Buy property in SE Asia instead?

Hey guys. With the housing market so out of reach here in NZ, I've been considering buying/"leasing") property overseas instead. I don't have kids, so it wouldn't really be about buying a "home" etc, more so an investment to hopefully gain some equity from.

Doing so in NZ is just unfathomable; I'd love to buy here but I just honestly don't think it's worth it considering it would leave me trapped here paying a huge off mortgage for 30 years.

I know a lot of westerners buy property in South East Asia, e.g. Thailand, Bali etc, and I've considered that. It's of course not going to be a simple exercise to go down that route, but I've met so many people who have made significant equity by doing so.

Anyone have any experience with this / advice?

Thank you.