The number of people enquiring from the United States about homes for sale in the UK is at an eight-year high, Rightmove reveals.
The property website’s research shows the number of enquiries from the US about homes for sale in the UK since the start of the year is 19% higher than the start of last year, and the largest since 2017.
This includes people both enquiring about relocating to the UK from the US or purchasing a second home or buy-to-let (BTL) property in the UK.
Just under half (47%) of people are looking at homes with smaller homes with up to two bedrooms, which suggests investment activity or a second home apartment, rather than a permanent relocation.
However, 32% are looking at more mass-market, typical family homes of three to four bedrooms.
For these potential US buyers, Scotland has replaced London as the most popular region to enquire about.
Over the last 10 years, London has typically seen the biggest proportion of US enquiries, but at the start of this year it has switched to Scotland, potentially due to its lower price point.
Of US enquiries, 28% are about homes for sale in Scotland, compared to 26% for London.
Research found that Edinburgh has emerged as the most popular destination to enquire about, replacing Westminster which is now in second place, while Glasgow has risen to fourth place, overtaking Kensington and Chelsea.
Rightmove property expert Colleen Babcock says: “President Trump’s tariff announcements have led to more economic uncertainty globally, and we’re starting to see some of the effects of this on the UK property market.”
“Whether it’s because the UK is seen as a more stable investment opportunity, or whether some buyers are considering a permanent move across the Atlantic, we’re seeing an increase in enquiries from the US.”
“While a really interesting trend, it’s important to note that only a very small percentage of all UK enquiries come from the US.”
