What International Buyers Are Looking for in the Florida Market

ORLANDO, Fla. – Florida Realtors® has released its latest report on the state's international buyer and seller transactions, the 2026 Profile of International Residential Transactions in Florida. International buyer purchases of Florida residential properties between August 2025 and July 2026 declined by 18% compared to the prior 12-month period. High prices and interest rates, along with economic uncertainty, continue to dampen buyer activity, as international sales remain well below pre-pandemic levels.

Driven by the decrease in transactions, international buyer dollar volume fell to $9.0 billion from $10.4 billion in 2025, a decline of approximately 13%. While dollar volume remains above the $7.1 billion recorded in 2024, it is still 42% below the recent peak of $15.6 billion in 2020. International buyers accounted for approximately 4% of Florida's existing-home sales and dollar volume, down from 5% in 2025.

Among the countries generating the most international buyer dollar volume, Canada continued to lead by a significant margin. Canadian buyers purchased approximately $1.6 billion in Florida residential real estate, a 17% decrease from 2025. Mexican buyers staged a resurgence, with estimated dollar volume increasing to $981 million from $489 million in 2025, moving Mexico into second place. Buyers from the United Kingdom followed with $711 million, while Brazil and Colombia rounded out the top five at $678 million and $473 million, respectively.

High property prices and rising condo fees continued to present challenges for international buyers, although fewer prospective buyers ultimately decided against purchasing in 2026. Approximately 65% of respondents with international clients reported at least one client who chose not to purchase a Florida property, down from 70% in 2025. Property prices and condo fees were tied as the most frequently cited reasons, each reported by 36% of respondents. Insurance costs (25%), U.S. foreign relations and the political climate (24%), and difficulty finding a suitable property (21%) were also significant factors.

Despite these challenges, Florida continues to attract buyers from around the world. Canada remained the largest individual source country, accounting for 24% of international purchases, followed by Brazil and Colombia at 6% each. Latin America and the Caribbean collectively represented the largest regional share of international buyers at 39%, although that share declined from previous years.

Most international buyers also continued to visit Florida before purchasing a property. In 2026, 91% of respondents reported that their international buyers visited Florida at least once before making a purchase, up slightly from 90% in 2025.

Here are highlights from the 2026 report:

$9.0 Billion

Residential purchases (non-commercial) international buyer dollar volume between August 2025 and July 2026, approximately 13% lower than the $10.4 billion recorded in 2025. International buyer dollar volume remains above the $7.1 billion recorded in 2024 but below the recent high-water mark of $15.3 billion in 2022.

13,400

Estimated number of existing homes purchased in Florida by international buyers, representing approximately 4% of Florida's existing-home sales. This is an 18% decrease from the 16,400 international purchases recorded during the previous 12-month period.

67%

Share of international buyers whose primary residence is abroad (Type A international buyers).

Florida's top 5 buyer countries by sales

1. Canada (24% of international buyers)

2. Brazil (6%)

3. Colombia (6%)

4. United Kingdom (5%)

5. Argentina (4%)

Florida's top 5 international buyers by dollar volume

1. Canada ($1.6 B)

2. Mexico ($981 M)

3. United Kingdom ($711 M)

4. Brazil ($678 M)

5. Colombia ($473 M)

Top international buyer destinations

Miami-Fort Lauderdale-West Palm Beach (47% of international buyers)

Orlando-Kissimmee-Sanford (12%)

North Port-Sarasota-Bradenton (6%)

Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater (6%)

Cape Coral-Fort Myers (6%)

Lakeland-Winter Haven (4%)

Jacksonville (4%)

Naples-Immokalee-Marco Island (3%)

$424,000

International buyer median purchase price, compared to $390,000 for all Florida existing homes sold. The international buyer median declined from $442,000 in 2025.

61%

International buyers who paid all cash, compared to 48% among all U.S. international buyers.

69%

International buyers who intended to use the property for vacation, residential rental, or both uses.

58%

International buyers who purchased single-family homes, including attached and detached properties.

91%

Percent of international buyers who visited Florida at least once before making a purchase.

64%

Percent of international buyers who were personal contacts, referrals from previous clients, or former clients.

22%

Respondents who reported clients (either non-U.S. citizens or U.S. citizens) seeking to purchase property abroad.

Click the blue button below to download the most recent report, the 2026 Profile of International Residential Transactions in Florida. If you are visually impaired and need assistance reading the full report, please contact the Research Department at 407.438.1400.