Two Scenarios, One Budget
The most affordable places to buy property in Europe is a topic that can reveal dramatic contrasts. Imagine two scenarios. In the first, your budget of €100,000 barely allows you to acquire a small studio apartment in one of Europe’s prestigious cities, where every square meter is as expensive as a work of art. In the second, that very same budget opens the doors to a world of possibilities: a spacious apartment in a capital city center, a cozy house with a garden, or even multiple properties that generate a stable income.
This is not a fantasy, but the reality of the European real estate market. The price difference between countries is so vast that, by knowing where to look, you can turn a modest budget into a serious investment. This report is your guide, where the price for a dream is not astronomical but quite real.
Central & Eastern Europe: Prices That Surprise
This is where the story of affordability begins. These markets offer the lowest prices on the continent while demonstrating impressive growth potential. They are perfectly suited for investors looking for maximum return on every euro invested.
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Romania: The capital of Romania, Bucharest, is one of the most underrated markets. Here, the average price per square meter is only €1,200 – €1,860. According to reports, rental rates are growing by 7-8% per year, which makes the city a magnet for investors seeking high returns. With €100,000 here, you can acquire a modern two-bedroom apartment in a new residential complex in a developing area or a spacious apartment in the old city center, which would be ideal for long-term rental.
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Bulgaria: Sofia consistently ranks among the most affordable EU capitals. The average price per square meter here is around €1,150 – €1,300. Meanwhile, in 2023, the Sofia real estate market grew by 9-10%, and this growth continues in 2025. With €100,000 in Sofia, you can become the owner of a comfortable two-bedroom apartment of 80-90 sq. m. in a residential area or even a studio in the very center.
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Poland: Kraków, known for its history and tech sector, offers excellent prices. The average cost per square meter here is about €1,500 – €1,800. The city attracts students and young professionals, which ensures high rental demand and, consequently, stable returns. With €100,000 in Kraków, you can find a small but fully ready-to-rent studio near a university, which is a classic and winning investment strategy.
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Bosnia and Herzegovina: For the most daring investors, there is Sarajevo. This historically rich city has a developing market with prices that make it one of the most affordable on the continent.
These markets represent not only low prices but also the potential for significant future growth.
Southern Europe: Sun, Sea, and Value
Southern Europe is not just about the luxury of the French Riviera. Beyond the popular tourist centers, you can find real gems where you can buy a dream property at a very reasonable price.
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Italy: If you move away from tourist centers like Florence or Rome, you will discover regions where prices are incredibly attractive. For example, in Sicily or Puglia, you can find homes at an average price of around €1,100 – €1,900 per square meter. It is in Italy that you can find the famous €1 homes, which, however, require significant investment. With €100,000 in a small town in southern Italy, you can buy a spacious old house that, after restoration, will become an ideal place to live or rent out.
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Greece: Athens and especially Thessaloniki offer surprisingly affordable prices. The average cost per square meter in Thessaloniki is about €1,300, and in Athens, it is about €1,700. At the same time, rental yields in these cities are considered among the highest in the country.
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Portugal: Porto, although not the cheapest city, is still more affordable than Lisbon. Here, property prices average about €2,000 per square meter. At the same time, Porto combines the charm of the old world with modern development, which makes it attractive to investors.
These markets are ideal for those who are looking for a balance between affordability, quality of life, and investment potential.
Real-World Examples: What €100,000 Buys You
To understand how vast the price difference is, let’s look at what you can buy for a fixed budget of €100,000.
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In France: On the French-Property.com website, you can find a three-bedroom house of 94 sq. m with a plot in the rural Centre-Val de Loire region for €95,000. In Brittany, for €34,000, you can buy a stone cottage of 200 sq. m that requires complete renovation.
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In Croatia: In Zagreb, for €100,000, you can find a one-bedroom apartment of about 40 square meters, which may require additional investment.
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In Sweden: For €99,500, you can acquire a charming country house with a classic red facade in a picturesque area, which is perfect for a vacation.
Such examples clearly show that in Europe, you can find property for every taste and budget if you know where to look.
Forecast for 2026: Time for Decisive Action
According to Eurostat data, in the first quarter of 2025, house prices in the EU grew by 5.7% compared to the previous year. Analysts expect that price growth will continue, especially in countries that are recovering fastest.
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Recovery and Growth: Property prices in Eastern Europe are rising, and the trend is likely to continue. Countries with developing economies and great potential will attract more and more investors.
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Shift in Focus: Buyers and investors are increasingly moving away from overheated Western European markets and looking for opportunities where they can get the maximum return on their money.
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“Golden Visa”: In countries like Greece, Portugal, and Italy, “Golden Visa” programs continue to stimulate demand from foreign buyers, which also contributes to price growth.
Conclusion: The Art of Finding Value
Choosing the most affordable places to buy property in Europe is an art that requires not only knowledge but also courage. It’s not just about finding low prices, but about finding hidden value and potential.
The hope of buying a dream home in Europe or making a profitable investment is alive. And it is not found in the most famous capitals, but in those places that offer a unique lifestyle, a growing economy, and, most importantly, an opportunity where your budget of €100,000 can be the key to success.
European Real Estate Market Statistics 2025.
External Resources:
- 10 European Cities with the Most Affordable Real Estate Markets in 2025 – Hurghadians Property (https://hurghadiansproperty.com/10-european-cities-with-the-most-affordable-real-estate-markets-in-2025/)
- Best European Countries for Real Estate Investment in 2025 – Global Property Guide (https://www.globalpropertyguide.com/investor-insights/best-european-countries-for-real-estate-investment)
- Indice dei prezzi degli affitti in Italia 2024 – Blog di Spacest.com (https://blog.roomlessrent.com/mercato-immobiliare/affitti/indice-dei-prezzi-degli-affitti-in-italia-2024/)
- Buying Property in Europe: Top Real Estate Investment Countries – Global Citizen Solutions (https://www.globalcitizensolutions.com/best-place-to-buy-property-in-europe/)
- House price index – Statistics Explained – Eurostat – European Commission (https://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/statistics-explained/index.php/Housing_price_statistics_-_house_price_index)
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- Resi rent prices continue to grow across Europe in Q1 2025 | NEWS – Property Forum (https://www.property-forum.eu/news/resi-rent-prices-continue-to-grow-across-europe-in-q1-2025/19991)
- What can Zagreb buy for 100,000 eur? – Euro-Interijeri (https://www.euro-interijeri.hr/en/blog/sto-su-zagrebu-moze-kupiti-za-100-000-eura)
- Houses for sale in France up to €100000 – French-Property.com (https://www.french-property.com/properties-for-sale?maximum_price=100000&property_types_all=house)
- Houses For Sale In Europe For Less Than €100,000 – Homestra (https://homestra.com/list/houses-for-sale/?maximum-price=100000)
- What investment property can a budget of €100000 buy in Europe? – Tranio (https://tranio.com/articles/what-investment-property-can-a-budget-of-eur100-000-buy-in-europe/)
- Your Guide to Cheap Homes in Europe – Residaro (https://residaro.com/blog/cheap-homes-in-europe)
- The Most & Least Affordable European Cities To Buy A Home – CIA Landlords (https://www.cia-landlords.co.uk/news/the-most-least-affordable-european-cities-to-buy-a-home/)
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