International buyers purchased 78,100 properties in the US in 12 months - an increase of 33.2% and the first rise since 2017
WASHINGTON - Foreign investment in residential real estate in the United States grew 33.2 percent last year, with Florida maintaining its lead as the preferred destination for international buyers. From April 2024 to March 2025, foreign buyers purchased $56 billion in existing homes nationwide - the first annual increase since 2017 - and 21 percent of those buyers chose Florida, according to a new report from the National Association of Realtors® (NAR).
In all, international buyers purchased 78,100 properties, a 44% increase over the previous year, also marking the first year-on-year increase since 2017. The median price paid by these buyers reached US$494,400, an all-time high, according to NAR's 2025 International Transactions in U.S. Residential Real Estate report.
"International interest in US real estate has increased following the global economic recovery after years of disruption caused by the pandemic. However, high home prices and high interest rates continue to impact sales volume, which is still below pre-pandemic levels," said NAR chief economist Lawrence Yun.
"Driven by a significant increase in the stock of available properties, Florida remained the top destination for international buyers, extending a streak of leadership that has lasted at least 15 years. Due to persistently high mortgage rates, a larger share of these buyers opted for down payments - 47%, compared to 28% of buyers in general - and tend to choose higher value-added properties. Foreign interest in US real estate is driven in part by the country's strong protection of private property rights."
Profile of international buyers
NAR's report is based on a survey of brokers and agents who worked with foreign clients who bought or sold residential real estate in the US between April 2024 and March 2025 - capturing data prior to the introduction of new commercial rates in April 2025. This information helps industry professionals understand the profile of the international client and prepare for future negotiations.
- Foreign buyers residing in the USA (recent immigrants or visa holders):
They bought 43,700 properties (56% of the total), generating US$26.9 billion. - Foreign buyers living outside the USA:
They bought 34,400 properties (44% of the total), generating US$29.1 billion.
Summary of figures
- US$ 56 billion: total volume of purchases - up 33.2% (from US$ 42 billion)
- 78,100 properties bought: up 44% (from 54,300)
- US$ 494,400: median price paid - new record, +4.1% compared to the previous year
- 47% of purchases were in cash
Main countries of origin of international buyers
| Country | % of purchases | Properties purchased | Financial volume |
|---|---|---|---|
| China | 15% | 11.700 | US$ 13.7 billion |
| Canada | 14% | 10.900 | US$ 6.2 billion |
| Mexico | 8% | 6.200 | US$ 4.4 billion |
| India | 6% | 4.700 | US$ 2.2 billion |
| United Kingdom | 4% | 3.100 | US$ 2 billion |
Top destinations in the USA for international buyers
| State | % share |
|---|---|
| Florida | 21% |
| California | 15% |
| Texas | 10% |
| New York | 7% |
| Arizona | 5% |