Podcast Summary: Real Estate Without Borders Episode Title: The 20 Best Countries to Live and Work In
Release Date: March 24, 2025
Host: Dave Hutch
Guest: Daniel Fosh

Introduction

In this engaging episode of "Real Estate Without Borders," host Dave Hutch teams up with co-host Daniel Fosh to explore the top 20 countries deemed best for living and working in 2025. Drawing upon the Henley Opportunity Index, they delve into the economic potentials, career opportunities, and quality of life offered by each nation. The conversation blends expert analysis with personal anecdotes, providing listeners with a comprehensive guide for international real estate investment and relocation.

Understanding the Henley Opportunity Index

The Henley Opportunity Index serves as the cornerstone for the episode's rankings. Developed by Henley & Partners, a global residence and citizenship planning firm, the index evaluates countries based on factors such as wealth mobility, career opportunities, premium education, and economic mobility. This benchmark assists investors and professionals in identifying optimal locations for investment migration.

Dave Hutch: "The Henley Opportunity Index is a benchmark tool created by Henley and Partners, measuring access to premium education and enhanced global mobility through investment-based residents or citizenship programs."
[03:56]

Top 5 Countries Detailed Analysis

1. Switzerland

Switzerland tops the list with an impressive score of 84. Its high earning potential, robust banking sector, and exceptional quality of life make it a prime destination for investors and professionals alike.

• Economic Stability: Switzerland boasts a strong oligopolistic banking sector and maintains political neutrality, having never been involved in major conflicts since its establishment.
• Cost of Living: While highly desirable, Switzerland is also one of the most expensive countries to live in, with high household debt ratios similar to Canada and the USA.
• Quality of Life: With pristine landscapes, low crime rates, and top-tier education, Switzerland offers an unparalleled living experience.

Daniel Fosh: "Switzerland's unbeatable mix of high earning potential, career opportunities, and exceptional quality of life makes it number one."
[04:35]

Notable Quote:
Dave Hutch: "Average annual wage is around 85,000 to 100,000 USD, which is far above the global norms."
[08:04]

2. Singapore

Singapore ranks second with a score of 79, lauded for its dynamic economy and strategic position as a global financial hub.

• Earning Potential: Salaries in finance, tech, and trade are substantial, with mid-level professionals earning between $80,000 to $120,000 annually.
• Taxation: Personal income taxes are relatively low, maxing out at 22%, allowing residents to retain a significant portion of their earnings.
• Real Estate: Governed by strict regulations, Singapore offers a robust property market with high homeownership rates, supported by government-developed Housing Development Board (HDB) flats.

Dave Hutch: "Singapore is a cash machine for skilled workers, attracting high earners with its robust finance and tech sectors."
[10:08]

Notable Quote:
Daniel Fosh: "Singapore's homeownership rate is over 90%, largely due to the government's Housing Development Board initiatives."
[14:03]

3. United States

The USA secures the third spot with a score of 78, celebrated for its vast earning potential and diverse career opportunities across multiple industries.

• Earning Potential: High salaries in tech, finance, and healthcare, with professionals like software engineers in Silicon Valley earning between $150,000 to $200,000 annually.
• Education: Home to 45 of the top 250 global universities, the US offers unparalleled educational opportunities.
• Economic Disparity: While opportunities are abundant, there is significant economic disparity, with a shrinking middle class and varying quality of life across regions.

Dave Hutch: "The USA is a money-making giant with unmatched top-end salaries, especially in sectors like tech and finance."
[15:23]

Notable Quote:
Daniel Fosh: "For those investing through Henley’s programs, private healthcare is accessible and of high quality."
[17:44]

4. Australia

Australia ranks fourth with a score of 76, known for its strong economy driven by healthcare and mining industries.

• Earning Potential: Professionals in tech and healthcare can expect salaries ranging from $70,000 to $100,000 annually.
• Population Growth: Continuous population growth fuels real estate value increases, making it a lucrative market for investors.
• Livability: High livability scores, particularly in cities like Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane, make Australia an attractive destination.

Dave Hutch: "Cities like Sydney and Melbourne are booming, especially in the real estate sector, thanks to robust population growth."
[19:12]

Notable Quote:
Daniel Fosh: "Australia is similar to Canada in how population growth translates into real estate value growth."
[19:32]

5. Canada

Canada holds the fifth position with a score of 73, offering a balanced mix of economic opportunities and high quality of life.

• Economic Mobility: Strong economic mobility with opportunities in various sectors, though average earning potential is slightly lower compared to top-ranked countries.
• Education: Hosts several reputable universities, enhancing its appeal for families and professionals seeking quality education.
• Safety and Crime: While generally safe, certain cities like Thunder Bay and London have higher property crime rates, although violent crime remains lower than in the USA.

Dave Hutch: "Canada offers a balanced opportunity score with high scores in premium education and economic mobility."
[20:05]

Notable Quote:
Daniel Fosh: "Property crimes in some Canadian cities are on the rise, but overall, violent crime remains lower than in the US."
[21:17]

Additional Countries Discussed

After the top five, the conversation briefly touches upon other notable countries, each offering unique advantages for living and working:

6. United Kingdom
7. United Arab Emirates
8. New Zealand
9. Austria
10. Italy
11. Hong Kong
12. Latvia
13. Malta
14. Hungary
15. Greece
16. Portugal

Malta: Highlighted for its impressive economic mobility and strategic Mediterranean location, Malta is emerging as a hub for innovation in sectors like iGaming and fintech. However, salaries are modest compared to top-ranked countries, and while education is functional, it lacks global prestige.

United Arab Emirates (UAE): Particularly Dubai, ranks seventh, known for its high scores in employment prospects, earning potential, and economic mobility. The UAE attracts highly skilled professionals in engineering, math, and technology sectors, benefiting from low taxation and a booming real estate market.

Dave Hutch: "The UAE stands out with high earning potential and rapid economic progress, making it a top choice for multinational professionals."
[30:00]

Insights and Discussions

Throughout the episode, Hutch and Fosh intertwine factual analysis with personal experiences, offering listeners a nuanced perspective on each country's real estate and economic landscape.

• Cost of Living vs. Earning Potential: High scores in earning potential often correlate with a higher cost of living, as seen in Switzerland and Singapore. However, the overall quality of life and economic stability justify the expenses for many investors.

• Real Estate Opportunities: Countries with growing populations and robust economies, like Australia and Canada, present lucrative real estate investment opportunities due to increasing demand and property value appreciation.

• Cultural and Lifestyle Considerations: Beyond economics, factors such as climate, work culture, and societal safety play significant roles in determining the attractiveness of a country. For instance, the UAE’s intense work culture is balanced by its tax benefits and modern infrastructure.

Daniel Fosh: "The more dynamic the economy, like in Singapore, the more opportunities there are for investment and career growth, despite stringent property regulations."
[12:00]

Dave Hutch: "Understanding the balance between earning potential and living costs is crucial for making informed investment decisions abroad."
[15:56]

Conclusions and Future Episodes

The episode wraps up with Hutch and Fosh acknowledging the breadth of their discussion, hinting at deeper dives into specific countries and sectors in future episodes. They express enthusiasm about collaborating with Henley & Partners to provide more in-depth insights on investment migration and global real estate trends.

Dave Hutch: "We’re here to help people invest globally, and with Henley & Partners' expertise, future episodes will offer even more valuable information for our listeners."
[30:44]

Daniel Fosh: "Absolutely, connecting with Henley & Partners will enhance our discussions and provide unparalleled insights into global investment opportunities."
[30:44]

Key Takeaways

• Switzerland and Singapore Lead: Both countries offer high earning potentials and robust economic environments, making them top choices for international investors and professionals.

• Diverse Opportunities: The USA, Australia, and Canada provide diverse opportunities across various industries, each with its unique advantages and challenges.

• Comprehensive Evaluation: The Henley Opportunity Index serves as a valuable tool for assessing global investment migration opportunities, balancing economic factors with quality of life considerations.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Daniel Fosh [04:35]: "Switzerland's unbeatable mix of high earning potential, career opportunities, and exceptional quality of life makes it number one."

• Dave Hutch [08:04]: "Average annual wage is around 85,000 to 100,000 USD, which is far above the global norms."

• Daniel Fosh [14:03]: "Singapore's homeownership rate is over 90%, largely due to the government's Housing Development Board initiatives."

• Dave Hutch [15:23]: "The USA is a money-making giant with unmatched top-end salaries, especially in sectors like tech and finance."

• Daniel Fosh [17:44]: "For those investing through Henley’s programs, private healthcare is accessible and of high quality."

• Dave Hutch [19:12]: "Cities like Sydney and Melbourne are booming, especially in the real estate sector, thanks to robust population growth."

• Daniel Fosh [21:17]: "Property crimes in some Canadian cities are on the rise, but overall, violent crime remains lower than in the US."

• Dave Hutch [30:44]: "We’re here to help people invest globally, and with Henley & Partners' expertise, future episodes will offer even more valuable information for our listeners."

This episode of "Real Estate Without Borders" offers a thorough exploration of the best countries for living and working in 2025, grounded in credible data and enriched by the hosts' insightful discussions. Whether you're an experienced investor or just beginning your journey, the insights shared provide a valuable roadmap for expanding your global real estate portfolio.