With the economy supposedly getting better and house prices starting to level off, what will $250K get you these days?

The global economy is slowly (but surely!) rebuilding itself. In my part of the world (Newfoundland), $250K will buy a one-room shanty on the outskirts of town… and that’s a bargain. If you’re considering becoming a homeowner, why not turn your sights abroad? Here’s where you can get the most bang for your buck.

(Note: All prices are in USD and are approximations).

1

Fernhill, New Zealand / $250k / 3 bed, 2 bath

This place is large and modern and has a balcony with epic views of the lake. It's the kind of home I’ll swap my dingy townhouse rental for in a few years, when I want to start having babies and settling down. We’ll probably have a golden retriever named Jasper.

2

Diani Beach, Kenya / $250k / 5 bed, 5 bath

This property is a villa near the coast, part of a group of eight set among tropical gardens with over 200 different types of plant. There’s a huge pool with an underwater sound system (underwater aerobics, anyone?), massage jets, waterfall and waterslide. It’s pretty much a water-world dreamland.

3

Thasos, Greece / $250k / 3 bed, 2 bath

This residence has a fireplace and air-conditioning, a private garden, and an outdoor deck to die for. I can totally see myself curled up there with a bottle of bourbon and a good book. It’s also part of a complex, so you get all the sweet extras like a tennis court and pool. Oh, did I mention it’s in an olive grove?

Intermission

Culture

19 Funny, Sarcastic, and No-Nonsense Trini Sayings You'll Want To Start Using Every Day

May 3, 2022 Suzanne Bhagan
Travel

How To Make the Most of a Weekend Trip To the Catskills on a Budget

May 12, 2022 John Garry
Travel

Everything You Need To Know About Tipping at Hotels

Apr 19, 2022 Eben Diskin
4

San Ignacio, Brazil / $250k / 4 bed, 3 bath

This property is actually TWO buildings: a main two-storey house, and a smaller, one-storey building suitable for rentals or office space. The main house comes with air conditioning, a balcony, and a landscaped garden with one hell of a swimming pool. There’s also a two-car carport with remote control gate.

5

Atenas, Costa Rica / $230k / 3 bed, 2 bath

This house is brand new and comes with a large garden, a pool, and mad views out over the valley.

6

San Pedro, Philippines / $164k / 4 bed, 3 bath

This home is in a gated community which includes swimming pool, club/party house, hedge gardens, and manicured lawns. It’s also been renovated twice!

7

Pattaya, Thailand / $223k / 1 bed, 2 bath

This furnished top-floor condo already comes with all the appliances, and includes high speed Internet and a large balcony. The building has a laundry room, pool, gym/spa, 24 hour security and car parking, and a great view of the ocean. All you have to do is move in.

Intermission

Outdoor

11 Sunscreens You Can Wear This Summer That Won't Harm Coral Reefs

May 5, 2022 Jo Jackson
Travel

Everything You Need To Know About Tipping at Hotels

Apr 19, 2022 Eben Diskin
Travel

Common Mistakes That Are Costing You Money on Your Trip To Europe

Apr 27, 2022 Eben Diskin
8

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil / $250k / 3 bed, 4 bath

Villa near Rio with view of the ocean. Has a pool and sauna, and a separate caretaker house complete with resident caretaker - leaving you free to concentrate on the sunsets.

9

Naxxar, Malta / $243k / 2 bed, 1 bath

Built in the 1700s, this two-storey home has a roof top terrace for you to catch some rays, and a very open living area. Sadly, Hobbits not included.

10

Davutlar, near Kusadasi, Turkey / $169k / 4 bed, 2 bath

This villa is part of a village complex, not far from somewhere called Paradise Beach, and with a view of the Dilek Mountains. It's decked with marble, has an open fireplace for the winter, and a rooftop balcony with barbecue for the (long) summer.

11

Puerto Vallarta, Mexico / $250k / 2 bed, 2 bath

Newly built condo in the center of Puerto Vallarta with private balcony, and pool.

Intermission

Lifestyle

8 Questions LGBTQ+ Travelers Should Ask Before Traveling Abroad

Mar 21, 2022 Meg Cale
Travel

Common Mistakes That Are Costing You Money on Your Trip To Europe

Apr 27, 2022 Eben Diskin
News

This Frequent Traveler Has an Ingenious System To Travel for Free and Even Get Paid for It

Apr 7, 2022 Olivia Harden
12

Nova Scotia, Canada / $246k / 3 bed, 2 bath

This coastal property in the town of Mavillette sits on 3 acres of land and overlooks the beach and Cape St. Mary. One of its best perks for the environmentally friendly folk is the on-site windmill, providing 75% of needed power required for the household.

13

Cairo, Egypt / $217k / 3 bed, 3 bath

Whoever decorated this apartment has got some mad skills. By far my favourite piece of property on the list, how could I possibly get bored in a “Four Seasons” themed apartment? Details are sparse, but I don’t care. There’s a freaking purple couch.