Buying a home in the United States for non-US citizens can be difficult, at least on the surface. If you’re wondering whether citizens of other countries can buy real estate in the United States, the simple answer is yes, but it’s easiest if you buy real estate for cash. If you are seeking a loan from a financial institution to purchase property in the United States, getting a mortgage as a non-citizen can be the most difficult part.
This Redfin article outlines how to buy a home if you’re not a U.S. citizen, whether you’re looking for a home in Miami, Florida or Atlanta, Georgia. If you’re ready to buy real estate in the United States, but you’re not a U.S. citizen, here’s important information you need to know.
Buy a home as a non-US citizen
Anyone can buy and own real estate in the United States, regardless of citizenship. Historically, there have been no laws or restrictions preventing foreign nationals from owning or purchasing homes in the United States, but as of 2026, approximately 36 states, including Florida, Texas, and Ohio, have passed new laws restricting non-nationals from purchasing land near military bases or farms.
In fact, many foreigners buy vacation homes in the United States, and there are also many wealthy foreign investors who buy investment properties such as multifamily apartments, condos, and single-family homes, as well as commercial properties such as shopping malls. So, whether you’re a new resident looking for a two-story home for yourself and your family, or an investor interested in a vacation home, there are several resources and options available to you.
Buying a home in the US as a non-US citizen is easy if you plan to pay cash or if you have all your money saved up to buy a home outright. If you are not in a financial position to purchase a home with cash, you will need to take out a mortgage to purchase the property. Getting pre-approved for a mortgage early in the process helps you understand your budget and shows sellers you’re a serious buyer. This is where the process can get more complicated.
Your ability to obtain a mortgage as a non-U.S. citizen depends on your residency status. If you are planning to buy a home and do not intend to immigrate to the United States, the only loans you may qualify for are foreign domestic loans. Foreign loans tend to have higher down payments and interest rates, and require an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN).
If you are a permanent resident with a green card, a non-permanent resident with a valid work visa, or a refugee granted asylum, you may qualify for a home loan. Lenders must be able to verify an applicant’s legal residence, which can make it difficult for foreign nationals whose primary residence is not in the United States to obtain a mortgage. These nuances can help you understand how requirements change depending on your specific legal status.
“The right to purchase real estate in the United States is open to non-citizens, but each buyer’s path is slightly different,” explains Ellen Sullivan, founding attorney at Cambridge Immigration Law. “Factors such as visa status, source of income, and long-term plans can all affect how the process plays out, especially when it comes to financing and tax considerations. Find out how your visa status affects your loan eligibility. Be sure to present the appropriate documentation to your lender or agent so they understand your actual visa status. Taking the time to understand these issues up front will make the whole experience smoother and more predictable.”
This preparation is especially important when considering certain programs of government assistance. Even if you are not a U.S. citizen, you may be wondering if you can buy a home with an FHA loan. In most cases, you can apply for an FHA loan by providing proof of permanent residence. However, to qualify for an FHA loan, the home you are purchasing must be your permanent residence and not a second home or vacation home.
Additionally, most U.S.-based mortgage lenders look at a borrower’s U.S. credit history to determine mortgage eligibility. As a non-US citizen, you may not have a US credit report. Or your credit report may not contain enough information for a lender to prove your creditworthiness. Therefore, it can be difficult for lenders to analyze the risks of lending money to buy a home. This means that lenders must use other methods to assess your risk as a borrower.
Due to the complexity of risk analysis, many lenders simply choose not to lend money to foreigners. It can take time to find a lender who will work with you, and it can take time to get approved for a mortgage. You may also pay higher interest rates. If you’re worried about securing a mortgage because of your credit, consider taking the time to establish or improve your credit score before purchasing a home as a non-U.S. citizen.
Eventually, you may decide to sell your US-based properties. Before purchasing a new property in the United States, it is a good idea to know the rules and requirements if you decide to sell your property in the future. The IRS requires purchasers of real estate from non-U.S. persons to withhold 15% of the gross sales price to avoid avoiding U.S. income taxes on real estate sold by foreign nationals.
However, there are details that may apply to your sale. For example, a 15% withholding tax may be reduced to 10% or 0% for a home costing less than $1 million but more than $300,000 if the buyer uses it as a home. If the buyer does not withhold this amount, they may be responsible for paying additional taxes. The rules regarding this are somewhat complex, but are outlined in IRS FIRPTA publications. For more information, check out our International Tax Gap Series. It’s important to work with a trusted real estate agent who understands the complexities of buying a home for non-U.S. citizens. That way you know they have your best interests in mind.
