Interest in UK real estate had already been on the rise among US property investors, but activity has ramped up in the first few months of 2025.
The UK’s housing market is known for its stability, long-term capital appreciation, and strong underlying fundamentals due to demand continually outpacing supply across much of the country.
For overseas investors, the UK’s overarching political and economic steadiness, supported by favourable currency exchange, as well as the country’s appeal as an education and business destination, are particularly attractive factors compared with other markets.
While the highest proportion of overseas buyers hail from China and Hong Kong, US property investors have been increasing in number, with buyers increasingly seeking to invest in long-term, predictable assets in a place where foreign owners can make potentially stronger returns than on their own shores.
Recently, political upheaval in the US in the form of not only a new and potentially divisive President, but in the latest actions taken on global tariffs that have wobbled the financial markets, a surge in US property investors has come to the UK, according to new figures.
US property investors and homebuyers in the UK
The latest research from UK-based property portal Rightmove has revealed that the number of enquiries on its website from prospective US buyers about property for sale in the UK is a huge 19% higher than this time last year.
It is also at its highest level seen since 2017, with indications that while some US nationals may be looking to relocate to the UK themselves, US property investors are also seeking potential investment opportunities in the country.
Rightmove says that almost half (47%) of enquiries are from US-based searchers looking at smaller homes with two or fewer bedrooms, indicating that these could be for the purposes of operating as a buy-to-let, or as a second home.
A further 32% have been enquiring about larger family homes or three or four bedrooms, meaning these buyer types might be looking for a more permanent housing option for themselves.
London and Edinburgh most popular options
Historically, London is synonymous with a strong property market, world-class amenities and educational facilities, and an international business centre that makes it a future-proof option for property investment.
It is no surprise, then, that US property investors looking on Rightmove continue to show a lot of interest in the capital, with the property portal noting that over the past 10 years London has been the favourite.
However, so far in 2025, sights have switched to Scotland, with around 28% of enquiries from US property investors and buyers looking for homes in the country, compared with 26% for London. The focus is largely on Edinburgh and Scotland.
Property prices are significantly cheaper there than in London, which could explain the shift. At the same time, overseas investors are also keen on lower-priced, top-performing hotspots in the North, with BuyAssociation noting an increase in investor interest in places like Birmingham and Manchester in recent years.
UK offers a stable opportunity
Rightmove property expert Colleen Babcock says: “President Trump’s tariff announcements have led to more economic uncertainty globally, and we’re starting to see some of the effects of this on the UK property market.
“Whether it’s because the UK is seen as a more stable investment opportunity, or whether some buyers are considering a permanent move across the Atlantic, we’re seeing an increase in enquiries from the US.
“While a really interesting trend, it’s important to note that only a very small percentage of all UK enquiries come from the US.”
US property investors seeking top-performing real estate opportunities across the UK should contact BuyAssociation today for more information about our current and upcoming projects.
