Travel is fun. But there comes a point when most people want to settle down. And today’s articles shares a cool expat homesteading idea for living an off-grid, international lifestyle.
This is a cheap, affordable way to buy a fun rural property. Either to live on all-round, or as a vacation home.
Here’s the idea…
Buy or long-term lease a small parcel of inexpensive, “junk” property overseas. This is land that’s outside of any major city. Has no agricultural value. And may not even have sewer or electrical access. A true “off-grid” endeavor.
But one that’s certainly an adventure!
Finding Land For Your Expat Homestead
Junk land is cheap, even in the United States. You can find properties out in Arizona and New Mexico for less than $1,000 per acre. There’s no house, water, or electricity. But modern tech can easily solve all three of these issues.
In other countries?
These properties are even cheaper. And sometimes located in what we Americans would consider “Prime Real Estate.”
Much of South America, for example, is completely undeveloped. Even along the coast.
And oftentimes, these rural and remote locations aren’t even that far from the city.
I went camping in a “remote” part of Mexico. With no houses or people for several miles. Yet, this rural country area was only 25 miles from a major city. And easily accessible by municipal bus.
The land here was too sandy for farming.
And close to the ocean, but not close enough to warrant any hotels or resorts.
The property owners, absentees who live a hundred miles away, would have happily rented this land for the princely sum of $500 per year. Less than $1.50 per day.
In many countries, like Vietnam or The Philippines, an Uber or taxi from your remote location to the city would maybe cost an extra $3 – $5 roundtrip. Zooming back-and-forth every single day is still cheaper than an apartment.
The “House”
If you’re buying a property or getting a long-term lease, you can park a camper on your ground. Either an actual, full-sized RV. Or, a smaller, camper trailer.
This could be expensive, depending on where you’re setting up your expat homestead.
But in the Americas, you could simply drive your camper down from the USA.
Campers and RVs are depreciating assets. And like cars, their value plummets. You can often find one of these vehicles for a fraction of its retail cost. Especially in an economic downturn.
Now that housing and land are taken care of, your new expat homestead just needs power and water…
The Tech
Nobody wants to live like a caveman. While camping and hiking might be fun in the short-term, eventually you’ll need running water. And electricity. And Wi-Fi…
Luckily, modern tech makes all things possible.
And you can enjoy power, water, and Wi-Fi – while remaining 100% off-grid.
First, the big question? Where are you going to the bathroom. Believe it or not, but there are tons of RV and long-term camping guides which provide in-depth information on creating your own plumbing and sewage system. Often for very little cost, using common hardware store fixtures.
Travel-Trailer Homesteading Under $5,000, by Brian D. Kelling is an excellent reference guide.
And it covers all the essentials for plumbing and power.
Solar technology has also come a long way. And a few inexpensive panels can easily charge your phone, laptop, and other devices.
This HiLucky Solar Charger will charge an iPhone or tablet to 50% capacity within 30 minutes or less.
And depending on where you live, buying solar panels could be free – via government tax credit.
Lastly, Wi-Fi. High-speed Internet was once difficult to get outside of major cities. And downright impossible to find in rural areas.
Today, it’s $150 a month thanks to Elon Musk and Starlink.
You can watch movies, work remote, and or do anything else online – from almost anywhere in the world. Including rural Latin America, the Philippines, and the open ocean. A true game-changer.
Closing Thoughts
Travel is great. But eventually you may want to settle down and find somewhere more permanent.
Or maybe you already live somewhere, and just want a cheap and fun vacation property.
In either situation, building an expat homestead could be a great way to enjoy your time abroad. While also giving you an opportunity to own property. And, have a reliable venue you can stay at long-term.
With tools like Starlink, and advancements in solar panel technology, you can live comfortably while enjoying an off-grid and rural lifestyle.