Why Southeast Asians Are Investing in Homes Abroad

Published on June 7, 2025 | by James Puddle, Head of International Residential, South East Asia, JLL

From lifestyle perks to savvy investments, uncover the top reasons Southeast Asians are buying homes abroad—and where they’re heading next.

In recent years, a profound shift has taken place among Southeast Asian property buyers. What was once the exclusive domain of the ultra-wealthy is now a mainstream strategy embracing lifestyle, education planning and wealth preservation. Singaporeans, Malaysians, Indonesians and Filipinos increasingly look beyond domestic markets to secure second homes and investment assets in overseas destinations.

The rapid acceptance of hybrid working has been a catalyst. No longer tied to the office five days a week, many professionals and families have turned their sights to coastal retreats and mountain havens. It’s estimated that global enquiries for second homes have risen by a third in the past few years, with Asia-Pacific buyers accounting for about a quarter of new leads in this space. In Singapore, holiday-home searches on PropertyGuru’s guides platform jumped 28 per cent in the first half of 2024, as urban dwellers sought easy weekend escapes (PropertyGuru Guides).

Yet lifestyle alone does not tell the full story. Education remains a primary motivator. Off-plan condominium projects in Melbourne and Brisbane routinely sell out within days, primarily driven by demand from Singaporean and Malaysian families securing accommodation for students at top Australian universities. More than 30 per cent of off-plan units in major Australian cities were pre-reserved by Asian investors in 2024, according to the Juwai News newsroom. This confluence of property purchase and education planning delineates the long-term mindset of today’s buyers.

Simultaneously, wealth preservation in uncertain times is a strong draw. Geopolitical tensions and currency volatility have led investors towards stable, income-producing assets. The Japanese yen, trading near multi-decade lows, has enabled Singaporean purchasers to secure Tokyo freehold apartments at prices over 6 per cent lower in yen terms year-on-year, per figures published on the REINS English portal. European markets have also demonstrated resilience. Portugal recorded a 7.1 per cent increase in residential prices in Q1 2024, reinforcing its appeal for those seeking EU residency via the D7 Passive Income Visa (Confidencial Imobiliário; SEF Portugal).

Another emerging factor is the proliferation of property-linked visa programmes. In the United Arab Emirates, real-estate investments of AED 750,000 or more qualify buyers for a long-term “Golden Visa”, granting residency to investors and their families. The Dubai Land Department issues tens of thousands of such visas annually (many to Singaporean and Malaysian applicants), underscoring the attraction of flexible residency and tax-efficient living (Dubai Land Department).

Culture and community considerations further shape demand. Filipino and Indonesian investors often choose Bali or Phuket for holiday homes that accommodate extended-family traditions. Developers who offer Bahasa-Malay speaking sales teams, on-site prayer rooms, and clubhouses serving familiar cuisine gain a clear advantage. In Singapore and Malaysia, leading agencies now engage cultural consultants to ensure marketing materials and promotional events resonate authentically with regional buyers.

Looking ahead, I anticipate intensifying demand for turnkey, hybrid-use properties. Buyers will seek developments that combine residential, short-term rental potential, and comprehensive concierge services. They will value pre-approved licences, smart-home technology, and developer-led management solutions. The Global Property Expo | Singapore 2025 (18–20 July) provides a unique platform to meet these needs, bringing together a showcase of vetted developers for interested buyers, alongside legal, real estate experts, and financial advisers under one roof to discuss these matters on stage.

About James Puddle

James Puddle leads International Residential for South East Asia at JLL Singapore, connecting high-net-worth investors with premier residential developments across the region. Before joining JLL in 2023, he founded One Global Group, expanding the boutique project-marketing agency from Singapore to Hong Kong, Malaysia, the Middle East and Africa after nearly 12 years marketing UK residential properties to international buyers. He is the organiser of the upcoming Global Property Expo in Singapore, 18-20 July 2025.

*Disclaimer: DSGN arcHive is a media partner of Global Property Expo

Wondering what we’re up to next?

Give us a follow and stay in the loop!

About DSGN arcHive

DSGN arcHive is your exclusive key to unveiling the enigmatic essence of a city, all filtered through the prism of design. Far from the ordinary tourist paths. We reveal the city’s architectural marvels, urban intricacies, cultural tapestry, and eco-conscious revolutions that mold its distinctive soul. With us, you’re invited to savor the metropolis in an entirely chic and sophisticated light, a city that’s far more than what meets the eye.