Foreign buyers in Georgia are primarily looking for two-bedroom apartments measuring 80–100 square meters in central districts of Tbilisi, with budgets ranging from US$150,000 to US$300,000, according to Brian Loughnane, Managing Partner and Head of Real Estate at ExpatHub.ge, in comments to Kedaro News.
According to Loughnane, approximately half of foreign buyers purchase property in Georgia as a primary residence, while the other half invest for financial returns.
Visa-free access for citizens of many countries, lower living costs compared to Western Europe, a favorable tax environment, the ease of purchasing property as a foreigner, safety, and lifestyle are among the key factors attracting international residents and investors to Georgia.
According to the National Statistics Office of Georgia (Geostat), the country’s population stands at 3,929,581, including approximately 257,000 foreign citizens permanently residing in Georgia, representing 6.6% of the population.
The term “expat” is short for “expatriate” and generally refers to individuals who temporarily live and work outside their home country. Expats are often remote professionals, freelancers, entrepreneurs, or retirees seeking a higher quality of life abroad while maintaining their primary source of income elsewhere.
Unlike immigrants, who typically relocate due to economic hardship or political circumstances in their home countries and intend to settle permanently, expats usually move abroad for professional opportunities, lifestyle preferences, or greater geographic flexibility.
In recent years, Georgia has become one of the preferred destinations for expats. As many of them note, earning income in stronger currencies such as the U.S. dollar or euro allows them to enjoy a more affordable lifestyle and a higher standard of living in Georgia.
Before relocating, prospective expats often gather information through dedicated social media communities, research neighborhoods and living conditions, and arrange housing in advance. Throughout this process, they are frequently assisted by local organizations that provide support with relocation, legal matters, taxation, business registration, and real estate services.
How are expats influencing Georgia’s real estate market? Which locations do they prefer? What types of properties are they seeking, and what challenges do they face? To explore these questions, Kedaro News spoke with Brian Loughnane, who works directly with foreign nationals interested in relocating to Georgia and advises them on real estate matters.
– Which nationalities currently show the greatest interest in relocating to or investing in Georgia?
»»» Westerners – UK, EU, USA, Australia.
– Which locations are most frequently chosen by expatriates and foreign residents? Are there particular cities, districts, or neighborhoods that are especially popular?
»»» Tbilisi – Vake/Vera/Mtatsminda/Saburtalo/Marjanishvili.
– Do foreign residents primarily rent or purchase residential property in Georgia?
»»» Both, I’d say it’s 50/50. Of the purchasers, half are investors, half are buy-to-live.
– What is the typical budget range of properties sought by expatriates and foreign buyers?
»»» $150k – $300k.
– How has demand for Georgia as a destination for relocation or property investment changed over the past 3–5 years? What trends have you observed?
»»» Increase in demand in 2022 – due to hostilities in Ukraine. 2023/2024/2025 dropped somewhat. 2026 Increased interest from more affluent clients.
– What factors are most important to expatriates when considering a move to Georgia?
»»» Safety, building standards, quality of life, tax considerations.
– How long do expatriates generally plan to stay in Georgia?
»»» Impossible to say – it’s different depending on their circumstances.
– What are the main challenges expatriates face when searching for housing or securing accommodation in Georgia?
»»» Building/property standards. Being overcharged. Fake listings, rogue agents/owners.
– Based on your experience, what types of properties do foreign buyers and tenants prefer?
»»» Newly built or excellent condition old. Apartments. Premium & mid-market.
– What are the primary objectives of foreigners who relocate to or invest in Georgia?
● Permanent relocation – Yes
● Remote work / digital nomad lifestyle – Yes, but not as popular as it was
● Purchasing investment property – Yes
● Generating rental income – Yes
● Obtaining residency – Yes
»»» 50% investors, 50% buy-to-live. Of the investors, approx half of them are investing to secure residency, others are looking at RoI.
– What are the most common property requirements among expatriates in terms of location, price, size, and amenities?
»»» Central districts, apartments, 2-bed, 80-100m2. Close to parks, shops, schools.
– In your opinion, what competitive advantages does Georgia offer compared to other countries attracting expatriates and foreign investors?
»»» Safety. Cost of living, cost of property, climate, quality of like.
– How do you believe the growing number of expatriates and foreign property buyers affects Georgia’s real estate market?
● Does it contribute to rising property prices? Not really, as supply has increased significantly
● What impact does it have on the rental market? Minimal
● Does it create new opportunities for developers and investors? Yes
● Which market segments benefit the most? Mid-high end
– What are the most common reasons expatriates decide not to relocate to Georgia or choose not to purchase property in the country?
»»» Geo-political risks, perceived political risks
In summary, Georgia continues to be an attractive destination for both expats and foreign investors. Safety, quality of life, and a stable living environment remain the key factors driving their interest in the country.
Notably, according to Loughnane, the growing number of foreign residents is not having a significant impact on either property prices or the rental market. Demand remains concentrated in Tbilisi’s central districts and in mid-market to premium residential properties, creating new opportunities for developers and investors. At the same time, Georgia’s main challenge remains its geopolitical environment.
Author: Lika Kasradze
If you are considering investing in real estate in Georgia, Kedaro Group is ready to provide you with professional guidance.
Contact us:
Email: kedarogroup@gmail.com
Phone: +995 593 618 181
Address: 18/22 G. Atoneli Street, 0105 Tbilisi, Georgia
