I've heard of people being more or less trapped here, even when they have clear title to the land. They overpay, because the prices are so much lower than at home. Then, when they want to sell, they are limited to the new expat market, because they are the only ones that might be foolish enough to pay so much.

This problem goes away over time as property values increase. Then it becomes possible to get your money back even selling on the local market.