The U.S. housing market has recently experienced a notable surge in interest from international buyers, marking a significant rebound in cross-border real estate transactions. This renewed engagement highlights the enduring appeal of American property to a global audience, even amidst prevailing economic challenges such as elevated home prices and rising interest rates. The latest data indicates a substantial increase in both the value and volume of properties acquired by foreign individuals, underscoring a dynamic shift in the market landscape.
Global Capital Flows Back into American Real Estate
A Significant Upswing in International Property Acquisitions
Between April 2024 and March 2025, foreign investors poured an impressive $56 billion into the existing home market across the United States. This represents a substantial 33.2% increase compared to the previous year's figures. The number of homes purchased by international buyers also saw a remarkable rise, climbing by 44% to reach 78,100 properties. This marks a pivotal moment, as it signifies the first annual growth in international real estate acquisitions since 2017, reflecting a renewed global confidence in the U.S. housing sector.
Shifting Market Dynamics and Financial Commitments
The median price of homes acquired by international buyers reached an unprecedented $494,400, an increase of 4.1% over the preceding year. This upward trend in pricing, combined with higher interest rates, continues to influence overall sales activity, keeping it below pre-pandemic levels despite the surge in international interest. The report also distinguished between foreign buyers residing abroad and those living in the U.S. on temporary visas or as recent immigrants, with residents in the U.S. accounting for $26.9 billion in purchases and non-residents for $29.1 billion.
Preferred Destinations and National Origins of Buyers
Florida maintained its longstanding position as the most sought-after state for international buyers, attracting 21% of all foreign purchases. Following closely were California (15%), Texas (10%), New York (7%), and Arizona (5%). Among the countries of origin, buyers from China led the pack, constituting 15% of foreign acquisitions and investing $13.7 billion. Canadian buyers were the second largest group at 14%, with transactions totaling $6.2 billion. Mexico, India, and the United Kingdom also featured prominently among the top five contributing nations.
Cash Transactions and the Allure of U.S. Property Rights
A striking observation from the report is the prevalence of cash transactions among international buyers, with nearly half (47%) of all foreign purchases being made in cash. This contrasts sharply with the 28% cash transaction rate observed among all buyers nationwide. This preference for cash payments is partly attributed to elevated mortgage rates, pushing international investors towards higher-end market segments. The strong protection of private property rights in the U.S. is consistently cited as a key motivator for foreign investment in American real estate, reinforcing its appeal as a secure and lucrative market for global capital.
