What is the hardest country to buy a house in?

The “hardest” country for foreigners, including Americans, to buy property usually depends on strict laws, bureaucracy, or government restrictions on foreign ownership. Some of the toughest countries include:

Country	Why it’s difficult
Switzerland	Strict restrictions for non-residents; many cantons require special permits; luxury property heavily regulated.
Singapore	Foreigners can buy only certain types of properties (e.g., condos) and face heavy taxes and approval requirements.
Denmark	Non-EU citizens need government approval, which is rarely granted unless you have a permanent residence.
New Zealand	Most residential property purchases by foreigners require special consent; rules tightened recently.
Thailand	Foreigners can’t own land outright (only condos with restrictions); leaseholds or company ownership needed.
India	Foreigners generally cannot buy residential property unless they have certain visas or meet strict regulations.
China	Foreigners must work or study in China for at least a year before buying, and can only buy one property.

💡 Tip: If your goal is to invest or buy abroad, look for countries with clear rules for foreigners—otherwise, you could face months of red tape or outright rejection.

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