#USA #Austin #International Buyers #Texas REALTORS #residential properties

International Homebuying Activity in Texas on the Rise

In recent years, the landscape of residential property transactions in Texas has increasingly attracted foreign buyers. According to the latest report from Texas Realtors, the number of homes sold to international buyers jumped by nearly 9% compared to the previous year, marking a robust demand for real estate in the Lone Star State.

Sales Overview

From April 2024 to March 2025, approximately 7,500 residential properties were purchased by buyers outside the United States. These transactions accumulated a staggering total of $4.8 billion in sales, signifying a significant increase of approximately $1.3 billion from the last reporting period. Yet, the numbers remain modest when compared to the peak in 2017, when foreign buyers purchased 34,135 homes.

Rising Average Prices

Interestingly, the average price of homes acquired by international buyers also saw a notable rise. The average price reached $420,800, representing a 12% increase from the previous year. This figure surpasses the average price of all homes sold in Texas during the same timeframe by $82,300. The contribution of international purchases to the total residential transactions was 2.3%, a slight increase from the 2.1% recorded last year.

Leading Source Countries

Mexico continues to dominate as the top source of international homebuyers in Texas, contributing 30% of all foreign purchases. Following closely are Canada and China, each representing 8% of the market, while India and Nigeria account for 7% and 6%, respectively. This trend underscores Texas as a preferred destination for Mexican homebuyers, who made up 40% of all real estate purchases from Mexico in the United States, according to the National Association of Realtors.

Ranking Among US States

Across the United States, Florida leads in international home sales with 21%, followed by California at 15%, and Texas comes in third at 10%. New York and Arizona follow with 7% and 5%, respectively. This competition highlights the attractiveness of Texas real estate on an international scale.

Future Challenges

However, the future of international homebuying in Texas may face challenges due to impending legislative changes. Starting September 1, 2025, new regulations will limit purchases and rentals from individuals and entities belonging to certain countries deemed national security threats, including China, Iran, North Korea, and Russia. This legislation will not apply to US citizens and legal permanent residents.

A Call for Real Estate Expertise

Within this evolving market, Texas Realtors advocate for the importance of professional guidance in navigating real estate transactions. Christy Gessler, President of Texas Realtors, emphasizes the wealth of resources available through Texas agents to assist international buyers. “Clearly, Texas has much to offer to homebuyers from around the globe,” she stated, underscoring the critical role real estate professionals play in facilitating successful transactions.

Conclusion

As Texas continues to attract international buyers, understanding market trends and legislative changes will be crucial. The real estate landscape remains promising, but it is imperative for newcomers in the market to seek expert guidance to navigate this dynamic environment effectively. For more information on international homebuying and resources available through Texas Realtors, visit texasrealestate.com.