Top 8+ Countries Where Owning Property Is Nearly Impossible

Switzerland: A Tight Market

Switzerland dazzles the world with its breathtaking mountains and orderly cities, but owning a piece of this paradise is far from easy. The Swiss government enforces tough restrictions on foreign ownership, only permitting non-residents to buy vacation homes in select regions.

Recent data shows foreign buyers make up less than 5% of the market, a shockingly small figure for such a desirable country. Even for locals, the soaring property prices in cities like Zurich and Geneva put homeownership out of reach for many families.

With average costs surpassing CHF 10,000 per square meter, most people can only dream of owning a home here. The combination of high prices, limited supply, and strict laws creates a pressure cooker environment for anyone hoping to buy.

For many, renting becomes the only realistic choice in this stunning but exclusive nation.

Singapore: Limited Land and High Demand

Singapore stands as a modern marvel, packed into a tiny island with almost no spare land. The demand for property is relentless, but the government has put up serious roadblocks for anyone trying to buy—especially foreigners.

As of 2025, non-citizens face a staggering 30% stamp duty on residential purchases, making it financially punishing to invest. This hefty tax has slammed the brakes on foreign buying, with reports noting a 15% drop in such transactions in just the past year.

The average price of a private apartment in Singapore hovers around SGD 1,500 per square foot, a sum that can make your jaw drop. Locals, too, feel the squeeze, often relying on government housing schemes because private homes are so expensive.

The dream of owning property in Singapore can quickly become a nightmare of paperwork and sky-high bills.

Denmark: Stringent Regulations

Denmark may be famous for its cozy hygge lifestyle, but buying property is anything but simple—especially if you’re not Danish. The rules are strict: non-EU citizens must live in Denmark for at least five years before even thinking about purchasing a home.

In 2024, only about 1% of all Danish property deals involved foreigners, a testament to how tough the process is. The regulations are meant to protect the local market, but they also keep many would-be buyers out.

Meanwhile, property prices in Copenhagen and other cities have surged by 10% over the last year, making it even harder for new buyers. Locals and foreigners alike face bidding wars and limited supply, leaving many frustrated.

For outsiders, Denmark’s doors to property ownership are almost always closed.

New Zealand: Foreign Buyer Ban

New Zealand’s lush scenery attracts dreamers worldwide, but the government has drawn a hard line when it comes to property ownership. A landmark ban on foreign buyers, introduced in 2021, completely shut out most non-residents from purchasing existing homes.

This drastic step was meant to cool runaway house prices, which have soared by 30% in three years. Even with the ban, the average home now costs around NZD 1 million, a figure that still shocks many locals.

For the few exceptions allowed, the bureaucracy is intense, and the competition is fierce. Locals have a slightly better chance, but many still find themselves priced out.

For most foreigners, the dream of a Kiwi home remains just that—a dream.

Japan: Complex Ownership Laws

Japan’s real estate market looks attractive on the surface, but beneath it lie a maze of complicated laws and hidden obstacles. Foreigners are legally allowed to buy property, but the process is tangled in red tape and confusing regulations.

In 2024, only 2% of residential property buyers were foreigners, a number that reflects the daunting path ahead for outsiders. Tokyo’s property prices are sky-high, averaging JPY 1 million per square meter, making affordability another major issue.

The system is not very transparent either, often leaving buyers in the dark about key details and risks. Legal documents are rarely translated, and the process can feel like navigating a labyrinth without a map.

Many foreigners give up before they even start, discouraged by the sheer complexity of it all.

Thailand: Restrictions on Foreign Ownership

Thailand’s tropical appeal draws millions, but its property laws are a minefield for foreigners looking to buy. Non-nationals are barred from owning land outright, and can only purchase up to 49% of units in a condominium building.

This means most foreign buyers end up with only partial control over their investments. In 2025, the average condo price in Bangkok reached THB 150,000 per square meter, a hefty price tag that’s only part of the challenge.

The legal process is confusing and sometimes risky, with scams and disputes not uncommon. Many foreign buyers report feeling overwhelmed by paperwork, legal fees, and shifting regulations.

What seems like a paradise quickly turns into a confusing and sometimes perilous journey toward ownership.

India: Bureaucratic Hurdles

India’s property market is infamous for its complex and slow-moving bureaucracy, a real test of patience for foreign buyers. While it’s technically possible for non-residents to own property, the process involves a mountain of paperwork and a dizzying array of approvals.

In 2024, foreign investment in Indian real estate dropped by 20%, largely due to these daunting hurdles. Cities like Mumbai and Delhi have seen property prices shoot past INR 1 lakh per square foot in prime areas, making homes prohibitively expensive.

The buying process can take months, if not years, with multiple government agencies involved. Many buyers also face challenges with unclear land titles and legal disputes.

For most, the dream of owning property in India is buried under paperwork and red tape.

Brazil: Economic Instability and Legal Complexities

Brazil’s vibrant culture and natural beauty lure many, but its property market is fraught with obstacles. Economic instability has driven up prices in cities like São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro by 15% in just the last year, making affordability a moving target.

Foreign buyers face additional hurdles such as a complicated legal system and frequent language barriers, both of which can trip up even seasoned investors. The paperwork required is extensive, and the process is often slowed by bureaucracy and unclear regulations.

Many locals also struggle to keep up with the changing costs and legal requirements. For those hoping to buy in Brazil, the experience can feel like trying to build a house on shifting sands.

The challenges can seem endless, leaving many to reconsider their plans entirely.

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