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eptember’s Miami real‑estate search data show a surge from China and Singapore, with Shenzhen leading the list of cities, followed by Singapore, underscoring Asia’s growing interest in U.S. property. The Miami Association of REALTORS reports that these two nations generated the highest global web traffic for South Florida listings.
The trend is driven by policy changes and market sentiment. President Trump’s recently enacted $1 million Gold Card offers U.S. residency for a sizable investment—far lower than Singapore’s $8 million visa—while a court injunction has paused Florida’s SB 264, a law that limited purchases by Chinese and other foreign buyers near military sites. Despite legal uncertainty, 150 countries visited MiamiRealtors.com in September, with Colombia, Spain and India also prominent.
International buyers now account for 49 % of new‑construction sales in South Florida over the past 18 months, according to the first New Construction Global Sales Report. Argentina topped foreign purchases in 2024, followed by Colombia, Canada, Brazil and Mexico. Florida remains the U.S. state that attracts the most overseas buyers, capturing 20 % of all international sales, and the Miami‑Fort Lauderdale‑West Palm Beach corridor alone represents half of Florida’s cross‑border transactions.
Miami’s luxury segment continues to lure global investors, offering more prime square footage per dollar than competitors. The 2025 Knight Frank Wealth Report notes that $1 million buys 58 m² in Miami—nearly four times the yield in Monaco and far above New York or London. UBS’s 2025 Global Real Estate Bubble Index lists Miami as the city most at risk of a bubble, citing its coastal allure and favorable tax climate that attract newcomers from the U.S. West and Northeast, while prices remain below those in New York and Los Angeles.
For brokers and lenders, the influx of foreign capital can elevate demand and prices, especially in luxury and new‑construction markets. Cross‑border transactions demand expertise in international regulations, AML compliance and thorough due diligence. Agents fluent in multiple languages or experienced in overseas deals may gain a competitive edge. Mortgage professionals must stay informed about evolving visa programs like the Gold Card and state restrictions such as SB 264, as these affect buyer eligibility and transaction timing.
While many foreign buyers still pay in cash, the Gold Card’s facilitation of U.S. ties may increase demand for U.S. mortgages among international clients. This could spur the need for specialized loan products, cross‑border financing options and partnerships with global banks. Lenders may need to adjust underwriting standards to accommodate foreign income, credit histories and documentation.
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