How to Buy Property in USA as a Foreigner: Step-by-Step Guide
For international buyers, U.S. real estate remains one of the most desirable and stable long-term investments worldwide.
From Manhattan penthouses to Beverly Hills estates, the American property market offers unparalleled lifestyle, security, and value. And the good news? You don’t need to be a U.S. citizen to own real estate here.
This blog post explains how to buy property in USA as a foreigner, from the first search to the final closing.
Step 1: Understand what you can buy
There are no citizenship restrictions on buying U.S. real estate. Foreigners can purchase residential and commercial property outright in their own name or via legal entities.
If looking for a mortgage, things can get a little more complicated.
You can buy:
Single-family homes or condos
Multifamily investment properties
Vacation or rental properties
Commercial real estate
There are no limitations on location, property type, or resale timeline. Many buyers begin with luxury home rentals in Dallas as a trial before committing to a permanent purchase.
Step 2: Define your investment strategy
Before you buy, clarify your goal: Are you looking to invest in USA property for personal use, rental income, or long-term capital gain?
Typical strategies:
Lifestyle use: Buying in New York, Miami, or Los Angeles for part-time residence
Rental investment: Purchasing in cities with high demand and landlord-friendly laws (short-term or long-term rentals)
EB-5 visa route: Investing in real estate developments tied to residency programs
If you're focused on lifestyle and luxury, consider models similar to buying property abroad as an American, where investment overlaps with travel and long-term wealth planning.
Step 3: Choose legal & tax advisors
Navigating foreign buyer real estate laws in the U.S. requires professionals. We suggest building an advisory team early:
A local real estate attorney (understands local laws and closing rules)
CPA or international tax advisor (helps with cross-border tax implications)
Buyer’s agent (specialized in international clients)
Title company (handles escrow and ensures clean ownership transfer)
Consider forming an LLC or trust to hold the property, especially if you want privacy, asset protection, or succession planning. This strategy is often used by clients who also invest in luxury properties in Monaco. This can get complicated quickly. For help, contact Bespoke Life — we can guide you through the process.
Step 4: Get your financing (or Plan for Cash)
U.S. banks do lend to foreign buyers, but with stricter requirements:
30–50% down payment
Proof of global income or banking relationships
Higher interest rates and closing costs
If you can pay in cash, the process becomes much easier and faster. Some buyers leverage private lenders, overseas assets, or refinance later with a U.S. mortgage. Some buyers use strategies similar to those in luxury jet or yacht acquisitions, where upfront cash simplifies international transactions.
Step 5: Choose the right location
The U.S. has over 100 prime real estate markets — each with distinct price points, regulations, and investment appeal. Take your time when choosing.
Top picks for international buyers:
New York City: Global prestige, high rental demand
Los Angeles / Beverly Hills: Celebrity culture, estate living
Miami: International hub, tax-friendly Florida laws
Austin & Dallas: Tech growth, lower cost of entry
San Francisco & Seattle: Long-term tech wealth zones
If you’re investing, look for landlord-friendly states with high occupancy and low vacancy rates. For turnkey guidance on Dallas-area investments, view luxury concierge services in Dallas.
Step 6: Make an offer and begin Escrow
Once you’ve decided on a property, your agent will help submit a written offer. If accepted, the process moves into escrow, typically lasting 30–60 days.
During this period:
A home inspection is completed
Your legal team conducts a title search
Any financing is finalized
The buyer wires funds to the escrow account
At closing, you'll sign final documents and receive the deed. Ownership is now yours and you have property in the U.S.
Step 7: Know your ongoing obligations
After purchase, you’ll need to manage:
Property taxes (set locally, typically 1–3% annually)
Homeowner’s insurance
Property management (for rentals or vacation homes)
Tax filings (including U.S. IRS and possibly your home country)
If the property is rented, you may owe U.S. income tax and must file annually with the IRS (typically via Form 1040NR). Contact a professional for help, like the team at Bespoke Life. Bespoke Life also assists investors with logistics similar to executive assistant management, helping streamline paperwork and operations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I buy property in the U.S. without a green card or visa?
Yes. There are no immigration requirements for property ownership. However, you’ll need a U.S. Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) for tax filings.
Do I pay more tax as a foreign buyer?
Not necessarily, but some states impose extra fees on foreign buyers (e.g., New York mansion tax). Also, estate taxes apply if you pass away while owning U.S. property. Proper planning can avoid this.
Can I get a U.S. mortgage as a non-resident?
Yes, but expect to put down 30–50% and provide detailed financials. Some private banks specialize in foreign clients.
Is rental income taxed in the U.S.?
Yes. You’ll need to report any rental income to the IRS. A CPA can help you structure it for efficiency.
Key takeaways
You can buy U.S. property as a foreigner with no citizenship or visa requirements
Work with professionals to navigate legal and tax issues
Choose your property based on your goals—lifestyle, rental income, or long-term growth
Financing is possible but often easier with cash
Ownership structures like LLCs offer added privacy and flexibility
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