, and regional regulations.

Residential properties are consistently popular due to the basic human need for housing and the potential for steady rental income and capital appreciation.

Luxury homes such as villas, apartments and condos are the types of properties that affluent or rich international buyers often seek high-end properties with premium finishes, expansive views, smart home technology, and unique amenities like private pools or home theaters.

Vacation homes, or holiday homes fall under the category of recreational properties that are popular purchases in tourist locations or destinations, and the types of properties purchase beachfront range from beach side villas, to mountain retreats such as ski chalets, and buyers are drawn to areas are that are in high demand, and will often purchase for personal use, rental income, or both.

Multi-family units are multiple properties in buildings with investors buying multiple units, which is attractive to investors seeking stable, higher rental yields and potential for appreciation all in one building.

Suburban or rural homes find an increasing number of buyers looking to suburban or rural areas, seeking more space, privacy, and security, especially with the rise of remote work.

Commercial properties are a significant draw for investors due to longer lease terms and higher potential returns compared to residential properties.

The types of commercial properties considered might include, office buildings and retail spaces, and industrial facilities such as warehouses, distribution centers, as well as hotels and life sciences properties are also emerging as attractive asset classes in some markets.

Raw Land and development properties are types of properties buyers often purchase, with vacant land or properties for development or redevelopment purposes, seeing opportunities for significant value growth over future months and years.

Key factors that influencing international buyers includes investment and financial security, where international buyers view real estate as a tangible asset and a "safe haven" to park their wealth, hedge against currency devaluation, or generate reliable passive income.

Cultural and lifestyle preferences come into play when buyers from different regions have specific preferences, such as Asian buyers may prioritize feng shui-friendly layouts and spacious kitchens, while European buyers might focus on energy-efficient features.

Property management is a factor where many investors who do not intend to reside in the property look for options that offer good security and a reliable management company to handle maintenance and upkeep in their absence.

Regulatory environment is key where local regulations, such as foreign buyer bans in certain markets or investment programs that grant residency/citizenship through property purchase, significantly influence the type of property purchased.

What and international buyer or investor / high-net-worth buyer looks for, and what they purchase when deciding on what properties they buy will come down to their specific financial goals and personal preferences in a stable market.