Should You Buy a House as a Nomad?

Hey Freaking Nomads,

This week, I want to dive into a topic that seems to stir up a lot of opinions and even more debates: is it a good idea to buy a house when you are nomading around the world full time?

I remember the first time this idea crept into my mind.

I was sitting on a stunning beach in Thailand, surrounded by some other nomads we met that day, all of us reveling in the freedom of this awesome lifestyle.

And as I sipped my coconut water, I overheard a conversation that caught my attention: one of my friends mentioned how he was thinking about investing in real estate back home.

At first, I was taken aback. 'Buy a house?' I thought. 'Aren’t we supposed to be free? Aren’t we supposed to be chasing experiences, not mortgages?'

But as I pondered his words, I felt a twinge of something that felt suspiciously like envy. Could stability be just as alluring as freedom?

The thing is that it’s easy to romanticize the digital nomad life.

We often talk about the joys of exploring new cities, meeting diverse people, and living out of a suitcase. But what happens when you start craving a sense of stability and belonging that comes with owning a home?

This is the unspoken dilemma many of us face, and it can lead to a confusing internal struggle.

Buying property as a nomad is controversial.

On one hand, it can represent a form of investment and a foothold in a constantly shifting lifestyle. On the other hand, it can feel like a relinquishment of our freedom, a chain that ties us back to one place when adventure lies ahead.

Some of us even fear that settling down might mean giving up on the very essence of who we are as digital nomads.

But let’s not shy away from the truth: it’s OK to want both. It’s OK to desire roots while still dreaming of traveling forever.

We can find a balance, creating a life that resonates with our values without sacrificing everything. Maybe it’s about finding a coliving space that feels homey, or maybe even investing in property in a location that offers both adventure and a sense of community.

This week, I challenge all of us to reframe what we think about roots and wings.

Let’s embrace the idea that we can build a life that feels both stable and free.

Being a nomad doesn’t mean we have to renounce our dreams of homeownership, it means we just have to approach it with intention. In a way, it's about crafting our own unique definition of success that weaves together both the thrill of travel and the warmth of home.

So, if you're one of those who dreams of buying a house or just a traveler at heart, remember that it’s your journey. Own it, however that may look for you.

Until next week,
Irene

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🧑‍💻 The Nomad Resource of the Week

This week’s pick is for the nomad who squeezes sun salutations between flights, Yogo’s Ultralight 4.0 Folding Yoga Mat. It has all you need when it comes to a great (and travel-friendly) yoga mat:

• Feather-light portability: folds to the size of a water bottle (12 × 2 × 4.5 in) and weighs just 2.3 lbs, so it slides into any daypack without drama.
• Built-in straps: integrated rubber bands snap shut for a tidy bundle and double as a hanging loop, rinse it in the hostel shower and drip-dry overnight.
• Hygienic fold design: the practice surface never touches the “floor” side, keeping both the mat and your luggage cleaner on long travel days.
• Eco-friendly materials: FSC-certified tree rubber, recycled straps, zero PVC or latex, plus Yogo plants a tree for every mat sold.
• Grippy practice anywhere: 1.7 mm of natural rubber delivers solid traction, even in sweaty, tropical climates. So your down-dog stays grounded on tile, sand, or wooden decks.

Want to keep your flow portable? You gotta absolutely try it (I got one myself right now with me).

For more field-tested gear, feel free to browse our full travel kit guide or browse all our recommended resources.

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We'll see you there, Freaking Nomads 👋

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