Florida continues its reign as the top destination for international homebuyers, attracting a significant portion of the $56 billion invested in U.S. residential real estate by foreign buyers between April 2024 and March 2025. This marks a substantial 33% increase in dollar volume and a 44% rise in the number of homes purchased nationwide, the first such annual increase since 2017.
Foreign Investment Surges in U.S. Real Estate
International buyers poured $56 billion into U.S. residential real estate over the past year, acquiring 78,100 homes. This surge represents a significant rebound after years of pandemic-related slowdowns, with the dollar volume increasing by 33.2% and the number of purchases by 44% compared to the previous year. The median purchase price for these transactions reached a record high of $494,400.
Lawrence Yun, chief economist for the National Association of Realtors (NAR), noted that "International interest in buying U.S. real estate increased following the global economic recovery from several years of pandemic-related disruptions." He also highlighted that a greater share of international buyers, 47%, paid in cash, compared to 28% among all buyers, and they were more likely to purchase higher-priced homes.
Florida Leads as Premier Destination
For the 15th consecutive year, Florida has maintained its position as the leading destination for foreign homebuyers, capturing 21% of all international purchases. This continued popularity is attributed to the state’s appealing lifestyle, favorable tax policies, and a recent increase in housing inventory.
Tim Weisheyer, 2025 Florida Realtors President, emphasized Florida’s unique advantages: "We’re a gateway to the Americas, with world-class infrastructure… Combine that with no state income tax, a business-friendly environment, and continued population and business growth, and it’s clear why Florida stands out as a top place not just to buy a home, but to build a future."
While Florida dominates, other states also saw significant international interest:
- California: 15%
- Texas: 10%
- New York: 7%
- Arizona: 5%
Key Takeaways
- Significant Rebound: Foreign investment in U.S. residential real estate saw its first annual increase since 2017, with a 33% jump in dollar volume.
- Florida’s Dominance: The Sunshine State remains the top choice for international buyers, accounting for over one-fifth of all foreign purchases.
- Cash-Rich Buyers: Nearly half of all international buyers paid in cash, often targeting higher-end properties.
- Top Origin Countries: The leading countries of origin for foreign buyers were China, Canada, Mexico, India, and the United Kingdom.
Who is Buying U.S. Homes?
The report identifies the top five countries of origin for international buyers:
| Country | Share of Purchases | Dollar Volume |
|---|---|---|
| China | 15% | $13.7 billion |
| Canada | 14% | $6.2 billion |
| Mexico | 8% | $4.4 billion |
| India | 6% | $2.2 billion |
| United Kingdom | 4% | $2.0 billion |
It’s important to note that 56% of foreign buyers were U.S. residents (recent immigrants or visa holders), while 44% lived abroad. Chinese buyers primarily favored California, while Canadian and British buyers largely chose Florida. Texas was the preferred destination for buyers from Mexico and India.
Sources
- Foreign buyers sank $56B into US real estate the past year, New York Post.
- Map Shows Where Foreign Citizens Are Buying Up U.S. Homes, Newsweek.
- Florida Leads in International Home Sales, | Florida Realtors.