U.S. home seekers in Great Britain reach an eight-year peak; discover hot spots for property interest.
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High demand for UK homes from US buyers is at an eight-year high, with enquiries soaring by 19% since the start of the year. According to property portal Rightmove, this trend is driven by economic uncertainties surrounding former President Donald Trump's policies, particularly his tariff proposals on international trade[2].
Edinburgh has emerged as the most popular destination for US buyers, with its cool temperate climate, abundant culture, and architectural beauty offering a stark contrast to the increasingly hot summer months in the US[3]. Peter Strang Steel, a prime property consultant at Coulters in Edinburgh, confirms this trend, citing an increase in enquiries from US-based buyers since the year's start[3].
The political turmoil in the US is expediting plans for many of Steel's clients, who are either looking to move to Edinburgh permanently or purchase a second home[3]. Some clients are specifically drawn to Edinburgh due to climate change concerns and its cultural richness[3].
Jamie McNeill, founder of Prime Edinburgh Property, concurs, stating that the city has witnessed a surge in interest from US buyers in the past 12-18 months[3]. This growth is attributed to the city's reputation, global accessibility, and exceptional quality of life[3].
While Westminster in London remains the second most popular location for prospective US buyers, Edinburgh has taken the top spot this year[1]. Other hotspots for US buyers include Camden, Glasgow, Islington, and Kensington and Chelsea[1].
Twenty-eight percent of US enquiries involve properties in Scotland, compared to 26% for London[1]. Over the past decade, London has traditionally seen the largest proportion of US enquiries, but this trend has shifted since 2025, with Scotland becoming the preferred location due to its relatively lower property prices[1].
Most US buyers are searching for smaller homes, suggesting an interest in second homes or investment opportunities[1]. However, 32% of buyers are looking for larger, more typical family homes with three or four bedrooms[1].
Colleen Babcock, Rightmove's property expert, comments on the rise in US enquiries, attributing it to global economic uncertainty and the perception of stability in the UK real estate market[1]. However, she notes that US buyers represent only a very small percentage of all UK enquiries[1].
Glynn Gibb, Regional Director at John D Wood & Co, observes a steady increase in enquiries from American buyers in Prime Central London[4]. He ascribes this trend to investors seeking secure, stable markets, with many viewing London as both a safe haven and a strategic investment opportunity[4].
London's culture, global connectivity, and potential for rental income make it an attractive destination for US buyers[4]. It is common for Americans to stay temporarily with friends while they consider their long-term plans, with rental properties being a more financially practical choice for those intending to leave within five years[4].
Overall, factors such as global economic uncertainty, investment opportunities, relative stability, cultural and economic appeal, urbanization trends, and increasing international mobility are contributing to the growing interest of US citizens in the UK property market, particularly in Edinburgh and London[2][4].
#### Further Reading
- property market stability
- US investment in UK real estate
- global economic uncertainty and its impact on the UK property market
- UK real estate investment opportunities
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- The rise in US enquiries for UK properties, particularly in Edinburgh, is linked to economic uncertainties surrounding former President Donald Trump's policies, such as tariff proposals on international trade.
- Many US buyers are attracted to Edinburgh due to its cool climate, cultural richness, and relatively lower property prices compared to London, making it a preferred location for investment and permanent residences.
- In the UK property market, US buyers represent a small percentage of all enquiries, but they are increasingly seeking safe haven and strategic investment opportunities in prime locations like London, driven by global economic uncertainty.
- Factors like investment opportunities, cultural and economic appeal, urbanization trends, and increasing international mobility are contributing to the growing interest of US citizens in the UK real estate market, with London and Edinburgh being the most popular destinations.
