Best Places to Buy Rental Property in the world 2026

Rental property investment remains a cornerstone of wealth creation, and 2026 marks a crucial year for international diversification.

With traditional Western markets facing higher interest rates and lower yields, savvy investors are turning to emerging, high-growth destinations.

This comprehensive guide explores the dynamics of global rental markets and reveals the best places to buy rental property for maximizing ROI and capital appreciation.

Why Rental Property Investment Is Growing in 2026

The global rental market continues to expand due to several factors shaping today’s real estate investment landscape:

• The rise of remote workers and digital nomads.
• Growing tourism in emerging destinations.
• Increased demand for furnished, ready-to-rent apartments.
• Investors seeking stable, long-term passive income.
• Affordable alternatives to overpriced Western markets.

These factors collectively make 2026 an ideal year to explore international rental opportunities.

Key Factors When Choosing a Rental Property Destination

Choosing the best places to buy rental property requires evaluating several major factors that directly influence your long-term returns:

1. Rental Yield & ROI Potential: Compare average rental returns, occupancy rates and long-term appreciation trends.
2. Property Prices & Affordability: Assess entry prices, construction quality and value compared to similar global markets.
3. Tourism Growth & Seasonal Demand: Strong tourism means higher short-term rental income and year-round occupancy.
4. Foreign Ownership Rules: Some countries offer full freehold ownership, while others have restrictions or permit systems.
5. Taxation & Running Costs: Review rental income tax, capital gains tax, maintenance fees and property management costs.
6. Economic Stability & Currency: Choose markets with stable currencies and predictable real estate performance.
7. Buying Direct From Developers: Off-plan and developer-direct purchases often offer lower prices and flexible installments.
8. Infrastructure & Lifestyle Appeal: Airports, beaches, universities and city centers all increase rental demand.
9. Property Management Options: Essential for foreign investors who need reliable onsite or digital management services.

Best Places to Buy Rental Property

The following five destinations represent some of the best places to buy rental property in 2026, offering diverse risk-reward profiles:

Northern Cyprus

Northern Cyprus offers some of the highest rental yields in the Mediterranean, supported by low property prices and strong demand from both students and tourists.

Its affordability, year-round sunshine and growing expat population make it a top destination for investors seeking strong ROI.

Investors exploring properties for sale in Northern Cyprus will find sea-view apartments, resort-style homes and off-plan projects with flexible installments.

Montenegro

Montenegro remains one of the most attractive European rental investment markets thanks to its EU candidate status and use of the Euro (€) — offering superior monetary stability compared to emerging markets.

With its clean legal system, transparent regulations, and strong tourism on the Adriatic coast, it is considered a safe long-term investment, though property prices are higher than neighboring regions.

Those researching properties for sale in Montenegro will find luxury beachfront residences, modern apartments and high-end villas appealing to premium tenants.

Turkey

Turkey offers vast scale and diversification, making it ideal for investors seeking both short-term holiday rentals and long-term tenants.

High domestic demand, a booming tourism industry and the Citizenship-by-Investment program boost property performance.

The range of properties for sale in Turkey includes sea-view apartments, city-center residences, and modern complexes suitable for Airbnb-style rentals.

Egypt

Egypt provides some of the strongest seasonal rental returns, especially in Hurghada, Sharm El Sheikh and the North Coast.

Short-term holiday rentals perform extremely well due to year-round tourism, while mega-projects like New Alamein and the New Administrative Capital generate strong capital growth prospects.

A growing variety of properties for sale in Egypt includes beachfront homes, resort residences and serviced apartments ideal for rental income.

Georgia

Georgia is one of the easiest countries in the region for foreign investors due to minimal bureaucracy and low purchase costs.

Batumi, in particular, is known for high rental yields driven by booming tourism and very low entry prices.

It is an excellent destination for new investors or mid-scale portfolios looking for high-yield rental income.

Buyers seeking properties for sale in Georgia can choose from modern sea-view apartments, off-plan projects and serviced residences with strong occupancy rates.

Best Property Types for Rental Investment

The property type should align with the local demand drivers:

Sea-View Properties

Always command a premium and provide resilience against market downturns, appealing to both lifestyle buyers and high-end renters.

Beachfront Properties

The ultimate asset for maximizing short-term rental income. Buying beachfront property ensures the highest possible daily rates, making investing in beachfront villas a reliable strategy for premium returns.

City Center Properties

Best for long-term yields from professionals or students, Focus on proximity to universities or major business hubs.

Off-Plan Properties with Installments

Ideal for investors looking for capital appreciation, Purchasing from the developer using installment plans locks in lower prices and offers maximum profit potential upon completion.

Serviced Properties & Holiday Rentals

Low-maintenance options, as management companies handle all bookings and upkeep, ensuring a truly passive income stream.

How to Choose the Right Country for Rental Investment

When evaluating the best places to buy rental property, consider:

1. Purpose (short-term vs long-term rentals)
2. Budget and price per square meter
3. Tax policies and maintenance fees
4. Strength of tourism industry
5. Ease of resale
6. Ownership rules for foreigners
7. Developer reputation

How to Buy Rental Property Safely in International Markets

To invest safely, buyers should:

• Work with transparent real estate platforms
• Conduct proper legal due diligence
• Verify developer reputation
• Compare rental yield statistics
• Review ownership regulations for foreign investors

How DevoDirect Helps You Invest in Rental Property Globally

As a specialized real estate investment platform, DevoDirect simplifies your journey into the best places to buy rental property globally.

We facilitate transactions where you can buy from developers, securing the best prices and most flexible terms for your investment.

We offer vetted listings across North Cyprus, Montenegro, Turkey, Egypt and Georgia, specializing in high-yield and secure assets like serviced apartments and investing in beachfront villas.

Our focus on transparency and verified properties mitigates the risks associated with buying property in Northern Cyprus and other high-growth jurisdictions.

Whether you seek passive income, lifestyle benefits, or long-term capital growth, this is the ideal moment to explore top rental markets and secure future-proof investments with DevoDirect.