International homebuyers returned to the US in droves

International homebuyers purchased $56 billion worth of U.S. existing homes between April 2024 and March 2025 — a 33.2% increase from the previous year, according to a report released Monday by the National Association of Realtors.

The number of properties bought by foreign buyers rose to 78,100 during the 12-month period, up 44% from the previous year. It marks the first annual increase in international purchases since 2017.

The median price of homes bought by international buyers climbed to a record $494,400 — a 4.1% rise from the prior year.

“International interest in buying U.S. real estate increased following the global economic recovery from several years of pandemic-related disruptions,” NAR chief economist Lawrence Yun said in a statement. “However, elevated home prices and interest rates continue to dampen overall potential sales activity and remain well below pre-pandemic levels.”

The NAR report captured purchases made before new tariffs were introduced in April 2025. It includes data from foreign homebuyers who either live abroad or reside in the U.S. on temporary visas or as recent immigrants.

Of all foreign purchases, buyers living in the U.S. accounted for 43,700 homes — totaling $26.9 billion. Foreign residents living abroad bought 34,400 homes, totaling $29.1 billion.

Florida remained the most popular destination, attracting 21% of foreign buyers. It was followed by California (15%), Texas (10%), New York (7%) and Arizona (5%).

Florida has held the top spot for at least 15 consecutive years, NAR reported.

Among all countries of origin into the U.S., buyers from China led the way — making up 15% of foreign purchases and spending $13.7 billion. Canadian buyers followed at 14% and accounted for $6.2 billion in transactions.

Mexico (8%, $4.4 billion), India (6%, $2.2 billion) and the United Kingdom (4%, $2 billion) rounded out the top-five countries of origin.

Nearly half (47%) of all international purchases were made in cash, compared to 28% among all buyers nationwide.

“To some degree, due to stubbornly high mortgage rates, a greater share of international home buyers paid cash — 47% compared to 28% among all buyers — and they were more likely to purchase homes priced in the upper end of the market,” Yun said.

“Foreign buyers are drawn to investing in American real estate, in part, by our country’s strong protection of private property rights.”