Number of US buyers looking for a home in Britain hits eight year high – here’s where they want to buy
The number of people from the US on the hunt for a home in Britain has reached an eight-year high, new research claims.
The number of enquiries from the US about homes for sale in Britain since the start of the year is 19 per cent higher than the beginning of last year, and the highest since 2017, Rightmove said.
The trend has emerged, according to the property portal, as uncertainty grows around Donald Trump’s economic policies, most notably what he may do long-term around international trade tariffs.
Edinburgh is now the most sought-after location for US buyers looking to relocate to, buy a second home or purchase a buy-to-let investment in Britain.
Peter Strang Steel, prime property consultant at Coulters in Edinburgh, told This is Money said: ‘We have seen a substantial increase in enquiries from US based buyers since the start of the year, particularly for our property finding service.
‘The majority of my current clients are US-based and are looking to buy second homes in Edinburgh or move here on a permanent basis.’
In demand: Edinburgh is the most sought-after location for US buyers, Rightmove said
He added: ‘The political turmoil in the US has certainly expedited plans for a number of my clients, who are looking to move to Edinburgh, while others looking for second homes have cited climate change as a factor.
‘Edinburgh’s cool temperate climate and overload of cultural and architectural brilliance offer a haven for those looking to escape the increasingly hot summer months in the US.’
Jamie McNeill, founder of Prime Edinburgh Property, said: ‘We’ve seen a noticeable rise in interest from US buyers — particularly over the past 12 to 18 months.
‘Edinburgh is attracting both returning expats and high-net-worth individuals relocating from the US, drawn by the city’s rich culture, global accessibility, and exceptional quality of life.
‘We recently acquired an apartment in Edinburgh’s West End for clients from the US who plan to base themselves here for much of the year.
‘Others are selling homes Stateside and relocating permanently, choosing Edinburgh as their new long-term home.
‘They’re typically looking for period homes with character — Georgian townhouses, spacious flats in the New Town or West End, and occasionally country estates just outside the city.’
Westminster in London, which is well-known for its sky-high property prices, is the second most popular location for prospective US buyers, having been pipped to the top spot by Edinburgh this year.
Camden, Glasgow, Islington and Kensington and Chelsea are also proving popular with US buyers.
Twenty-eight per cent of US enquiries concern homes for sale in Scotland, against 26 per cent for London, according to the research.
In the last decade, London has typically seen the largest proportion of US enquiries.
However, since the beginning of 2025, it has switched to Scotland, potentially due to its lower price point.
Across all locations, most buyers from the US are searching for smaller studios to two bedroom homes, indicating they are after a second home or investment opportunity.
However, 32 per cent of buyers from the US are looking for ‘more mass-market, typical family homes’ with three or four bedrooms, Rightmove said.
Colleen Babcock, Rightmove’s property expert, said: ‘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.’
Glynn Gibb, Regional Director at John D Wood & Co said: ‘We’ve certainly seen a steady rise in enquiries from American buyers in Prime Central London, particularly over the past 12 months.
‘While it’s not a dramatic uptick, there’s a noticeable trend of high-net-worth individuals looking to move capital into what they see as a safe and stable market.
‘For many US clients, London represents both a safe haven and a strategic investment.
‘We’re seeing a number of politically motivated relocations – Americans who are seeking greater stability abroad.
‘London’s culture and global connectivity make it an ideal springboard to Europe and beyond.
‘Many are basing themselves here temporarily – often staying with friends – while they work out how long they plan to stay.
‘For those expecting to remain less than five years, renting can often make more financial sense, especially when Stamp Duty is taken into account.
‘We expect activity to build in the coming months – spring and early summer are typically busy – as more buyers make lifestyle and financial decisions shaped by the political climate in the USA.’
