Housing - Expat Magazine
Language is often a curious thing. The same word can mean many different things depending on the local context. For example, "furnished" is not a universal constant. When moving to a new country and deciding whether to rent a furnished or unfurnished property, many expats find the term a false friend.
France
This measure has largely gone unnoticed, but it will affect many international students in France. From July 1, 2026, non-European international students in France, without a scholarship, will no longer be eligible for housing assistance (APL).
So you've decided to have a roommate. As an expat, this is often a reasonable idea. You are in a new place, you want to save money, and looking for an apartment on your own may seem a bit intimidating. But how do you go about looking for a roommate? More importantly, how do you go about it safely and efficiently?
Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 is expected to drive more changes in 2026. One of the biggest shifts is the opening of the property market to expat residents and Emirati nationals. At the same time, authorities are tightening the tone toward self-employed expats, reminding them that being self-employed is only possible if residency rules are fully respected.
England
For many expats, managing money can feel like a balancing act, from switching currencies, sending money home, to wondering where to put their hard-earned cash so it grows rather than shrinks. During my time living and working in Bangkok, I found myself hopping from stocks to ISAs to crypto, chasing the next big thing. Looking back, those trends changed as quickly (and as chaotically) as the monsoon downpour, and so did my confidence in where my money was going. However, one wealth-building strategy that has stood the test of time across generations and borders is property. Whether you plan to stay abroad forever or eventually return home, property can provide a powerful way to grow your net worth, generate income, and create long-term security.
For many expats, rent or mortgage payments swallow the biggest share of their budget. In Dubai, the tide is turning: new apartments keep flooding the market, but tenants and buyers are thinning out. The result? Landlords are dangling free months of rent and higher-end finishes to keep properties filled. And Dubai isn't the only place where housing incentives are reshaping the market. From €1 homes in Europe to tax breaks in Japan, where can expats find the best deals right now?
Spain
Spain's housing crisis shows little sign of improvement. With rents soaring, both locals and expats are being priced out of their homes. Some are forced to move further from city centers in search of affordable options, while others face the difficult decision to leave the country altogether. For many expats, the Spain they experience today feels far removed from the one they once embraced.
United Arab Emirates
Now is the time to invest in Dubai real estate. On the one hand, new housing projects keep springing up. On the other hand, tenants and buyers are becoming fewer and harder to find. This slowdown in demand works in their favor, forcing landlords to roll out generous incentives.
So, you're about to rent your first place abroad. After jumping through all the hoops to secure your residence permit, you're probably just looking forward to settling in and enjoying your new home. But hold on — there's another round of formalities ahead. What should you ask before signing a lease overseas? Here's your essential checklist, along with smart tips to help you steer clear of unpleasant surprises.
Thinking of buying property abroad? It's a dream for many—and with the right preparation, it can become reality. But just like buying a home in your own country, investing in real estate overseas comes with its own set of rules. Before you sign anything, make sure you understand the local laws, legal procedures, and required documents. Contracts, regulations, and paperwork can vary widely—and so can the risks. So what should you look out for? What are the common mistakes to avoid?
United Arab Emirates
Sharjah has unveiled a bold new opportunity for foreign investment: a 100-year lease for non-Arab expatriates. This long-term lease scheme is part of the AI Saja'a Industrial Land project, launched by ASAS Real Estate, the property development arm of Sharjah Islamic Bank.
Renting accommodation is an essential step when settling abroad. However, understanding local practices is crucial to avoid pitfalls when renting in a foreign country. Whether you are already in the host country or not, what should you consider before signing a rental agreement? What are the differences between short-term and long-term rentals?
Despite the global real estate downturn, property investment continues to be popular among expatriates. The enduring need for housing ensures its appeal, with the main question being the investment method. Should you build a custom home or opt for a ready-to-move in property?
Housesitting and petsitting have become popular solutions for expats looking to address three common travel challenges: saving money, securing their homes, and caring for their pets. But how do you find the best deals during holiday seasons, and how can you ensure that the person you're entrusting your home and pets to is reliable? Here are some useful tips to guide you.
Expats and prospective expats are increasingly confronted with a severe housing crisis. Landlords are responding to market trends by offering accommodations at discounted rates, striving to stay competitive. However, this race to the bottom often carries hidden costs that exceed expectations. Here's a detailed analysis.
The global real estate crisis has evolved into a housing crisis. In countries like Canada, the United States, France, China, Portugal, and Italy, emergency measures are now entwined with political pledges, making it difficult for investors to plan for the long term. Real estate professionals are directing them towards a lesser-known option: investing in bare ownership. Which countries favor this type of investment? How does it help in addressing the housing crisis?
Taxes are a word few people like. In fact, some choose to relocate for this reason only – to escape them. And this is not entirely impossible - as different countries have different approaches to taxation – especially when it comes to non-residents. Today, we are looking into real estate taxes—more precisely, the countries that don't impose them on non-residents.
Are you looking to rent or buy a house in a new country? You might be in for a few surprises when it comes to the real estate market and how people live on your house-hunting journey. Here are some ways homes differ around the world.
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