Buyers from the United Arab Emirates are emerging as some of the most active foreign investors in the U.S. residential property market, according to a new report by the National Association of Realtors (NAR).
In the latest findings released Monday, the UAE is tied for sixth place globally—alongside Brazil, Colombia, and Nigeria—each accounting for 3% of international real estate purchases in the United States. This marks a significant milestone for the Emirates, which previously represented 1% or less of foreign activity in the U.S. market.
While Brazil and Colombia have seen their shares decline from 4% last year, Nigeria has climbed to match the UAE’s current level.
China (15%) and Canada (14%) continue to dominate as the top sources of foreign buyers, the report noted.
In total, international buyers purchased 78,100 residential properties during the survey period—an increase of 44% compared to the previous year. Despite this jump, foreign investors still made up just 2% of all U.S. home buyers.
The combined value of these international purchases reached $56 billion, representing a 33% year-on-year increase, but only 2.5% of the total U.S. housing market.
Interestingly, the average transaction price for foreign buyers dropped by 8%, landing at $719,000.
Florida, California, Texas, and New York remained the top destinations for international real estate investments.
