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?

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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.

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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.

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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.

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