| Market | Program / Threshold | Key Stat | Driving Factor |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Costa Rica
|
$150K threshold
↓ from $200K in 2021
|
Entry buyers often move up to $1M+ in Guanacaste | Lower threshold expanded buyer funnel. Marina Flamingo driving luxury demand in resort areas |
|
Panama
|
QIPR
Launched in 2020
|
+40% residency applications HI 2025 vs HI 2024 was strongest period on record |
Dollar-pegged since 1904. US buyers seeking currency-stable safe haven and focused on "strategic optionality" |
|
Nicaragua
|
USD value play
No formal threshold
|
Post-pandemic building costs rose; USD purchasing power still a clear advantage | Improving schools + La Costanera road infrastructure cutting commute times drawing wealthier families |
|
Mexico
San Miguel de Allende
|
Long-term lifestyle lens
Capital preservation play
|
USD/Peso volatility has not dampened foreign buyer appetite | Viewed as long-term hard asset. Buyers prioritizing stability, walkability, community over resort lifestyle |
| Market | Program Status | Key Stat | Driving Factor |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Spain
Mallorca + Barcelona
|
Ended in 2025
Golden Visa terminated
|
US transactions doubled. In Q4 2025, 14% of Spain's buyers foreign; 25% in Barcelona | Program only accounted for 0.3% of transactions. Market was never program-dependent — lifestyle and climate driving foreign demand |
|
Portugal
|
RE removed in 2023
From Golden Visa framework
|
1.9–2.2% GDP growth. Per OECD: one of Europe's strongest economies. 6th globally in English proficiency | Demand shifted from investment-led to quality-of-life driven. Safety, stability, and English proficiency sustaining buyer interest within the eurozone |
|
Italy
Sardinia
|
Decade old in 2027
Broadest EU parameters
|
Strong USD = US buyers more competitive on turnkey villas and trophy residences | Investment and tax reprieves for main residents. Most established program in EU with the widest range of entry options |