For many international buyers, the search for a home overseas is no longer just about a change of address – it’s about a change of pace.

The rise of slow living, a lifestyle centred around simplicity and intentional choices, is increasingly shaping where and how people choose to invest in property.

From rural Mallorcan fincas with saltwater pools and complete privacy to Provençal estates framed by olive groves and truffle oaks, these are places where life is measured in seasons rather than schedules. Buyers are gravitating towards retreats that offer stillness, space, and the freedom to disconnect.

Property searches mirror the joy of missing out

The cultural shift is unmistakable. Themes such as device-free time, JOMO (the joy of missing out), and reconnecting with nature are becoming more prominent in the media and in everyday conversation, and this is mirrored in property searches. Rural landscapes, walkable towns, and homes that enable a more self-sufficient lifestyle are seeing renewed interest, particularly among those whose working lives are spent in busy, highly connected urban environments.

While buyers often begin their search with clear criteria and a defined set of “must-haves”, so much of what drives their ultimate decision is something less tangible: the lifestyle their new home could unlock. For many, the opportunity to enjoy an outdoor way of life is a major draw – whether for the green-fingered who dream of cultivating a garden, and growing their own produce, or for those who long for daily swims, sun-soaked terraces or even a game of pétanque.

Slow living doesn’t have to mean isolation

The appeal is broad. For some, the priority is land – space to enjoy a garden that changes with the seasons. Others look for proximity to coastlines, mountains or lakes, where leisure is built into the landscape.

Crucially, slow living doesn’t mean isolation. Many buyers seek places that offer authenticity and connection: vibrant local communities, weekly markets and a pace of life that encourages more grounded, intentional habits.

For those considering an overseas purchase, the question is increasingly not just where they want to live, but how they want to live. With that in mind, we have curated a selection of homes for sale with Savills that embody a simpler, slower lifestyle – perfect for those looking to embrace a gentler pace of life.