2025 International Buyers in U.S. Real Estate: What the New NAR Report Means for South Florida
By Scott Lehr, The Listing Team at RESF
đ A $56 Billion Force in the Market
According to the National Association of REALTORSÂŽ 2025 International Transactions in U.S. Residential Real Estate Report, foreign buyers purchased 78,100 U.S. homes from April 2024 to March 2025âtotaling $56 billion in sales volume. While these buyers represented just 2.3% of existing-home sales, their influence is felt most strongly in high-demand markets like Miami and Fort Lauderdale.
đ Florida Remains the #1 Destination
Florida once again claimed the top spot, capturing 21% of all international purchasesâbeating out California (15%), Texas (10%), New York (7%), and Arizona (5%). In South Florida, international buyers are drawn by year-round sunshine, a strong rental market, and global connectivity via Miami International and Fort LauderdaleâHollywood airports.
đ Whoâs Buying?
- China: 15% share / $13.7B volume
- Canada: 14% / $6.2B
- Mexico: 8% / $4.4B
- India: 6%
- United Kingdom: 4%
These buyers are purchasing across all price points, but South Floridaâs waterfront condos and luxury single-family homes remain particularly attractive.
đ° Price Points and Payment Trends
The median purchase price for foreign buyers hit $494,400âwell above the overall U.S. median of $408,500. Nearly half (47%) of these transactions were all-cash, making them especially competitive in multiple-offer situations.
Pro Tip: Sellers should market internationally and highlight features that resonate with cash-ready buyersâsuch as immediate occupancy, rental potential, and proximity to cultural hotspots.
đ How Theyâre Using Their Homes
About 47% of purchases were for vacation homes, short-term rentals, or both. South Floridaâs year-round tourism and event calendarâplus strong returns from platforms like Airbnbâmake the region ideal for hybrid personal/investment use.
đ What This Means for Broward & Miami
For Broward County, this demand supports stable pricing, fuels the luxury market, and creates opportunities for sellers to reach global buyers. In Miami, the influx strengthens condo absorption rates and keeps pre-construction interest high.
Investors benefit from reliable tenant demand, while buyers should be prepared to act quicklyâespecially in cash-preferred segments like waterfront and new construction.
đ˛ Work With Experts Who Understand the Global Market
International demand isnât slowingâand neither is South Floridaâs appeal. Whether youâre buying, selling, or investing, you need a team that can position your property to attract the right audience both locally and globally.