The Best Countries for Expats to Renovate in 2025: Affordable, Renovation-Friendly Locations

With the world’s physical boundaries extending further and further, the opportunity for expats who want to renovate homes in other countries is expanding in new and innovative ways. In 2025, the global real estate market is ripe for expats who are interested in affordable renovation projects with friendly renovation laws and local professionals who can turn the dream into reality.

Whether you are an expat who wants to have a countryside villa or a contemporary beach house, some countries make it easier than others to get your renovation underway.

From easy property laws to accessible and plentiful contractors, these countries have a renovation-friendly environment, making your dream home abroad a possibility.

But which destinations are at the top of the list? Let’s look at the countries where you, a hopeful and eager expat, will be able to get not just great value, but also a hassle-free renovation in 2025.

What Makes a Country Renovation-Friendly for Expats?

Before we let you in our curated list of destinations, let’s first take a look at what makes a particular place suitable for expat renovations. Yes, costs are always a major consideration, but there are other key factors to look out for, and they are just as important when renovating overseas:

1. Ease of Purchasing Property: Some countries make it difficult for foreigners to buy real estate. Search for countries where the purchasing process is easy if you’re a foreigner, with well-defined ownership rights and reasonable regulations.
2. Affordable Renovation Costs: You will need to find out whether the country offers reasonable prices for the materials and the labour. Are there other costs such as importation costs of building materials? And does the exchange rate help you or work against you?
3. Availability of Skilled Contractors: This means that it’s very important to have a pool of contractors who are experienced and reliable. You will need people who are familiar with the particularities of the home country’s building standards, and preferably with current building practices and remote communication.
4. Legal Processes and Property Laws: Remodeling a house can also come with a set of complex legal challenges, especially when you don’t have a solid idea of the local bureaucracy. All the more reason that countries with expat-friendly legal systems, clear procedures for getting permits, and easy-to-understand property laws are much easier to deal with.

Having defined what to look for, it’s time to turn to the top countries that would fit the criteria in 2025.

Top Affordable Countries for Expats to Renovate in 2025

1. Portugal
   Portugal has now established itself as one of the best places for expat renovations in Europe. It has affordable property in stunning seaside cities and country villages, which makes it perfect for those who want an idyllic European dream. The laws governing properties are clear and the government also supports foreigners who want to invest in the real estate market. On top of that, you can now find more contractors who are fluent in English. as well as a strong presence of other expats living in the country, which makes the renovation process as smooth as possible. Whether you’re more attracted to renovating a small old stone cottage in the Algarve. or to reimagine a city apartment in Lisbon, Portugal is the country to look for in 2025.
2. Mexico
   Mexico is one of the best countries for expats because of its very active real estate market and relatively low cost of renovations. Labor costs are also reasonable and skilled workers who are fluent in Western standards of design and decoration are easily accessible. Property laws are quite liberal for the expat community, especially in non-restricted areas. What is especially interesting about Mexico is that there is also a large number of foreigners who are working in the country as realtors, to go with the influx of foreigners buying properties. This means that the entire process of settling or renovating in Mexico will be one of the easiest of all the available choices. There are many opportunities for renovation and purchase of attractive properties in coastal cities such as Puerto Vallarta or in the interior of the country in cities such as San Miguel de Allende.
3. Thailand
   Thailand is still one of the most sought-after destinations for expats who want an affordable lifestyle, and this includes property renovation. Construction costs are low, building materials are affordable, and you’ll be able to find competent local builders who have worked with expats in the past. While foreigners are not allowed to own land directly, they can own condominiums, and other properties through long-term leaseholds, a popular option. Due to the well-developed tourism sector, Thailand is especially interesting for those who want to buy real estate for renovation and subsequent use as a rental or secondary residence.
4. Spain
   The cost of renovation differs depending on the region of Spain, but overall, the country can still be considered as affordable, especially in areas that have yet to become very popular among tourists. Spain has long been a favorite for expats, and for good reason: there is no restriction to property ownership for foreigners, and there are many local contractors who have worked with foreigners before. From a rustic country house in Andalusia to a seafront villa in the Costa del Sol, there is no shortage of renovation projects in Spain that can be completed with ease.
5. Costa Rica
   Costa Rica is an example of a country that pays much attention to the ecological aspect of renovation. The country promotes the use of eco-friendly construction approaches, and foreigners can get good prices on houses that need a little TLC. The cost of living in Costa Rica is still lower than in many parts of North America and Europe. This makes this beautiful country a good place for those who want to build a tropical paradise with an emphasis on sustainability. Laws regarding foreign ownership are spelled out clearly, making it easy for expats to buy and renovate with minimal bureaucratic hurdles.

Honorable Mentions for Expats Considering Renovation Abroad

There are a few other countries worth mentioning, that are also good options for expat renovations in 2025, despite not making our top 5 list above. These countries have a lot to offer but with a few quirks along the way – because, as they say, no renovation goes without a few surprises (or at least, a missing permit).

1. Italy
   Italy is the land of rolling hills, beautiful architecture and. .. an endless romance with bureaucracy. Yes, you can get a beautiful country house in Tuscany for a much lower price than you would think, but be ready for paperwork as old and out of date as the wine itself. Renovating is somewhat of an art in Italy. Even simple things like permits or historical preservation laws may slow you down. However, if you can be patient and find a dependable and experienced local team, then the reward is living in your very own Italian dream.
2. Vietnam
   Vietnam is a gem for expats who are looking for adventure. The renovation costs are as low as they get, but it may come with the cost of having to learn Vietnamese or hiring a local facilitator to explain the property laws. Although it’s a bit tricky to own land here as a foreigner, long-term leases make it possible. Plus, imagine the bragging rights of telling your friends back home that you’re fixing up a beach house in Vietnam!
3. Greece
   You can still find a dreamy seaside cottage or a quaint village home in Greece, at a fraction of the cost compared to other European destinations. The problem is that deciphering the local regulations can be hard. You may end up feeling as though you’re translating the texts of ancient Greeks by the end. However, with determination and a good contractor, you too could be sipping ouzo on your newly renovated terrace in no time.

Conclusion: Making the Right Choice for Your Renovation in 2025

When it comes to renovating abroad, 2025 is shaping up to be a promising year for expats looking for affordable and renovation-friendly locations. Whether it’s the beachfront appeal of Portugal, the lively atmosphere of Mexico, or the low cost of Thailand, there is a country that fits your renovation dreams. Just remember to watch those property laws, find a contractor who knows their way around a standard blueprint, and don’t forget to bring your patience- because if there is one thing every renovation project has in common, it’s the surprise factor.

Are you feeling excited,  but also a bit overwhelmed by the idea of managing a renovation abroad? We get it—understanding foreign regulations, finding contractors you can trust, and keeping everything on track from miles away is a lot to handle. That’s where we come in. Our remote renovation services make the process easy.  With our help, you can focus on enjoying your new home, rather than stressing over the details. Talk to us about how we can help.

And who knows? By the time 2026 rolls around, you could be sipping coffee in your beautifully renovated home as you recount tales of permits and plumbing to your friends.