With the average price of UK properties currently around £264,000, it’s not surprising that many buyers are looking to Europe where you can get much more bang for your buck.
Although British residents can now only spend 90 out of each 180 days in Europe, buyers are snapping up properties across the continent – some for less than the price of a second hand car.
Spain is our top choice for a cheap life in the sun. Around 130,000 British over-60s live there and the UK’s cost-of-living crisis remains a big driver, despite price hikes on some Spanish goods. And Alicante is the most popular for Britons, with 76,739 living there in 2023, according to the local census.
But there are plenty of other parts of Europe that offer the chance to soak up some sunshine – and snap up deals on property.
From Slovenia, Cyprus to Sicily, here are some of the best homes on the market for under £100,000.
FRANCE
The home offers several outbuildings and plenty of land overlooking the Ernée valley
Pays de la Loire, Mayenne, Chailland
If it’s charm, character and a lot of space you’re after, this property may be the one. The stately, stone-built ‘maison de maître’ has a large kitchen/diner and lounge, four bedrooms, an office and an attic that could be converted to create even more space (pending planning permission). The home offers several outbuildings and plenty of land overlooking the Ernée valley. The pretty village of Chailland is just half a mile away, with shops, a post office, a bar/restaurant, crêperie and primary schools. The historic riverside town of Laval, 11 miles away, has a direct high-speed train line to Paris.
(£99,787/€118,000, agencethom.fr)
This lovely three-bedroom former farmhouse retains much of its period charm and character
Le Teilleul, Manche, Lower Normandy
This lovely three-bedroom former farmhouse retains much of its period charm and character. In addition to the good-sized living quarters, there’s a cellar, large adjoining outbuilding, hangar and spacious attic space. There is also the possibility of acquiring more land. Bordered by Calvados, Orne, Mayenne and Ille-et-Vilaine, the Manche department offers much to see and do including a host of museums, churches, water mills and chateaux to discover. Access is a doddle, with a range of ferry services to ports along the coastline to the north and west, as well as Caen airport 50 miles away.
(£99,781/€118,000, clefrance.co.uk)
ITALY
A compact old townhouse with oodles of potential, this two bed, two bathroom property is on sale for just £4,651
Mineo, Catania, Sicily
A compact old townhouse with oodles of potential, this two bed, two bathroom property is on sale for just £4,651. The selling agents say the building is structurally sound although of course will need plenty of work on the interior – at least £13,000, including a new bathroom for around £2,500 and another €2,500/£2,116 notary fees and stamp duty. Connected with water, gas and electricity, it is located in the picturesque medieval town of Mineo, which is peppered with ancient churches, historic buildings, atmospheric narrow streets and glorious views over valleys as well as Mount Etna. Budget airlines such as Ryanair and easyJet fly to Catania Fontarossa airport, which is 25 miles away.
(£4,651/€5,500, vivasicily.weebly.com)
This lovely stone house enjoys a beautiful location by Majella mountain and is just ten minutes’ drive from Lake Bomba in Abruzzo
Colledimezzo, Chieti, Abruzzo
This lovely stone house enjoys a beautiful location by Majella mountain and is just ten minutes’ drive from Lake Bomba in Abruzzo, an area unspoilt by mass tourism. The Adriatic coast is only a 35 minute drive away. The property is in very good condition and its attractive exposed stone interior walls add plenty of character. The ground floor has a wooden verandah overlooking the garden and surrounding hills, and there’s also a sizeable terrace. Although there are three bedrooms, the attic bedroom could be divided into two bedrooms. It is located one mile from Colledimezzo, which, with its cobbled streets and charming churches, offers a slice of authentic Italian village life.
(£99,781/€118,000, abruzzoruralproperty.com)
GREECE
This renovated two-storey, two-bed home in the traditional village of Houmeriakos is situated in a quiet lane and enjoys wonderful views of the valley and villages below
Lasithi, Áyios Nikólaos, Crete
This renovated two-storey, two-bed home in the traditional village of Houmeriakos is situated in a quiet lane and enjoys wonderful views of the valley and villages below. Ready to move in, it features a modern fitted kitchen, wood burning stoves and a living room with a dining area and access to a terrace. There’s also a roof terrace and the property is sold part-furnished and with all white appliances. The village has cafes and restaurants and there are shops and other facilities a five-minute drive at Neapolis. The charming seaside town of Áyios Nikólaos is just a 10-minute drive, while Heraklion International Airport is a 40-minute drive away.
(£97,254/€115,000, Buyandsell.gr)
This three-bedroom, two-bathroom detached house located in Gardelades, a traditional village 11 miles from the attractive capital, Corfu Town
Liapades, Corfu
This three-bedroom, two-bathroom detached house located in Gardelades, a traditional village 11 miles from the attractive capital, Corfu Town, with its numerous excellent shopping and dining choices and cultural attractions. The property is spacious and in good condition, and has a large covered balcony as well as storage space. The nearest beach is just 2.5 miles away, and five miles from the house is Palaiokastritsa, which boasts beautiful beaches and pretty landscapes.
£93,032/€110,000, rrcorfurealestate.com)
SPAIN
This well-presented two-bed mid-floor apartment is located within an established and multinational residential development
Lomas De Cabo Roig, Costa Blanca South
This well-presented two-bed mid-floor apartment is located within an established and multinational residential development that offers an attractive communal swimming pool and green areas. The interior is spacious and bright and has an east-facing sun terrace. The two double bedrooms have built-in wardrobes and the property is offered mostly furnished. Cabo Roig has two main beaches and plenty of amenities including bars, shops, restaurants, while a supermarket and shopping centre is nearby. During the summer there’s lively nightlife too. Murica-Covera and Alicante airports are just 45 minutes away.
(£99,362/€117,500, iadespana.es/en)
Just 700 metres from the beach, this two-bed apartment built in 2000 has a double bedroom and large single
Salou, Tarragona, Catalonia
Just 700 metres from the beach, this two-bed apartment built in 2000 has a double bedroom and large single. There’s a big covered terrace, and the development offers a swimming pool and a playground. Salou has plenty of family-friendly attractions and vibrant nightlife, and its setting on the beautiful Costa Daurada ensures a great choice of golden beaches and enticing turquoise waters. Neighbouring Tarragona is a delight, with narrow cobbled alleyways and pretty plazas to wander, plenty of cafes and restaurants, and churches and Roman ruins to explore.
(£99,781/€118,000, iadespana.es/en)
PORTUGAL
This studio apartment is situated in a development with two swimming pools, a tennis court and cafe/bar, and is just five minutes from the centre of Tavira on the Algarve coast
Tavira (Santa Maria e Santiago), Algarve
This studio apartment is situated in a development with two swimming pools, a tennis court and cafe/bar, and is just five minutes from the centre of Tavira on the Algarve coast. Tavira has some of the region’s best beaches, and is one of the best-preserved historic towns in the Algarve. The medieval architecture includes a castle, and pretty cobblestoned streets to explore. Ria Formosa Natural Park is nearby, with salt pans that attract flamingos, spoonbills and other wading birds, adding to the host of local attractions available.
(£97,254/€115,000, century21.pt)
CYPRUS
This fully furnished two-bedroom apartment has verandahs to the front and rear and allocated parking, and is within a residential complex with its own communal swimming pool
Frenaros, Famagusta
This fully furnished two-bedroom apartment has verandahs to the front and rear and allocated parking, and is within a residential complex with its own communal swimming pool. It is located in the popular village of Frenaros, which is around a 20-minute drive from the tourist resorts of Ayia Napa and Protaras, and 40 minutes from Larnaca International Airport. The village is famous for its red soil and delicious watermelons and its centre retains numerous historical features, including Byzantine churches dating back to the 12th century. Its an ideal place to people-watch at one of the coffee shops or tavernas.
(£94,711/€112,000, islandhomescyprus.com)
BULGARIA
Just 30 minutes to the sea and Burgas airport, this four-bedroom rural house built in 2021 has a very large plot of land extending to 9,448 square metres
Sredets, Burgas
Just 30 minutes to the sea and Burgas airport, this four-bedroom rural house built in 2021 has a very large plot of land extending to 9,448 square metres. Sold furnished, the large two master bedrooms have en-suite facilities and their own balconies. There is a small amount of work to complete some flooring and plastering on the first floor. The house offers far reaching countryside views. The little village, with a population of around 350 people, has a shop, church and mayor’s office.
(£93,019/€110,000, bulgarianpropertiesforsale.com)
MONTENEGRO
This two-bed stone house is situated in a quiet, peaceful area close to historic sites. With an open plan kitchen/salon, it also has three ruins in the grounds
Risan
This two-bed stone house is situated in a quiet, peaceful area close to historic sites. With an open plan kitchen/salon, it also has three ruins in the grounds. It’s situated in a mountainous area ideal for lovers of wild nature and outdoor pursuits. It is a 40-minute drive to the coast, 22 miles away from Kotor Old Town, and 28 miles away from Tivat Airport.
(£93,013/€110,000, sold by ntRealty Tivat via rightmove.co.uk)
HUNGARY
This three-bed villa is situated in a quiet part of Bárdudvarnok village in a beautiful valley
Bárdudvarnok, Somogy
This three-bed villa is situated in a quiet part of Bárdudvarnok village in a beautiful valley. The house was built in 1965 and features three wood burning tiled stoves and has land big enough for animal husbandry or vegetable gardening, or perhaps the construction of a guest house. A park, playground and soccer field are nearby, as is Lake Petörke, perfect for swimming and walking.
(£70,185/€83,000, immotrading.at)
LATVIA
Enjoy city centre living in one of Europe’s most attractive capitals for the price of a car parking space in central London
Riga
Enjoy city centre living in one of Europe’s most attractive capitals for the price of a car parking space in central London. The one-bedroom apartment, with an open-plan kitchen/living room, has the added advantage of being situated in a quiet courtyard. With Riga centre right on your doorstep, there are museums, concert halls and theatres nearby, and a gorgeous pedestrian-only medieval old town with plenty of shops, bars and restaurants – and low prices. This Baltic capital is also known for its beautiful wooden buildings, Art Nouveau architecture and lively nightlife.
(£63,592/€75,200, habita.com)
TURKEY
Just 800 metres from the sea, and with a shuttle bus available, this fully furnished and equipped two-bedroom, two-bathroom ground floor flat with a sizeable garden is ideal for sun and sea lovers
Adabuku, Bodrum
Just 800 metres from the sea, and with a shuttle bus available, this fully furnished and equipped two-bedroom, two-bathroom ground floor flat with a sizeable garden is ideal for sun and sea lovers. It offers a spacious living room with open kitchen and a large, airy balcony. The complex it is located in includes nearly 20 indoor and outdoor swimming pools, children’s pools, water parks, children’s play areas, a football field, basketball court, tennis courts, a golf course, viewing terraces, barbecue areas, and more. The property is near sandy beaches and private beach clubs, and spas and social facilities of five-star hotels nearby. The village centre, a ten-minute walk, has numerous restaurants, markets and shops. The surrounding area has pine forests, archaeological sites and bird sanctuaries.
(£98,500, gumusgayrimenkul.com.tr)
CROATIA
This attractive three-bedroom villa is situated in central Istria in a rural location, just a 30-minute drive from the sea
Lupoglav, Istria
Istria, in western Croatia, has around 200 miles of shoreline and is home to very pleasant resort towns and some great beaches. This attractive three-bedroom villa is situated in central Istria in a rural location, just a 30-minute drive from the sea. With two large bedrooms and one small one, the property also has a terrace. In a small village at the foot of the Ucka mountain range, the surrounding area is ideal for hiking, biking and other outdoor pursuits. The nearest shop is just five minutes by car.
(£97,261/€115,000, beverywhere.com)
SLOVENIA
This three bedroom detached house in West Slovenia requires some renovation and modernisation but is impressive, considering the low price
Tolmin
This three bedroom detached house in West Slovenia requires some renovation and modernisation but is impressive, considering the low price. It has a kitchen/diner, living room, storage areas, three bedrooms and a terrace. At the confluence of the Soca and Tolminka rivers, Tolmin has a charming old town, restaurants and cafes, a modern sports park and 1000-year-old castle ruins. Just a short walk takes you to the attractive Tolmin gorges and entrance into the Triglav National Park.
(£50,740/€60,000, beverywhere.com)