Investing in real estate is one of the best things you can do with your money.
For one thing, the global real estate market is massive. Estimates from Savills put total global property assets at about $393.3 trillion, and the market will only keep growing as cities expand and populations rise. That’s a lot of money moving into bricks and mortar, and smart investors are taking advantage right now.
Real estate investment is also a really good way to hedge against inflation. While cash and fixed income investments may take a hit during inflationary periods, your property investment will likely increase as the cost of living rises. It’s not risk-free, but it’s better than your cash sitting in the bank doing nothing.
The question now is: where should your money go? Whether you’re looking to grow your capital long-term, passive rental income, or a mix of both, here are five destinations that actually make sense for 2026.
UAE (Dubai)
Dubai is no longer just a playground for the ultra-wealthy. It’s now a global hub that genuinely rivals London or New York. This makes it the perfect destination for real estate investment.
Why Invest in Dubai
- Zero property tax and capital gains tax
- Rental yields around 5%–9% in areas like Dubai Marina
- Freehold ownership for foreigners
- Massive tourism growth. Dubai welcomed 19.59 million visitors in 2025, according to the Dubai Tourism Department
The downside? Prices are rising fast as expected. You need good timing. If you’re new to overseas investing, a good place to start learning the basics is a reliable Dubai property investment blog. Look for one that explains everything you need to know. It saves you from expensive mistakes later.
So, where can your money go in Dubai? The popular investment destinations still remain:
- Business Bay
- Dubai Marina
- Jumeirah Village Circle
And let’s not forget Jumeirah Beach. According to RD Dubai, properties in and around Jumeirah Beach offer a rare blend of lifestyle appeal and long-term capital defensibility. This is definitely a good place to consider.
Portugal
Portugal keeps showing up on global investment shortlists for many reasons, top of which is the quality of life. Investing in Portuguese real estate means that you’re buying into a place with excellent healthcare, political stability, and over 2,800 hours of sun a year.
Why Invest in Portugal (More Reasons)
- Strong rental growth. The median rent for new leases reached €8.22/m² in Q1 2025, up 10% year-on-year, according to INE
- 7th most peaceful country in the world, according to the Global Peace Index 2025
- Golden Visa program for qualifying investments
So, where should your money go? Popular real estate investment destinations in Portugal still remain:
- Porto
- Lisbon
- Braga
But beyond these places, cities like Algarve, Silver Coast, and Madeira also offer solid capital appreciation prospects.
One honest caveat: short-term rental licensing may be restricted in central Lisbon and Porto following the 2023 Mais Habitação legislation. While the situation has evolved into municipal regulation since then, buyers should verify the AL (Alojamento Local) license status first.
Thailand
Thailand, Phuket, in particular, is one of the best places in the world to chase rental yield if you’re comfortable with a tourism-driven market.
Why Invest in Phuket, Thailand
- Reasonable rental yields
- 10% year-on-year growth in Phuket’s property market
- Affordable villa prices in prime areas like Cherng Talay and Bang Tao
- Foreigners can legally own condominiums outright
- Low property taxes and no inheritance tax
Bangkok offers something different: more stable, consistent rental income from a large expat and corporate tenant base, without the seasonality risk of a resort market. If you want diversification within Thailand, owning one unit in each city makes a lot of sense.
Cuba
Cuba is not for the faint of heart. This is the “high-risk, high-reward” slot on our list. It’s for someone with patience and a long view. The potential here is almost unmatched in the Caribbean, simply because it’s been locked up for so long.
Why Invest in Cuba
- Cheap beachfront property
- Growing tourism
- Historic homes in Havana
While these benefits are undeniable, it’s important that we highlight some challenges also. For example, foreigners typically cannot purchase residential property in their own name. You’ll have to create a structure that involves Cuban nationals holding title.
Ultimately, real estate investment in Cuba is for the experienced investor or, better still, Cubans living abroad who want to invest back home.
United States (Delaware)
Most people think of Florida or California when they hear “U.S. property investment.” But Delaware has been quietly building one of the most investor-friendly environments in the country.
Why Invest in Delaware
- Ranked among the top ten real estate markets in the U.S
- No state sales tax and a low average property tax rate
- 66% of Fortune 500 companies are incorporated in Delaware
- Strong rental demand with a rental vacancy rate at 3.8% in 2024
- Close to Philadelphia and Washington, D.C.
The beauty of real estate investment in Delaware is that you can actually own a small share of income‑earning real estate without becoming a landlord or managing it yourself, thanks to the Delaware Statutory Trusts (DSTs).
Even better, you can defer taxes on your investment using a 1031 exchange. This is a U.S. tax rule that lets real estate investors sell one property and buy another similar property without paying capital gains taxes immediately.
So, Where Should Your Money Go?
There you have it: 5 of the top real estate investment destinations for 2026. So, where should you put your money? The honest answer is that it depends on you.
- Do you want passive rental income or fast appreciation?
- Can you manage overseas property?
- How much risk can you handle?
If you’re new, start in stable markets. If you’re experienced, explore emerging areas.
The smart move? Don’t put everything in one basket. Put a little bit here and a little bit there. This way, you will be able to weather any storm that may come up.
