Rank	Market	% of International Traffic
1	Miami, FL	8.7%
2	New York, NY	4.9%
3	Los Angeles, CA	4.6%
4	Orlando, FL	2.9%
5	Dallas, TX	2.8%
6	Houston, TX	2.6%
7	Tampa, FL	2.5%
8	Phoenix, AZ	2.3%
9	Chicago, IL	2.0%
10	Riverside, CA	1.5%

Source: Realtor.com, Q1 2025 Data

These top 10 markets collectively capture a substantial 46.9% of total international online traffic. They represent diverse reasons for broad international interest: vibrant culture (Miami), global financial centres (New York), entertainment hubs (Los Angeles), and growing economic powerhouses with favourable tax environments (Texas cities).

While these markets certainly hold appeal, for a UK investor focused on optimal cash flow and significant appreciation potential, the story is evolving. High entry costs and sometimes lower rental yields in these popular areas can dilute the very returns you’re seeking.

In fact, according to the latest market data, house prices in these regions have become overheated and affordability has fallen off a cliff. As such, houses prices are not far behind, with significant declines in Texas, Florida and California markets.

The Savvy Investor’s Edge: Why Cleveland is the New Frontier for UK Investors

This is where the truly strategic investor differentiates themselves. While the masses flock to the sunshine states, the most astute UK property investors are discovering the hidden gems of the US Midwest, particularly Cleveland, Ohio.

Why Cleveland is Becoming a UK Investor Magnet:

1. Unbeatable Affordability & Entry Point: Unlike the million-dollar price tags of coastal cities, Cleveland offers significantly lower median home prices. This means your liquid capital can go further, allowing you to acquire multiple properties or gain a foothold in the US market with a smaller initial investment. This translates directly to higher cash-on-cash returns – a key metric for passive income seekers.

2. Strong Cash Flow Potential: Cleveland’s lower property acquisition costs, combined with a robust rental market (driven by a diverse economy, medical sector, and universities), mean investors can achieve far superior rental yields. This translates into the strong, consistent passive income you desire for your wealth-building and retirement goals.

3. Solid Appreciation on Value: While the percentage appreciation in a $100k property might not look as large as a $1M property on paper, the percentage gain on your initial investment can be remarkably higher. Cleveland’s ongoing revitalization, job growth, and infrastructure improvements position it for sustainable, percentage-based appreciation that meaningfully impacts your portfolio.

4. Diverse & Stable Economy: Cleveland isn’t just about heavy industry anymore. It’s a thriving hub for healthcare (Cleveland Clinic, University Hospitals), biomedical research, higher education, and advanced manufacturing. This diversified economic base ensures strong, consistent tenant demand and a stable local economy, mitigating risk for overseas landlords.

5. Less Landlord Regulation Stress: Compared to some coastal states or even the UK, Ohio generally offers a more landlord-friendly regulatory environment, reducing one of the significant pain points you might be experiencing at home.

6. Genuine Opportunity, Not Just Speculation: Cleveland isn’t a flash-in-the-pan speculative market. It’s a fundamental investment opportunity built on affordability, strong demand, and a revitalized urban core. This aligns perfectly with your goal of long-term wealth building.

Investor Insight: For UK investors seeking a path to truly robust cash flow and significant returns on their capital, looking past the traditional hotspots to high-potential, affordable markets like Cleveland is a shrewd move.

Who’s Investing: A Global Shift and UK’s Role

Understanding where international buyers originate provides further context for these evolving trends.

Top 5 Countries Sending International Online Home Shopping Traffic (Q1 2025)

Source: Realtor.com, Q1 2025 Data (Top 5 countries for Q1 2025 shown)

Key Takeaway for You: The fact that the UK is now a significant source of international interest (a notable presence in the top 5 for Q1 2025, unlike prior years) reinforces that savvy investors like yourself are actively seeking opportunities outside the UK. This indicates a growing awareness and appetite for US investment, with many now understanding the strategic advantages of markets like Cleveland.

Beyond the Coast: Why Some Markets Are Losing Luster

The Q1 2025 data also highlights a decline in the appeal of some Western markets that were popular in the past, such as San Francisco, San Diego, and Las Vegas, which dropped out of the top 20. This trend underscores a crucial shift:

• Affordability Challenges: Persistent, extreme high housing costs in these areas have become a significant deterrent for many international buyers, who are increasingly prioritizing where their investment capital can yield the best returns and value.
• Shifting Investor Priorities: The focus is moving towards markets offering a better balance of affordability, strong rental demand, and sustainable growth potential – precisely what markets like Cleveland offer.

This shift confirms that investors are becoming more strategic, moving away from purely speculative or lifestyle-driven purchases towards data-backed decisions that prioritize cash flow and ROI.

Your Path to US Property Success: Focus on Strategic Growth

As a busy, experienced UK investor, you need more than just market data; you need a trusted partner to bridge the knowledge gap and provide end-to-end support. You’re looking for answers to questions like:

• How to identify the best specific properties in Cleveland or other emerging markets?
• How to conduct due diligence from overseas?
• How to navigate US mortgages and financing as a non-resident?
• Understanding the legal and administrative requirements.
• Optimizing US tax implications for UK investors.
• Ensuring seamless property management and tenant relations from abroad.

While traditional US hotspots remain popular, the truly savvy UK investor is recognizing the unparalleled opportunity in more affordable, high-cash-flow markets like Cleveland. This allows you to build wealth, generate robust passive income, and diversify your portfolio with greater efficiency and potentially higher returns.

Ready to explore a smarter, more profitable path to US property investment? Let’s discuss how Cleveland can be the cornerstone of your growing overseas portfolio.