Data Methodology
How Casza calculates market rankings, investment scores, and comparative metrics.
Quick Answer
Casza ranks global real estate markets using a composite score based on rental yield (30%), price affordability (25%), safety index (20%), and foreign buyer accessibility including Golden Visa programs (25%). All metrics are derived from public economic data, our proprietary listing database, and third-party indices updated quarterly.
Methodology Overview
Casza provides comparative data across 11 countries and 90+ regions to help international buyers make informed decisions. Our rankings appear in guides like Best Countries to Buy Property,Cheapest Countries, andGolden Visa Countries.
This document explains how each metric is calculated, where the data comes from, and the limitations you should be aware of.
Rental Yield Calculation
Rental Yield (%) = (Annual Rental Income / Property Purchase Price) × 100Data Sources:
- • Property prices: Median asking prices from our listing database (80,000+ properties)
- • Rental rates: Aggregated from Numbeo, local rental portals, and partner agencies
- • Calculation: Gross yield before taxes, maintenance, and vacancy
Regional Breakdown:
- • High yield (6%+): Bulgaria, Turkey, Greece (provincial areas)
- • Medium yield (4-6%): Portugal, Spain, Croatia, Thailand
- • Lower yield (2-4%): France, Italy (prime locations), Bali
Investment Score Calculation
The composite investment score (0-100) is calculated as:
Score = (Yield × 0.30) + (Affordability × 0.25) + (Safety × 0.20) + (Accessibility × 0.25)Component Weights:
Gross rental yield normalized to 0-100 scale. 8%+ yield = 100 points.
Inverse of cost of living index. Lower costs = higher score.
Based on Global Peace Index and crime statistics from Numbeo.
Foreign ownership rules, Golden Visa availability, mortgage access.
Cost of Living Index
Our cost of living index is relative to a baseline of 100 (Western Europe average). Lower numbers indicate cheaper living costs.
Data Sources:
- • Primary: Numbeo Cost of Living Index
- • Secondary: Expatistan, local government statistics
- • Includes: Rent, groceries, transportation, utilities, healthcare
Index Examples:
- • Bulgaria: 45 (55% cheaper than Western Europe baseline)
- • Thailand: 50 (50% cheaper)
- • Portugal: 65 (35% cheaper)
- • Spain: 70 (30% cheaper)
- • France: 95 (near baseline)
Price Growth (Year-over-Year)
Price growth percentages reflect the change in median property prices over the past 12 months.
Data Sources:
- • Eurostat House Price Index (EU countries)
- • National statistics offices (non-EU)
- • Our internal price tracking from listing data
Calculation:
YoY Growth = ((Current Median - Previous Year Median) / Previous Year Median) × 100Safety Index
Safety scores are normalized to a 0-100 scale where 100 is safest.
Data Sources:
- • Global Peace Index (Institute for Economics and Peace)
- • Numbeo Safety Index
- • US State Department travel advisories
Typical Scores:
- • Portugal, Spain, Croatia: 85-90 (very safe)
- • Italy, Greece, France: 75-85 (safe)
- • Thailand, Mexico: 65-75 (moderate caution)
- • Turkey: 60-70 (varies by region)
Golden Visa Program Data
Golden Visa information is sourced from official government immigration websites and verified annually.
Data Points We Track:
- • Minimum investment threshold
- • Property type restrictions (residential, commercial, renovation)
- • Residency requirements (days per year)
- • Path to citizenship timeline
- • Tax implications for residents
Current Programs (as of 2026):
- • Greece: €250,000 minimum (€500,000 in Athens/Thessaloniki)
- • Portugal: €500,000 (rehabilitation/rural areas only)
- • Spain: €500,000 (under review)
- • Turkey: €400,000
Note: Golden Visa programs change frequently. Always verify current requirements with official sources before investing. See our Golden Visa guide for the latest information.
Update Frequency
Property listings, prices, availability
Median price calculations, rental rates
Cost of living indices, safety scores
Investment scores, market rankings, Casza Index
Limitations & Disclaimers
- Asking vs. Transaction Prices: Our price data reflects asking prices from listings, not final transaction prices. Actual sale prices may be 5-15% lower.
- Regional Variation: Country-level metrics are averages. Prices in capital cities can be 2-3x higher than rural areas.
- Currency Fluctuations: All EUR comparisons are based on exchange rates at time of calculation. Currency movements can significantly impact relative affordability.
- Rental Yield Assumptions: Yields assume full occupancy and do not account for management fees, taxes, maintenance, or vacancy periods.
- Not Financial Advice: Casza provides informational data only. Consult local legal and financial professionals before making investment decisions.
External Data Sources
- • Numbeo - Cost of living, safety indices
- • Eurostat - House price indices (EU)
- • Global Peace Index - Safety rankings
- • National statistics offices for each covered country
- • Official government immigration websites for Golden Visa data
Explore Our Market Rankings
See our methodology in action across our market comparison guides.