Unpacking the ‘International Buyer’ Label: A Look at Resident vs. Non-Resident Investors in U.S. Real Estate

FREE DOWNLOAD: 10 Costly Mistakes Foreigners Make Buying U.S. Real Estate

You know, in our conversations about international investment in U.S. real estate, we often use the term “international buyer” as if it’s one single, monolithic group. But from my experience as an international buyer representative, I can tell you that couldn’t be further from the truth! It’s actually a really diverse group of people, each with their own unique motivations and needs. So, I thought it would be great to really unpack who these “international buyers” are, especially looking at the key distinction between those who already live here and those who don’t.

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The ‘International Buyer’ Unpacked: It’s Not Just One Group!

The National Association of Realtors® 2025 International Transactions in U.S. Residential Real Estate report does a fantastic job of breaking this down. It shows that overall, about seven out of ten (73%) of international clients that REALTORS® work with are indeed buyers. But the real insight comes when we look at *who* these buyers are. This is something I always emphasize with my team and my clients because it completely changes how you approach their needs.

The report highlights a crucial split:

• More than half (57%) of international buyers are U.S. residents who are non-U.S. citizens. Think recent immigrants, temporary visa holders, or foreign students who have made a life here. I call these my ‘Resident Foreign Buyers’.

• The remaining 43% are non-resident foreign buyers, meaning their primary residence is outside the U.S. These are the investors we often think of when we say ‘international buyer,’ purchasing from afar.

This distinction is everything. It shapes their motivations, their financing options, and the kind of guidance they need from professionals like me.

Related: Foreign Investment in U.S. Real Estate up 33.2% in 2025

The Resident Foreign Buyer: Investing from Within

My ‘Resident Foreign Buyers’ are incredibly important to the U.S. real estate market. These are individuals who are often building a life here, perhaps working, studying, or establishing a business. They might be looking to set down roots, build equity, or provide stable housing for their families. Since they’re already living in the U.S., they’re typically more familiar with our processes, and it can often be easier for them to secure traditional financing because they might have established U.S. credit and income.

The report also notes that most international clients are individual foreign buyers (65%), and a significant two-thirds (64%) of international buyers overall have previously purchased real estate in the U.S., which points to a comfortable familiarity with the market, especially among resident buyers.

Related: Top U.S. States for Foreign Real Estate Investment 2025

The Non-Resident Foreign Buyer: Global Capital Coming In

Then we have our ‘Non-Resident Foreign Buyers,’ the 43% who are investing from outside the country. Their motivations are often geared more towards portfolio diversification, seeking a safe haven for their capital, or acquiring properties purely for rental income or a future vacation home.

For these clients, the challenges we’ve discussed in previous articles, like securing a U.S. mortgage without a local credit history, navigating the buying process from a distance, or understanding U.S. tax implications, become much more pronounced. This is where my team and I really step in to be their boots on the ground, guiding them through every single step.

Related: These Are the U.S. Properties Foreigners Are Buying in 2025

Why This Distinction Matters (For Me and My Clients)

For me as a real estate professional, understanding whether my client is a resident or non-resident foreign buyer changes my entire strategy.

• For resident foreign buyers, I might focus more on helping them integrate into local communities, explaining long-term ownership benefits, and optimizing financing based on their established U.S. profile.

• For non-resident foreign buyers, my role often involves much more hand-holding, coordinating virtual tours, connecting them with specialized lenders for foreign nationals, setting up property management, and simplifying the entire cross-border transaction.

It’s about tailoring advice to their specific context. And for you, as a potential international investor, knowing which category you fall into helps you anticipate the journey ahead and find the right professional guidance.

The U.S. continues to be an incredibly appealing destination for global real estate investment, something Lawrence Yun, NAR Chief Economist, consistently highlights. And it’s this rich diversity of investors, from those making the U.S. their new home to those seeking strategic global assets—that truly makes our market so dynamic and vibrant. It’s a privilege to help each and every one of them navigate their unique path to property ownership here.

Related: The Factors Driving Foreign Investment in U.S. Real Estate

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the main distinction within the category of ‘international buyers’ of U.S. real estate?

The main distinction is between ‘resident foreign buyers’ and ‘non-resident foreign buyers.’ Resident foreign buyers are non-U.S. citizens who primarily reside in the U.S. (like recent immigrants or temporary visa holders), making up 57% of international buyers. Non-resident foreign buyers, at 43%, are those whose primary residence is outside the U.S.

Who are ‘resident foreign buyers’ and what drives their U.S. property purchases?

Resident foreign buyers are non-U.S. citizens already living in the U.S. They often buy property to establish roots, build equity, or provide stable housing for their families. They tend to be more familiar with the U.S. buying process and may have better access to domestic financing options.

Who are ‘non-resident foreign buyers’ and what are their typical motivations for investing in the U.S.?

Non-resident foreign buyers are individuals living abroad who invest in U.S. real estate. Their motivations often center on portfolio diversification, seeking a safe haven for their capital, or acquiring properties for rental income or vacation use. They usually face more complexities with financing and navigating the U.S. system from a distance.

Why is it important for real estate professionals to understand the difference between resident and non-resident international buyers?

Understanding this distinction is crucial for real estate professionals because it allows us to tailor our approach. Resident foreign buyers might need help navigating long-term residency, while non-residents require more guidance on cross-border transactions, financing for foreign nationals, and property management from afar. It’s about providing specialized service for unique needs.