Pocket Money Real Estate
“Can you still find property for US$50,000 or less?” asks Overseas Retirement Letter Editor-in-Chief Lynn Mulvihill in the current issue.
“That was the initial challenge I set for myself for this month’s issue. Only I didn’t leave it at that…
“Of course you can find a building lot for less than US$50,000. And, if you look, you can find plenty of opportunities for small renovation projects for relatively small change…and closet apartments in fallen-down suburbs across the globe.
“But can a retiree find a comfortable home, in move-in condition, in a part of the world where he might actually want to spend time, for less than US$50,000?
“Those were the criteria for my search for real estate to feature in the property section of this month’s Overseas Retirement Letter. I turned up interesting results…
In Kaposvar, Hungary
The town of Kaposvar, in the Lake Balaton region of Hungary, has good infrastructure, a pretty town center, thermal spa, hospital, and a shopping center. The property in question is located 15 minutes outside Kaposvar, in a small village that is 20 minutes from the south shore of the lake. On just over an acre (with fruit trees), the rustic house has a lounge, two bedrooms, a bathroom, cellar, garage, and an outbuilding. Price: US$47,978.
In Antipolo, Philippines
This detached Western-owned and furnished home is part of the Maia Alta development, 10 minutes from the center of Antipolo town. More than 1,800 square feet inside, the house has a kitchen/dining/living room, two bedrooms, a maid’s room, bathroom, and a utility room, with air-conditioning in all rooms and mosquito screens fitted to all doors and windows. The development has a swimming pool, tennis courts, chapel, and a shop. Price is much lower than comparable new units for a quick sale. Price: US$40,000.
In Kroustas, Greece
This furnished country cottage is located just five minutes from Krista on the Greek island of Crete. Property includes open-plan living room/kitchen, double bedroom, and shower room. Too small for some, at just 327 square feet, it has the advantage of being close to the charming village of Krista with its little shops, tavernas, and cafés, as well as a doctor’s office, bank, and a school. The nearest beach is 6 miles away, and there’s regular bus service to the popular tourist spot of Agios Nikolaos. Price: US$31,464.
In Veliko Tarnovo, Bulgaria
Located in a big village, 3 miles from the Sofia-Varna Highway, this property is 15 miles from the amenities of Veliko Tarnovo and 10 miles from the town of Strajitsa. The village is in a peaceful area with opportunities for leisure and recreation and is well supplied with shops, bars, a post office, and regular bus transport. The house is fully renovated with two bedrooms, a large living room, kitchen, bathroom, and a large basement to serve as a tavern. The garden has a terrace with a mountain view. Price: US$43,566.
In Irsina, Italy
This charming property in Italy’s Basilicata Region is part of a sustainable tourism project backed by the local city council. The listed price includes the property purchase, restoration work, and furnishings, so the buyer would have a turn-key property at handover. Called “Casa dell’Impagliatore” (“House of the Basket Weaver”), this two-bedroom apartment is 708 square feet and overlooks the square at the heart of the village, which can be used for outdoor living and dining. Features include original marble tiles. Price: US$42,356.
Full contact details for each of these Pocket Money Real Estate finds are featured in the current issue of the Overseas Retirement Letter, in production now.
Kathleen Peddicord
