International Buyers Spent $56 Billion on U.S. Real Estate in the Past Year: Report
After several years of pandemic-related uncertainty and shifting economic tides worldwide, buyers from abroad are diving back into the market—and they're spending like never before. In the past year alone, foreign investors snapped up a record $56 billion worth of American homes, marking a 33 percent increase over the previous year and one of the most significant surges in recent history.
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Global buyers are making bold moves coast to coast, nabbing everything from sprawling beachfront estates in Florida to sleek urban condos in California's most desirable neighborhoods. According to the National Association of Realtors' 2025 International Transactions in U.S. Residential Real Estate report, these investors purchased 78,100 properties between April 2024 and March 2025—a 44 percent jump from the year before. Meanwhile, the median purchase price hit a record $494,400, underscoring the strong demand for upscale homes.
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Florida remains the crown jewel, drawing more than one in five international buyers. The state's sun-soaked lifestyle, favorable tax policies, and an unmatched inventory of luxury properties—from oceanfront mansions to golf-course retreats—make it a perennial favorite. California follows closely behind, along with Texas, New York, and Arizona, which round out the top five destinations for foreign buyers. Notably, nearly half of these international buyers paid cash, compared to just 28 percent of domestic buyers. High prices and elevated mortgage rates have pushed many to come prepared with substantial funds on hand, particularly when eyeing premium properties.
So, who's doing all the purchasing? Chinese buyers led the way, spending $13.7 billion on nearly 12,000 homes. They're followed by buyers from Canada, Mexico, India, and the U.K. Just over half of these buyers already live in the U.S.—recent immigrants or visa holders—while the rest are purchasing from abroad. Some are looking to settle down, others are investing in vacation homes or rental properties.
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The reasons behind this buying frenzy are clear. For starters, the U.S. is seen as a safe bet. Property rights are strong, the housing market is diverse, and the overall economy remains relatively stable, especially compared to some international markets. And while some buyers are chasing the dream of a sunny second home, others see it as a smart place to store their money.
Bottom line: the world's wealthiest are still putting their cash into American real estate, and luxury markets are feeling the boost. For sellers, brokers, and developers, this global demand is shaping the high-end housing landscape in a big way.
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