Written by Elly Herriman
Founder, Overseas Property Insider
Director of Marketing, Communication & Innovation, International Property Alerts
8 October 2026
Having lived in Marbella for around ten years, I know that choosing a home abroad involves much more than finding somewhere beautiful to spend a holiday.
The things you love during a week away might be different from what you need when you stay for a month—or move permanently. Restaurants and beaches matter, but so do supermarkets, transport, healthcare, storage and having enough space when family comes to visit.
Through my work with International Property Alerts, I see properties offering very different versions of overseas living. Some are compact apartments with shared facilities. Others are private villas, island retreats or resort homes with management services.
So, where would I look?
These are ten destinations I would put on a shortlist, depending on the buyer’s budget and plans. I have included an IPA property for each to give you something concrete to explore, alongside a buying guide.
They are starting points for research. The right choice comes down to how you want to use the home, what ownership arrangements are available to you and the full cost of keeping it.
Property details and advertised prices were checked against IPA listings on 8 October 2026. Availability, prices, tenure, completion status and purchase terms may change and should be confirmed when enquiring.
1. Lagos, Portugal — For a Home You Can Enjoy Beyond Summer
What appeals to me about the featured Lagos apartment is its practicality.
When I look at an overseas home, I think about everyday use. Is there room for visitors? Where will suitcases and household items go? Can you enjoy the area without making every outing a major journey?
A central apartment with three bedrooms and storage answers some of those questions before you even start looking at the interiors.
A Property to Explore: Three-Bedroom Apartment in Lagos
Advertised price: €550,000
Three bedrooms | Two bathrooms | 108.2 m²
The apartment is advertised as furnished, with an open-plan living and dining room, balcony access and a fitted kitchen with an enclosed utility room.
One bedroom has an en-suite bathroom and its own balcony. There is also a private basement storage room, air conditioning, double glazing and electric shutters.
The listing places it near Lagos marina, the historic centre and beaches.
My take: This is the kind of property I would explore for regular stays with family or friends. The utility room and storage may be less glamorous than a sea view, but they can make a real difference when you are using a home properly.
The question I would ask: What are the annual running costs, and can the property legally be rented in the way I intend?
Explore the property:
https://internationalpropertyalerts.com/property/3-bedroom-apartment-for-sale-in-lagos/
Portugal buying guide:
Portugal: Three-bedroom apartment for sale in Lagos, Algarve, offering furnished interiors and a central location.
2. Benahavís, Spain — For Terrace Living and a Residential Setting
Spain is the destination on this list where I have the strongest personal connection.
Having spent around ten years in Marbella, I would look carefully at how a property fits into everyday life. The address alone would never make the decision for me. I would want to understand the immediate surroundings, access to the places I use and whether the home feels comfortable outside the main holiday season.
For an apartment, a usable terrace would be high on my list.
A Property to Explore: Two-Bedroom Apartment at Altura 160
Advertised starting price: €499,000
Two bedrooms | Two bathrooms | 103 m²
Altura 160 is advertised as a development of 60 apartments across five buildings in the Los Jaralillos area of Benahavís.
The listing describes large terraces, parking and private storage, with access to facilities at La Hacienda del Señorío de Cifuentes. Advertised shared amenities include four swimming pools, gardens, a gym, coworking space and concierge service.
My take: This could suit someone who wants a contemporary Costa del Sol apartment and values the facilities around it. I would pay particular attention to the terrace’s orientation, privacy and how much of it I would actually use.
The question I would ask: Which facilities are included in the community charges, and what will the chosen apartment’s outlook be?
Explore the property:
Spain buying guide:
Spain: Two-bedroom apartment at Altura 160 in Benahavís, Costa del Sol, with a terrace and access to shared leisure facilities.
3. Nyanyi, Bali — For a Furnished Base with Separate Living Space
Bali offers a very different proposition from a Mediterranean apartment.
For me, the useful starting point is the individual property: what you are purchasing, how it is laid out and whether it works for the length of stay you have in mind.
A furnished residence with a separate bedroom, kitchen and living area is worth comparing with more compact accommodation, particularly if you plan to spend extended periods there.
A Property to Explore: Modern One-Bedroom Residence in Nyanyi
Advertised price: US$145,000
One bedroom | One bathroom | 60 m²
Listed within UNIT SPACE CITY, this residence is advertised as fully furnished and equipped with appliances, with separate kitchen and living areas, a private terrace and garden.
Advertised development facilities include swimming pools, a restaurant, café, coworking space, yoga area, sauna and cold plunge. The listing places the development close to Nuanu’s cultural and lifestyle spaces.
My take: The separate living areas and outdoor space are what draw my attention here. I would want a home to feel comfortable during an ordinary day, including days when I am working or staying in.
The question I would ask: Exactly what legal interest does the purchase provide, for how long, and what are the management and renewal terms?
Explore the property:
https://internationalpropertyalerts.com/property/modern-1-bedroom-residence-for-sale-in-nyanyi-bali/
Bali buying guide:
Bali: Furnished one-bedroom residence for sale in Nyanyi, Bali, with a private terrace and garden near Nuanu.
4. Dubai, UAE — For Buyers Who Prefer an Urban Apartment
If your priority is an apartment in a city setting, Dubai belongs in a different comparison from an island villa or coastal retreat.
I would start by looking at the building, the neighbourhood and the costs attached to ownership. Shared amenities can be appealing, but I would want to know how they translate into service charges and everyday use.
A Property to Explore: Binghatti Hillside at Dubai Science Park
Advertised starting price: AED 775,000
Featured studio: 34 m² | One bathroom
The IPA listing describes Binghatti Hillside as a 25-storey development by Binghatti Developers, offering studios and one-bedroom residences.
Advertised features include smart-home integration, a swimming pool, gym, children’s play area, spa, sauna and electric vehicle charging stations.
A 60/40 payment plan is also advertised, subject to confirmation for the chosen unit.
My take: This provides a clear starting point for a buyer researching a smaller Dubai apartment. I would compare the studio with one-bedroom options and consider how each fits the intended use.
The question I would ask: What are the full payment obligations, expected service charges and confirmed handover arrangements?
Explore the property:
https://internationalpropertyalerts.com/property/binghatti-hillside-at-dubai-science-park/
UAE buying guide:
https://internationalpropertyalerts.com/country-guides/the-complete-guide-to-buying-property-in-uae/
Dubai: Binghatti Hillside at Dubai Science Park offers studios and one-bedroom apartments with contemporary amenities.
5. Thalang, Phuket, Thailand — For Space and a Private Pool
For someone who wants an overseas home with space to entertain, a private pool villa offers a different experience from an apartment with shared facilities.
I would still look beyond the pool photographs. The layout, maintenance arrangements and legal structure of the purchase would be central to my decision.
A Property to Explore: Luxury Pool Villa at AYANA Soluna Villas
Advertised price: THB 26,922,000
Three bedrooms | Three bathrooms | 350.9 m²
Located in Si Sunthon, Thalang, the villa is advertised within a development of 62 villas.
The Type A design includes a spacious living room with a 4.5-metre ceiling and a private 10-metre swimming pool.
The wider development advertises a community garden, children’s recreation area, fitness centre and security, alongside property management and additional resident services.
My take: This is one to explore if generous living space and a private outdoor area are priorities. I would want a clear understanding of who maintains the pool and grounds when I am away.
The question I would ask: What land and building arrangements are being offered, and are they appropriate for my circumstances? Foreign nationals generally cannot own land in Thailand, so independent legal advice is essential.
Explore the property:
Thailand buying guide:
Thailand: Three-bedroom private pool villa at AYANA Soluna Villas in Thalang, Phuket, with spacious indoor and outdoor living areas.
6. Meneou, Larnaca, Cyprus — For a Smaller Home with Shared Amenities
A smaller apartment can be a sensible option for buyers who do not need several bedrooms or a large private garden.
The important comparison is between the space inside the home and the facilities available around it. I would also want to know which amenities will be operating when I start using the property.
A Property to Explore: One-Bedroom Apartment at The Ring
Advertised starting price: €185,000
One bedroom | One bathroom | 49 m²
The apartment at The Ring in Meneou, near Larnaca, is advertised with contemporary interiors and a private balcony.
The wider development’s advertised offering includes four swimming pools, fitness and wellness facilities, Pilates and yoga spaces, sports courts, mini golf, coworking areas and dining facilities.
My take: This could appeal to someone who wants a compact Mediterranean base and expects to use the shared facilities regularly. I would assess the apartment’s storage and balcony space as carefully as the resort offering.
The question I would ask: What is included in the purchase price and communal charges, and when will each advertised facility be available?
Explore the property:
Cyprus buying guide:
One-bedroom apartment at The Ring in Meneou near Larnaca, Cyprus, with a private balcony and advertised resort facilities.
7. Kythnos, Greece — For Buyers Whose Priority Is the Setting
A seafront home can have an emotional pull that is difficult to capture in a spreadsheet.
This Kythnos listing is the kind of property where the setting would attract my attention first. After that, I would look closely at the practicalities of using an island home throughout the periods I planned to visit.
A Property to Explore: Seafront House on Kythnos
Advertised price: €450,000
Advertised house area: 107 m² | Plot: 4,369 m²
The property is described as a two-storey house on the island’s west coast, positioned on a peninsula with panoramic sea views and direct access to the sea.
The substantial plot offers a different proposition from an apartment within a managed development.
My take: This could suit a buyer seeking privacy and a strong connection to the coastal setting. I would want to understand the approach to the house, the outdoor terrain and the upkeep required.
The question I would ask: Are the boundaries, buildings and advertised sea access legally confirmed, and how practical is travel during my preferred months?
Explore the property:
https://internationalpropertyalerts.com/property/extraordinary-seafront-house-in-kythnos-island/
Greece buying guide:
Seafront house for sale on Kythnos, Greece, with panoramic Aegean Sea views and a substantial plot.
8. Chicxulub, Mexico — For a Coastal Home with Room for Guests
If family and friends are likely to visit, the number of bedrooms can quickly become a deciding factor.
This Chicxulub condominium provides a three-bedroom option on the Yucatán coast, with advertised shared pools and coastal views.
A Property to Explore: Three-Bedroom Condo at Olamar Essence
Advertised starting price: MXN 4,150,000
Three bedrooms | Two bathrooms | 1,324 sq ft
Olamar Essence is described as a development of 32 condominiums, with a beach-style pool and four rooftop pools.
The featured condo is advertised with a balcony and ocean and lagoon views.
The original currency matters here. IPA displays US$218,000 for search purposes, while the description states that three-bedroom units start at MXN 4,150,000. A current quotation should be obtained in the contract currency.
My take: The guest space is a useful part of this property’s appeal. I would compare the specific available units, because outlook, floor level and balcony position can change how a home feels.
The question I would ask: What is the current peso price for the exact unit, and what ownership arrangement and ongoing charges apply?
Explore the property:
https://internationalpropertyalerts.com/property/3-bedroom-chicxulub-condo/
Mexico buying guide:
Three-bedroom condominium at Olamar Essence in Chicxulub, Mexico, with advertised ocean and lagoon views.
9. Istria, Croatia — For a Second Home with Resort Services
Some buyers want the independence of their own overseas home while having services available around them.
That is the proposition I would explore at Petram Resort & Residences in northwestern Istria. The details of the management agreement would matter as much as the apartment itself.
A Property to Explore: Apartment A-31 at Petram Resort
Advertised price: €831,906, including furniture
Two bedrooms | 81.40 m² living area | 18.80 m² balcony
The listing specifies a sea-view balcony and an outdoor parking space.
Its calculated net area is 93.80 m², which is distinct from the internal living area.
Advertised resort facilities include pools, spa and wellness areas, dining and concierge services. A rental management programme is also described.
My take: This could suit someone who values a furnished home with hospitality services nearby. I would want to establish how personal use works, particularly if the apartment also enters a rental programme.
The question I would ask: What control would I retain over my own stays, and what fees and obligations apply under the management agreement?
Explore the property:
Croatia buying guide:
Two-bedroom apartment at Petram Resort in Istria, Croatia, with a sea-view balcony and access to resort services.
10. Haines City, Florida, USA — For Family Visits in a Resort Community
For a family overseas home, I would look closely at the layout and the facilities that people will genuinely use.
A three-bedroom townhouse offers room to stay together, while shared resort amenities can add to the experience without requiring a large private garden.
A Property to Explore: Three-Bedroom Townhouse at Balmoral Resort
Advertised price: US$289,000
Three bedrooms | 2.5 bathrooms | 162.39 m²
Located in Haines City, the townhouse features an open-plan living and dining area and a modern kitchen with an island.
The listing describes access to a clubhouse, barbecue and grill area, and a family water park.
My take: This is a useful option to explore for buyers planning visits with children, relatives or friends. I would calculate the annual costs before deciding whether it makes sense for the number of weeks I expect to use it.
The question I would ask: What are the association fees, insurance costs and rental restrictions, and who handles maintenance when I am away?
Explore the property:
https://internationalpropertyalerts.com/property/3-bedroom-townhouse-at-balmoral-resort-florida/
Central Florida buying guide:
Three-bedroom townhouse for sale at Balmoral Resort in Haines City, Florida, with open-plan interiors and shared leisure amenities.
What Would Make Me Choose One Over Another?
I would begin with an ordinary day.
Where would I buy groceries? How would I get around? Would the home feel comfortable if I stayed in all day? Is there enough room when family visits? Who would help if something needed repairing while I was in the UK?
Those questions make a shortlist more useful.
I would then compare the full cost of ownership. The asking price is only part of the budget. Legal fees, taxes, insurance, communal charges, maintenance and currency transfers all need to be considered.
If rental income formed part of the plan, I would want a realistic assessment after expenses, including management costs and vacant periods. I would also check that the proposed rental use is permitted.
Finally, I would establish exactly what I was purchasing. Ownership rights, lease terms, title, permissions and contractual protections deserve independent professional attention before any commitment.
The property that photographs best will not necessarily be the one that works best for your life.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ask Elly: Where Could Your Overseas Property Search Take You?
You do not need to have chosen a country before starting the conversation.
Perhaps you know you want more sunshine, somewhere for family holidays or a home you can use for longer stays. Perhaps you are comparing two very different destinations and need help making the search more focused.
Through Overseas Property Insider and my work with International Property Alerts, I can help you explore options and connect with relevant property professionals.
Tell me what you want the property to do for you, not just what you want it to look like.
Elly Herriman
Founder, Overseas Property Insider
Director of Marketing, Communication & Innovation, International Property Alerts
Email: elly@internationalpropertyalerts.com
Phone / WhatsApp: +44 7796 174253
Overseas Property Insider:
https://www.overseaspropertyinsider.com/
Explore IPA properties:
https://internationalpropertyalerts.com/
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