In recent years, a growing number of Americans have been looking beyond U.S. borders to find better homes, driven by affordability, quality of life, and lifestyle flexibility. According to 2024 financial reporting, 92% of affluent American respondents considered purchasing property overseas, and 67% already own real estate abroad. This growing interest is not just limited to ultra-wealthy individuals, middle-class families, digital nomads, and retirees are also part of this movement.

One of the key drivers is financial value. The strong U.S. dollar has made international real estate significantly more affordable, especially in Europe and Latin America. A report by Business Insider notes that rising political tension and real estate prices in the U.S. have pushed more Americans to search for homes abroad, especially in countries like Portugal, Spain, and the UK.

Meanwhile, popular expat destinations offer far more than just affordability. Many also provide access to universal healthcare, better work-life balance, safer environments, and pathways to residency or citizenship through programs like the Golden Visa. Whether the goal is to retire peacefully, raise children in a family-friendly setting, or simply enjoy a better quality of life, Americans are discovering that “home” may be better and more attainable abroad.

The Problem with Housing in the United States

The American dream of owning a home is slipping out of reach for millions, especially for younger generations. What was once a rite of passage into adulthood has now become a financial impossibility for many. The issue isn’t just about rising prices; it’s a complex mix of market dynamics, outdated policies, and systemic barriers that make housing in the U.S. increasingly unaffordable.

Why Is Housing Becoming So Expensive, Especially for Young Americans?

One of the biggest contributors to the affordability crisis is a glaring mismatch between housing supply and demand. Over the past decade, population growth has outpaced new construction, leading to a chronic shortage of homes, particularly in major metro areas. At the same time, inflation, skyrocketing mortgage rates, and stagnant wages have combined to create a perfect storm. Young Americans, burdened by student debt and facing high rent, are finding it nearly impossible to save for a down payment.

According to a 2024 CNN report, many Gen Z and millennial buyers are giving up on the idea of homeownership altogether. For them, the traditional path: graduate, get a job, buy a house no longer applies. Instead, they are adjusting their expectations, prioritizing flexibility, and in some cases, considering relocation to more affordable regions or even abroad.

Want to know why younger Americans are increasingly investing in second homes overseas? Read our article: Why Younger Americans Are Looking to Europe.

How Policies and Regulations Have Made Things Worse

The affordability crisis is not just a market failure, it's also a policy failure. Local zoning laws across much of the U.S. continue to favor single-family homes and restrict multi-unit developments, even in high-demand areas. These outdated regulations choke supply, making it harder for developers to build affordable housing options.

As summarized in a Pew Research Center study, more than 49% of renters in the U.S. are cost-burdened—meaning they spend over 30% of their income on housing. This problem is especially severe in cities where high land costs and NIMBY (“Not In My Backyard”) resistance to new construction keep prices artificially high. These barriers to development not only limit access to affordable housing but also deepen inequality across race, class, and age groups.

A Shifting Mindset Toward Homeownership

As the crisis drags on, it's changing how Americans, especially younger Americans, view housing. Renting is no longer just a temporary phase; for many, it's a long-term lifestyle. Some are choosing to co-live with roommates or parents, while others are exploring alternative paths such as tiny homes or digital nomadism. A growing number are even considering moving to countries where the cost of living is lower and homeownership is still achievable.

Ultimately, the U.S. housing problem isn't just about affordability, it's about access, fairness, and a system that hasn't evolved with the times. Without bold reforms to zoning laws, housing policy, and financial barriers, the dream of owning a home may remain just that a dream for millions of Americans.

How U.S. Policies and Local Regulations Fuel the Housing Crisis

The U.S. housing shortage isn’t just an economic or demographic issue, it’s a policy failure rooted in restrictive local laws and outdated regulatory frameworks that hinder new development and drive up costs. While demand for affordable housing has surged, supply has remained artificially constrained.

The Zoning Trap: Why Single-Family Mandates Are Holding Cities Back

One of the most significant culprits is exclusionary single-family zoning. In many urban and suburban areas, local laws prohibit the construction of multi-family housing, even in places with ample demand. This means duplexes, triplexes, and apartment buildings are often banned outright, leading to a shortage of homes where people most want to live. As reported by CNN, over 75% of residential land in cities like Los Angeles, Charlotte, and Seattle is zoned exclusively for single-family homes, blocking opportunities for higher-density, more affordable housing.

Red Tape and Regulation: A Hidden Cost Driver

Beyond zoning, the regulatory process adds substantial friction. Lengthy permitting timelines, burdensome environmental reviews, large minimum lot requirements, and mandatory parking spaces all increase the cost of development. The result? Fewer homes, slower construction, and prices that climb faster than wages.

According to expert testimony from the American Enterprise Institute (AEI), these government-imposed constraints are crowding lower- and middle-income families out of the market. The testimony highlights how even well-intentioned policies—such as environmental protections or historic preservation rules can be weaponized to delay or block desperately needed housing projects.

Policy Disconnect and the Affordability Squeeze

Local governments often face pressure from existing homeowners who resist new development—commonly known as “Not In My Backyard” (NIMBY) opposition. Combined with fragmented planning processes and limited state oversight, this creates a system where housing needs are sidelined in favor of preserving the status quo. Meanwhile, younger Americans and renters are left with skyrocketing prices and fewer options.

Toward Real Solutions

Fixing the crisis will require bold changes: zoning reform to allow multi-family housing, streamlining approval processes, reducing regulatory bloat, and building smarter, more inclusive cities. Without policy overhaul, the affordability gap will only grow wider—deepening inequality and pushing more Americans out of homeownership.

Americans Moving Abroad for Better Housing

Skyrocketing home prices, high interest rates, and limited inventory have made the American dream of homeownership feel out of reach for many. In response, a growing number of Americans, especially remote workers, retirees, and digital nomads are turning their attention overseas, seeking more value, space, and quality of life than they can find at home.

A Shift in Mindset: From Owning in the U.S. to Living Better Abroad

What used to be a fantasy for retirement or vacation has now become a practical move. Many Americans are discovering that buying a home abroad isn’t just cheaper, it offers a better lifestyle. In countries like Portugal, Mexico, Greece, and Costa Rica, it’s possible to buy ocean-view properties, spacious countryside homes, or historic apartments in vibrant cities for a fraction of U.S. prices. This affordability is often paired with lower property taxes and living costs, making it easier to stretch retirement savings or remote work income.

According to The Wall Street Journal, more Americans are investing in overseas real estate as a long-term lifestyle and financial decision. The article highlights how international buyers are drawn to regions that offer high-quality healthcare, lower crime rates, cultural appeal, and growing expat communities, many of which provide favorable residency options alongside property purchases.

Investment and Citizenship Benefits Driving Overseas Demand

But it’s not just about lifestyle, many buyers also see real estate abroad as a smart portfolio diversifier. Properties in emerging or stable global markets often appreciate steadily while generating rental income from vacation travelers or fellow expats. Additionally, some countries offer residency or even citizenship through investment programs, giving Americans the chance to gain visa-free travel, better tax structures, or a potential escape hatch for future geopolitical or economic uncertainty.

A recent report from the South China Morning Post notes a significant uptick in demand for second homes tied to residency, especially among high-net-worth individuals. This trend has only intensified post-pandemic and during times of political polarization in the U.S., as Americans explore ways to gain more freedom, flexibility, and control over their future.

If you’re considering moving abroad or curious about your options, talk to our team of global residency experts. We’ll guide you through the smartest property and visa pathways that align with your goals.

A Strategic Lifestyle Move

Whether it's about upgrading their lifestyle, escaping housing gridlock in U.S. cities, or accessing dual citizenship and global mobility, Americans are increasingly viewing overseas homeownership as a strategic move—not just a personal dream. For many, it's a path to better living, stronger investments, and a more secure future.

Greece as a Top Choice for Immigration via Property Purchase

Greece is rapidly becoming a top destination for Americans looking to invest in property—not just for its postcard-perfect landscapes, but for the lifestyle, affordability, and easy residency options it offers through the Golden Visa program.

Why Americans Are Turning to Greece

Americans are increasingly drawn to Greece for its rich cultural heritage, slower pace of life, and vibrant coastal and island properties that still offer good value compared to overinflated U.S. markets. Cities like Athens and Thessaloniki offer a mix of modern living and old-world charm, while islands such as Crete, Paros, and Corfu offer tranquility, safety, and natural beauty—perfect for retirees, digital nomads, or second-home buyers.

As Elxis highlights, Americans are especially motivated by Greece’s safety, healthcare system, and the low cost of ownership compared to major U.S. metros. With more remote workers embracing flexible lifestyles, Greece ticks many boxes: stable infrastructure, pleasant year-round weather, and access to other European countries.

The Power of the Greece Golden Visa

What really sets Greece apart is its Golden Visa program, which allows non-EU nationals to gain permanent residency by investing in property. With a minimum real estate investment starting from €250,000 in certain regions, applicants receive five-year renewable residency permits for themselves and their immediate family, without any requirement to live in Greece full-time. This makes it ideal for investors seeking flexibility.

Greece is also proving popular due to the potential for long-term value appreciation in real estate, as the country continues to experience an uptick in foreign demand and infrastructure upgrades. For Americans, this creates a rare opportunity to combine lifestyle gains with investment returns, while also opening the door to EU access and global mobility.

Beyond the Visa: A Lifestyle Transformation

Choosing Greece isn’t just a financial decision, it’s a lifestyle upgrade. From fresh Mediterranean cuisine and beachfront living to historic ruins and mountain villages, life in Greece offers balance, beauty, and a strong sense of community. Add to that a growing expat presence and you’ve got a country that feels both exciting and familiar.

If you're considering investing in property abroad for immigration or lifestyle purposes, Greece stands out as a top-tier option offering both short- and long-term advantages. With the right guidance, securing your Greek residency can be simpler than you think.

At Immigration Diligence, We work with experienced real estate brokers with a deep understanding of American expats and their needs for a home in Greece that would also qualify for a Golden Visa. Book a free consultation to take the first step toward your dream home in Greece.

For a deeper look into why Greece is becoming a top destination for American investors, check out our blog: Why Moody's New Rating on Greece Makes It an Attractive Destination for Americans Moving Abroad.

Other Golden Visa options

If you're an American considering real estate abroad, these three Golden Visa programs stand out for combining lifestyle, investment, and residency opportunities:

• Portugal: One of the most popular options, Portugal offers residency through qualifying property investments (typically starting at €500,000, or lower in low-density areas). The program grants visa-free Schengen travel and potential citizenship after 5 years without mandatory relocation.
  
  
• Greece: With a minimum real estate investment of €250,000 (set to rise in some areas), Greece provides one of Europe’s most affordable residency-by-investment routes. It offers fast processing, no minimum stay requirement, and access to rich culture and relaxed Mediterranean living.
  
  
• Italy: Italy's Golden Visa, also known as the Italian Investor Visa, provides immediate residency rights to individuals willing to invest at least €250,000 into the Italian economy.  A unique feature of this Golden Visa that Americans love: you get your visa and residency rights before you make the investment, bypassing bureaucracy and delays that are endemic in other programs.

Each of these programs offers unique advantages—from quick residency to favorable tax regimes and future citizenship pathways.

At Immigration Diligence, we partner with trusted real estate experts who specialize in helping American buyers find properties in Greece that meet both lifestyle goals and Golden Visa requirements. Ready to make the move? Book a free consultation with our team today to find the best fit for your goals and budget.