To buy property in the US as a foreigner, you don’t need citizenship, residency, or even a visa, but you do need to understand how America’s legal, financial, and tax systems work.
From obtaining an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) to navigating FIRPTA rules and cross-border mortgage approvals, each step of the process carries specific requirements for non-resident buyers.
This guide covers:
- Who can buy a house in America?
- Can we buy property in the USA on a visitor visa?
- What is the process of buying a house in the US as a foreigner?
- How much money is needed to buy a house in the USA?
My contact details are hello@adamfayed.com and WhatsApp +44-7393-450-837 if you have any questions.
The information in this article is for general guidance only. It does not constitute financial, legal, or tax advice, and is not a recommendation or solicitation to invest. Some facts may have changed since the time of writing.
Can a non-US citizen buy a house in the USA?
Yes, a non-US citizen can buy a house in the USA.
The United States places no legal restrictions on foreigners owning property, whether residential or commercial.
Buyers don’t need to be residents or hold a visa to purchase real estate, making the process remarkably open compared to many other countries.
Foreign nationals purchased over $50 billion worth of US real estate in 2024, with top buyers coming from China, Canada, Mexico, India, and the UK.
This reflects not only the global appeal of the American property market but also the relative ease with which international investors can enter it.
However, while ownership is straightforward, living in the property long-term or generating rental income involves separate legal and tax considerations.
Buyers should understand visa restrictions, reporting obligations, and property tax rules before completing a transaction.
Who is eligible to buy a house in the USA?
Any foreign national, regardless of immigration status, is eligible to buy property in the USA. This includes:
- Non-resident foreigners with no US visa.
- Temporary visa holders such as students or professionals (H-1B, L-1, etc.).
- Permanent residents (green card holders).
How do foreigners buy property in the US?
The process of how foreigners buy property in the US is similar to that of citizens, with a few additional documentation steps:
- Select your property – Work with a licensed real estate agent familiar with foreign buyers.
- Hire a legal representative – A real estate attorney can help navigate contracts, tax ID registration, and due diligence.
- Obtain a Tax Identification Number (ITIN) – Required for tax reporting and property transactions.
- Secure financing (if applicable) – Some US banks offer mortgage loans to foreigners, typically requiring a higher down payment (30–50%) and proof of overseas income.
- Open a US bank account – This simplifies transactions and payments.
- Close the deal – Once all checks are complete, the title transfer is recorded at the county level.
How to buy a house in the USA as an immigrant
Buying a house in the US as an immigrant follows a nearly identical process to that of citizens.
Immigrants with established credit histories or permanent residency (green cards) typically have easier access to mortgage financing.
For newcomers, building US credit can take time, but lenders may accept foreign credit reports or bank references.
Immigrants also benefit from being eligible for federal mortgage programs such as FHA or Fannie Mae loans, which are unavailable to non-resident foreigners.
How much money do I need to buy a house in America as a foreigner?
In total, most foreign buyers should expect to invest at least $150,000–$200,000 upfront for modest properties, and significantly more in prime markets.
Here’s a general breakdown:
- Average home prices (as of 2025):
- $400,000–$500,000 in suburban areas
- $1 million+ in major cities (New York, Los Angeles, Miami)
- Down payment: 30%–50% for foreign buyers if using financing
- Closing costs: 2%–5% of the property price
- Annual property taxes: 1%–2% of assessed value
The cost of buying a house in America as a foreigner depends on the location and financing method.
Is it easy to buy a house in the USA?
Buying property in the US as a foreigner is relatively straightforward, thanks to the country’s transparent property laws and robust legal protections for ownership.
However, the ease depends on several factors:
- Payment method: Cash purchases are much simpler than financed ones.
- Visa status: While no visa is required for buying, a visa is needed to live in the property.
- Documentation: Expect to provide identification, proof of funds, and tax details.
With the right professionals—real estate agents, attorneys, and accountants—the process can be completed within 30 to 60 days.
How long can I stay in the USA if I buy a house?
Buying property does not grant the right to live in the US permanently, as owning property does not automatically grant immigration benefits.
Foreign property owners can only stay based on their visa status.
- Tourist visa (B1/B2): Up to 6 months per year.
- Investor or business visas (E-2, L-1): Duration varies by business activity.
- Permanent residency (green card): Required for indefinite stay.
If you wish to spend extended time in your property, you’ll need to apply for a visa suitable for your circumstances; owning a home alone is not a legal basis for residency.
What is the property tax rate for foreigners in the US?
In most US jurisdictions, the effective annual property tax rate for a home typically falls around 1% or more of the property’s value, though some places push above 2%, and a few are under 0.5%.
Foreign buyers generally pay the same rate as local buyers, but should check the specific state + county combination where they plan to purchase.
Tax obligations differ when selling or earning income:
- Rental income: Subject to a 30% withholding tax unless reduced by treaty.
- Capital gains: Taxed upon sale, with rates of 15%–20%.
- FIRPTA (Foreign Investment in Real Property Tax Act): Requires a 15% withholding on the sale price when a foreigner sells US property, later adjusted after tax filing.
Engaging a US-based tax advisor familiar with non-resident taxation can help minimize liabilities.
Conclusion
For foreign investors and expats, buying property in the US offers access to one of the world’s most stable real estate markets.
While ownership is open to all, the key lies in understanding the financing, taxation, and residency rules that come with it.
Whether you’re purchasing a vacation home, diversifying assets, or preparing for relocation, professional advice from real estate and legal experts will ensure a smooth transaction and long-term success.
FAQs
Can you get citizenship by buying property in the USA?
No. The United States does not offer citizenship or residency through property ownership.
To become a citizen, you must first obtain a green card, usually through employment, family sponsorship, or an investor visa, and later apply for naturalization after meeting residency requirements.
Do I get a green card if I buy a house in the USA?
No. Buying a house does not qualify you for a green card.
The EB-5 Investor Visa, which requires investing at least $900,000 in a Targeted Employment Area (TEA) or $1,800,000 in other areas, is sometimes mistaken for a property-based residency option, but it is entirely separate.
The EB-5 program is designed to stimulate the US economy through job creation and capital investment, not real estate purchases.
Is it hard to get a mortgage in America?
For foreigners, getting a mortgage in America can be challenging but not impossible.
Residency status plays a major role — permanent residents and visa holders with stable US income typically have better access to financing than non-resident foreigners.
While many major banks limit lending to non-residents, some private lenders and international mortgage programs cater specifically to them.
Expect higher down payments, higher interest rates, and stricter documentation requirements compared to US citizens.
Pained by financial indecision?
Adam is an internationally recognised author on financial matters with over 830million answer views on Quora, a widely sold book on Amazon, and a contributor on Forbes.
