Top 10 countries with the cheapest land in the world
There are places around the world where land is surprisingly budget-friendly, especially in rural and agricultural regions. While some countries make it easy for foreigners to buy, others have specific rules to protect local interests.
With no maintenance costs and inflation protection, buying land is a safe, long-term investment. Here are the top 10 countries where you can find the cheapest land.
10. Bulgaria
Price per hectare: $4,399
Bulgaria offers very affordable land but limits foreign ownership of agricultural property. Some exceptions apply to EU citizens, and while foreign individuals can inherit farmland, buying it outright is generally reserved for locals or EU nationals.
9. Brazil
Price per hectare: $4,183
Brazil carefully regulates foreign ownership of agricultural land to prioritise local interests. Foreign buyers must get approval from federal agencies, and the Ministry of Agriculture reviews each purchase to see how it might impact the sector. Foreigners can own up to 25% of land within a municipality, while locals can hold up to 40%.
8. Lithuania
Price per hectare: $4,183
Lithuania restricts foreign ownership of agricultural land to keep these assets in local hands. Foreign investors can still buy other types of property, but farmland is reserved for Lithuanian citizens.
7. Latvia
Price per hectare: $4,144
Latvia lifted its restrictions on foreign farmland ownership in 2011, though foreign buyers must now show B2-level proficiency in Latvian to complete a purchase. This language requirement applies to both EU and non-EU citizens.
6. Estonia
Price per hectare: $3,656
In Estonia, foreign buyers need approval from the county governor to purchase agricultural land. Companies interested in investing must be actively involved in agriculture for at least a year and have a registered branch in Estonia. Big players like Nutrien Ltd., CNH Industrial, and Corteva, Inc. are already active in Estonia’s agriculture scene.
5. Uruguay
Price per hectare: $3,342
Uruguay is welcoming to foreign investors, particularly those from Argentina looking for stability during economic or political turmoil. The country’s open policies make it a popular spot for international agricultural investment.
4. South Africa
Price per hectare: $2,900
South Africa restricts foreign ownership of farmland to support local ownership but allows foreigners to lease agricultural land. Local land ownership is also capped at 1,200 acres per person to prevent over-concentration of farmland.
3. Northern Sweden
Price per hectare: $2,764
Sweden allows foreign land ownership with limits on the amount of farmland to ensure it’s used productively. Agriculture here focuses mainly on cereals like barley, oats, and wheat, with 40% of farmland dedicated to cereal crops.
2. Nigeria
Price per hectare: $700
Agriculture plays a major role in Nigeria’s economy, contributing 17% to GDP and employing about 30% of the population. Foreigners can buy agricultural land with written permission from the local governor, though they’re limited to owning 500 hectares.
1. Cameroon
Price per hectare: $550
Cameroon offers the lowest land prices on this list, with nearly half its population living in rural areas. Foreigners can purchase land, though investments over $200,000 must be registered with the Ministry of Finance at least 30 days in advance.
