Chinese Buyers 'Add To Cart' US Homes That Americans Are 'Adding To Wishlist'

Last Updated:July 17, 2025, 23:07 IST

Between April 2024 and March 2025, foreign buyers invested a total of $56 billion in US residential properties.

Leading the list of international buyers are those from China, Canada, and Mexico

The housing market in the United States is experiencing a noticeable surge in international buyers, particularly from China. A recent report published by the Association of Realtors has revealed detailed data on foreign nationals purchasing property across the country.

It is important to highlight the significant rise in the number of Chinese buyers, with an 83% increase compared to the previous year’s figures. Of these buyers, approximately 36% chose to invest in California, while around 9% purchased property in New York, according to the report.

This increase in foreign investment coincides with a period in which many Americans are struggling to afford housing due to the ongoing affordability crisis. With both buyers and sellers facing mounting challenges in the domestic market, real estate experts suggest that these conditions are creating favourable opportunities for international buyers.

Between April 2024 and March 2025, foreign buyers invested a total of $56 billion in US residential properties. Leading the list are buyers from China, Canada, and Mexico. Chinese nationals alone purchased 11,700 homes, valued at $13.7 billion, over the past year, accounting for 15% of all foreign homebuyers in the United States.

Canada follows closely, with its citizens representing 14% of international buyers. Canadians purchased 10,900 homes worth a total of $6.2 billion. Buyers from Mexico secured third place, investing $4.4 billion in the purchase of 6,200 homes. Meanwhile, Indian and British buyers are not far behind. Indian nationals acquired 4,700 homes valued at $2.2 billion, while those from the United Kingdom spent $2 billion to purchase 3,100 homes during the same period.

However, this surge does not necessarily indicate that foreign buyers are outcompeting American ones. Rather, they are capitalising on the current weak demand. A report from Fox Business cited senior economist Joel Berner, who explained that high mortgage rates remain the biggest hurdle for American buyers. In contrast, many Chinese buyers tend to pay in cash, making them strong contenders in the real estate market.

According to the data, foreign nationals purchased approximately 78,100 properties in the US between April 2024 and March 2025.

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