For investors, landlords, and homeowners watching the market, recent data from the National Association of Realtors® offers a clear takeaway: U.S. real estate continues to attract serious global attention.
Between April 2024 and March 2025, international buyers purchased 78,100 properties, investing a total of $56 billion — a 33.2% increase from the previous year. The median purchase price reached a record $494,000, with the average transaction coming in at $717,000.
This surge follows years of pandemic-related slowdowns. NAR reports that with mortgage rates remaining high, 47% of foreign buyers paid in cash — significantly higher than the 28% cash purchase rate among all buyers. Many targeted homes at the higher end of the market, citing the U.S.’s strong protections for private property rights as a major draw.
Who’s buying and where:
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56% of purchases came from recent immigrants or visa holders living in the U.S., totaling $26.9 billion.
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44% came from buyers living abroad, totaling $29.1 billion.
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Florida retained its 15-year streak as the top destination, followed by California, Texas, New York, and Arizona.
Top countries of origin:
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China – $13.7B (15% share)
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Canada – $6.2B (14% share)
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Mexico – $4.4B (8% share)
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India – $2.2B (6% share)
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United Kingdom – $2B (4% share)
Key facts at a glance:
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$56B total sales volume (+33.2%)
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78,100 transactions (+44%)
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Median price: $494,000 (+4.1%)
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47% all-cash purchases
What this means for local markets:
For markets like San Diego, where demand from both domestic and international buyers remains strong, this data underscores the enduring appeal of U.S. real estate as a stable, high-value investment. Cash-ready international buyers are helping to keep upper-tier properties in high demand, even in the face of elevated interest rates.
Thinking about selling or investing in San Diego, Riverside, or Los Angeles County?
At Key Connections Real Estate, we combine local expertise with a deep understanding of market trends — so you can make the most informed move possible.
Contact us to start the conversation.
