Foreign investment in US housing is on the rise. After six years of falling demand, international buyers have returned in force, with home sales reaching a hefty $56 billion between 2024 and 2025. That’s according to new data from the National Association of Realtors, highlighting a clear resurgence in global interest.
Between April 2024 and March 2025, overseas buyers purchased 78,100 existing homes—a sharp 44% increase from the previous year. It’s the first annual growth in foreign purchases since 2017. The total dollar value also surged, up more than a third year-over-year, thanks in part to a surge in international investors. The median home price paid by overseas buyers hit $494,400, a record high. As foreign capital flows back in, it adds yet another layer of momentum to US home sales from 2024 to 2025.
Sunbelt and coastal states take the lead in foreign investment. The Sunshine State captured 21% of all foreign purchases, extending its streak as the top destination for at least 15 years. California isn’t far behind with 15%, followed by Texas with 10%, New York with 7%, and Arizona with 5%.
Cash Buyers Dominate the Market
Even though elevated mortgage rates and tight credit conditions remain, 47% of international buyers paid entirely in cash, almost double the share of domestic buyers. Institutional investors also tend to purchase higher-end properties, boosting overall price averages.
Making up 15% of all foreign purchases, with an estimated $13.7 billion in transaction volume, China leads the charge. Canada follows with 14% of deals and $6.2 billion in transactions, then Mexico (8%), India (6%), and the UK (4%).
Despite ongoing geopolitical and unfavourable macroeconomic problems, US real estate continues to attract foreign capital; 44% of buyers were living abroad at the time of investment, which accounted for $29.1 billion of home sales in 2024 and 2025. The other 56% of international buyers were already residing in the US, either as immigrants or visa holders. This group were responsible for $26.9 billion in sales volume.
Global Buyers Return, But Will it Last?
The latest figures were recorded just before the US introduced fresh tariffs in April 2025, an important detail, reflecting a moment of relative calm before trade tensions began to build. Upcoming reports on US home sales in 2024 will likely show a shift in tone, especially as global headwinds and tighter credit conditions start to affect the market. But for now, there’s clear evidence that international buyers still see the US as a safe and attractive destination.
Lawrence Yun, chief economist at the National Association of Realtors, said:
The US stands out globally for the security it offers real estate investors, especially around private property rights.
In an unpredictable world, that kind of legal stability is a powerful draw.
Even with the recent uptick in foreign interest, investment levels are still far from their 2017 high, when international buyers poured over $150 billion into US real estate. Whether this latest momentum signals a lasting revival or just a temporary bounce is still up in the air. Still, there’s no denying it: global investors are once again eyeing the American housing market. And for now, US home sales are benefiting from that renewed attention.
Top Locations for Property Investment
Even with broader economic uncertainty, certain US housing markets are holding strong. States like Florida continue to be a magnet for both domestic and international buyers, thanks to their warm climate, business-friendly tax policies, and strong rental demand. Cities such as Miami, Tampa, and the Sarasota County area are seeing steady price growth, with demand consistently outpacing supply.
Meanwhile, Nashville has quietly become one of the country’s most compelling investment stories. With its fast-growing population, diverse economy, and rising cultural cachet, the Music City of the US is a modern real estate hotspot. Investors are drawn to its relative affordability and strong yield potential, especially in up-and-coming neighbourhoods where demand for condo apartment rentals continues to climb.
While US home sales in 2024 faced headwinds in some regions, these standout markets show that opportunity still exists for buyers. In places where economic fundamentals are strong and lifestyle appeal is high, the US property market remains a solid long-term bet.
Final Thoughts
While global headwinds and evolving trade policies may add uncertainty to the months ahead, US home sales in 2024 and 2025 show encouraging signs of resilience. International investors are returning, drawn by the country’s legal protections and economic stability. And with standout markets like Florida and Nashville continuing to perform well, there are still clear opportunities for those looking to invest. In a world full of shifting dynamics, US real estate remains a strong option for global investors.
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