#China #United States #Miami #Singapore

China and Singapore Dominate Global Searches for Miami Real Estate

In a surprising turn of events, China and Singapore have taken the lead in global web searches for South Florida real estate, according to the latest report from the MIAMI Association of REALTORS®. In September 2025, these two countries ranked first and second respectively, showcasing the growing interest from the Asian market in U.S. real estate.

Shenzhen, the largest city in China known for its electronics manufacturing, was identified as the top city making these searches. Meanwhile, Singapore, a bustling island city-state in Southeast Asia, solidified its position as the runner-up for interest in acquiring Miami properties. MIAMI Chairman Eddie Blanco emphasized that the appeal of South Florida's clean air, favorable climate, and its emergence as a FinTech hotspot are key factors drawing Asian investors to the region.

Recent legislation has contributed to this surge in searches. The introduction of the new $1 million Gold Card, which offers a pathway to U.S. residency, stands out as a significant incentive. This executive order, signed by President Trump, contrasts sharply with Singapore's investment visa program, which is priced at nearly $8 million, making the Gold Card a more attractive option for prospective investors from China and India, who are expected to be the primary applicants.

Adding to the dynamic real estate climate, Florida Senate Bill 264, which aimed to restrict property purchases by Chinese nationals without permanent U.S. residency, is currently facing legal challenges that have temporarily halted its implementation. This ban, which forbids certain foreign nationals from purchasing agricultural land and properties near military sites, has become a contentious issue, especially with significant pushback from the affected countries.

Data from the MIAMI Association also sheds light on the overall interest in Miami real estate. In September 2025, over 150 countries were represented among visitors searching for properties on MiamiRealtors.com. Countries from various continents including North America, South America, Europe, and Asia were prominent in the data, with Colombia consistently placing in the top three for the last 42 months, illustrating a sustained interest.

Top Countries Searching Miami Real Estate

The September report disclosed the top ten countries seeking Miami properties:
1. China
2. Singapore
3. Colombia
4. Spain
5. India
6. Philippines
7. Canada
8. Argentina
9. Venezuela
10. Ireland

Moreover, international buyers were responsible for nearly half (49%) of new construction sales in South Florida over the past 18 months, based on insights from MIAMI REALTORS' inaugural New Construction Global Sales Report. This analysis integrated data from 9,115 units across 37 new construction condominium projects within the Miami area. Collaborative efforts with entities like Cervera Real Estate and ONE Sotheby's International Realty further underline the report's authenticity.

International buyers, particularly from Argentina, Colombia, Canada, Brazil, and Mexico, have consistently shown significant interest in the diverse real estate market of South Florida. Historically, Florida has been the favored destination for foreign investors, accounting for 20% of all U.S. real estate sales according to the National Association of Realtors (NAR).

Amid this competitive scenario, Miami remains comparatively affordable for premium properties priced at $1 million and above. The 2025 Knight Frank Wealth Report highlights that purchasers can obtain approximately 58 square meters of prime property in Miami for the same investment amount. This is notably higher than other global metropolises; for instance, one could only buy 19 square meters in Monaco or 34 in both New York and London.

Leading U.S. States and Cities Searching for Miami Real Estate

The report also highlighted Virginia as the leading U.S. state looking for Miami real estate, further emphasizing the demand from domestic buyers. Following Virginia, states such as California and Washington exhibited notable interest.
Among cities, San Jose, CA, topped the list of local searches, followed closely by Des Moines, IA and New York, NY.

As the MIAMI Association of REALTORS® celebrates over a century of service, it continues to adapt to the evolving global market. Representing approximately 58,000 real estate professionals, it stands as the largest local REALTOR® association in the United States, with partnerships spanning across 288 international organizations.

With the influx of Asian interest and the legislative changes favoring foreign investment, the trajectory of Miami's real estate market is poised for substantial growth. Whether driven by vibrant nightlife, exciting cultural offerings, or the promise of business opportunities, Miami remains a beacon for property seekers around the world.