Why Vacation Property Still Makes Sense in 2025
With travel fully back on track and flexible work becoming more mainstream, interest in vacation properties in Europe has seen renewed momentum. A second home in Europe isn’t just about leisure - it can serve as a remote work base, a seasonal rental, or part of a relocation strategy.
Improvements in property legislation and digital services also mean that buying a home abroad is more accessible than ever. Countries with lower property taxes, simplified ownership rules, and visa benefits tied to real estate are seeing increased demand for property investment in Europe.
For those seeking smart strategies, we also recommend reading How to Profit from Real Estate Investments in Europe: Strategies, Markets, and Mistakes to Avoid.
Cost Comparison of 1-Bedroom Apartments in 2025
How We Collected the Data
We analyzed over 50 publicly available listings in each region, focusing exclusively on 1-bedroom apartments. Luxury and outlier properties were excluded to ensure realistic market estimates. All figures reflect verified data from early June 2025.
<table> <tbody> <tr class="blue-row" > <td><strong>Country</strong></td> <td><strong>Region/City</strong></td> <td><strong>Avg. Price (1-bed apt)</strong></td> <td><strong>Avg. Area (m²)</strong></td> <td><strong>Avg. Price per m²</strong></td> </tr> <tr> <td>Bulgaria</td> <td>Varna</td> <td>€85,842</td> <td>62.6 m²</td> <td>€1,380</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Bulgaria</td> <td>Burgas</td> <td>€57,406</td> <td>57.1 m²</td> <td>€1,004</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Romania</td> <td>Constanța</td> <td>€104,919</td> <td>55.05 m²</td> <td>€1,905</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Albania</td> <td>Durrës</td> <td>€92,221</td> <td>64.29 m²</td> <td>€1,435</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Turkey</td> <td>Antalya Region</td> <td>€87,655</td> <td>56.1 m²</td> <td>€1,560</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Montenegro</td> <td>Budva Region</td> <td>€178,948</td> <td>51.02 m²</td> <td>€3,500</td> </tr> </tbody> </table>All data reflects listings and market conditions as of early June 2025.
Why These Countries Are the Best for a Budget Vacation Home
Bulgaria – Lowest prices in EU, easy property process, sea access
Romania – EU protections, cultural coast, stable returns
Albania – Rapid growth, investor-friendly, low taxes
Turkey – Residency options, coastal lifestyle, global hub
Montenegro – Euro-based economy, strong summer rental demand, stunning scenery
These destinations are considered the best countries to invest in real estate in Europe due to their low entry costs and strong long-term potential.
1. Bulgaria: Varna & Burgas
Bulgaria stands out as one of the cheapest places to buy property in Europe 2025. On the Black Sea coast, Varna is known for its cultural scene, clean beaches, and large expat population. Property prices remain modest considering the seaside access and developed infrastructure. The average 1-bedroom apartment costs just over €85,000 for more than 60 square meters. Apartments for sale in Varna are especially attractive for retirees and digital nomads.
Further south, Burgas offers an even cheaper entry point into vacation home ownership in Europe. With access to Sozopol, Nessebar, and Sunny Beach nearby, the area is popular among seasonal travelers. With prices averaging €57,000 per apartment, buying property in Bulgaria as a foreigner combines affordability with investment potential. Property in Burgas by the sea continues to see rising interest. For a deeper dive, check out Investing in Bulgarian Resort Real Estate: Is It Worth It?
2. Romania: Constanța
Located on the Black Sea coast, Constanța is Romania’s premier summer destination. The city blends historic charm, sandy beaches, and increasing international interest. While more expensive than Bulgaria, the city still offers good value with a price per m² around €1,900. Apartments in Constanța near the beach are highly sought after during peak season.
The broader Dobrogea region around Constanța also includes smaller towns where property prices can fall well below €100,000—especially outside the peak coastline. If you're curious about which areas across Europe still offer such opportunities, check out our article Where in Europe Can You Buy a House for Less Than 100,000 Euros in 2025?
3. Albania: Durrës
The Albanian Riviera continues to gain popularity in 2025. Durrës, the country’s second-largest city, offers long sandy beaches, Mediterranean climate, and proximity to Tirana’s international airport. Prices remain low by European standards, averaging just over €92,000 per 1-bedroom apartment. Real estate for sale in Durrës is increasingly viewed as a smart entry-level investment.
Albania’s property taxes are minimal, and the buying process is straightforward for foreigners. With infrastructure projects underway and more direct flights each year, cheap coastal homes in Albania are expected to attract even more interest.
4. Turkey: Antalya Region
The Antalya region, including Alanya and Side, is a magnet for foreigners buying property in Turkey. Known for its beautiful coastlines, warm climate, and affordability, the region offers vacation homes in Turkey under €100K. Property in Antalya near the sea continues to dominate holiday home searches.
With excellent healthcare, modern infrastructure, and legal frameworks for foreign ownership, Turkey continues to be a strategic choice for holiday property investment. For full comparisons, see Where to Buy New Build Property in Europe (2025) – Compare Top Countries & Prices.
5. Montenegro: Budva Region
Budva, along with nearby towns like Bar and Tivat, offers some of the most picturesque coastal views in Europe. While prices are higher, Montenegro property for foreigners is attractive due to stunning scenery, euro-based economy, and flexible residency options. Flats for sale in Budva are popular among both investors and lifestyle buyers.
Though not an EU member (yet a candidate for accession), Montenegro is politically stable and foreigner-friendly. Rental yields in Budva are among the highest in the Balkans, especially during peak season, making it one of the best ROI property markets in Europe. Read more in 5 European Cities with Rental Yields Over 6% in 2025.
What to Keep in Mind Before Buying
When choosing where to buy, it’s important to review:
Ownership rules for non-residents
Local taxes and transaction fees
Year-round accessibility and infrastructure
Seasonal weather patterns
Rental income potential
Each country has unique advantages and limitations, so thorough research is key. You can explore detailed data on prices, taxes, rental potential, and legal rules across many destinations right on our website—just visit the Countries section to compare. Use trusted real estate platforms in Europe to browse current listings, and consult local experts before purchasing. A useful read is Best Local Real Estate Websites in Europe for Rent & Investment.
In Summary
Each of these countries offers an affordable entry point into the European property market in 2025. If you're looking for cheap vacation homes in Europe, a low-cost apartment abroad, or a buy-to-let property under €100k, these regions offer strong potential for lifestyle buyers and investors alike.
All figures reflect averages from over 50 typical 1-bedroom apartment listings per region, based on publicly available market data as of early June 2025.
Explore More
Visit our Countries section to explore:
Average property prices in Europe 2025
Real estate ROI and rental income data
Legal and tax guides for foreigners
Buying tips for expats and international investors
All insights are based on current 2025 listings and updated trends.