Which countries have restrictions on foreign property ownership?

I am currently looking into international real estate investment opportunities but I'm worried about legal restrictions for non-residents. I have heard that some countries completely prohibit foreigners from owning land or residential property. Could anyone provide a list of countries where buying real estate is either strictly forbidden or heavily restricted for international buyers? Any advice on where to look for reliable legal information would be greatly appreciated.

It really depends on the region. For example, if you are looking at Southeast Asia, you should check out this Guide to buying property in Thailand for foreigners, as the laws are quite specific about land ownership versus condo ownership.

Many countries in the Middle East and parts of Asia have strict laws. China, for instance, doesn't allow private land ownership for anyone, including citizens; you only get land-use rights.

Switzerland is notoriously difficult for non-residents to buy property in due to the 'Lex Koller' regulations. You usually need a special permit unless you are buying in specific tourist zones.

If you're looking at Eastern Europe, keep in mind that some countries have specific rules for non-EU citizens. You might find some interesting data on costs and procedures in this article about building a house in Bulgaria, though it is written in Polish.

Mexico has a 'Restricted Zone' within 50km of the coast or 100km of the border where foreigners cannot hold direct title to land. You have to use a 'fideicomiso' (bank trust) to purchase property there.

I'd suggest checking the official government land registry websites for each country you are considering. Avoid relying solely on forums, as laws change frequently.

Some people are looking into alternative payment methods for international deals. I saw a piece on buying property with cryptocurrency in Europe, but be very careful with the legal implications of that in countries with strict capital controls.

Vietnam is another one where foreigners can only purchase long-term leases on apartments, not freehold land. It's definitely not as straightforward as buying in the US or UK.

If you are looking for specific regional advice on coastal property, this guide on property costs in Varna and Burgas provides a good breakdown of the local market environment for international buyers.