Why Foreign Nationals Invest in California Real Estate

In the past year, one out of three real estate agents worked with at least one international buyer, according to the National Association of Realtors. Savvy buyers are coming from everywhere to take advantage of California's real estate investment opportunities - Canada, Mexico, the United Kingdom, China, South Korea, and all points in between.

Why do foreign investors find California real estate so appealing? Several factors make our real estate appealing to buyers from points near and far.

Location, Location, Location.

Resort areas are popular with foreign nationals. Property in resort areas hold their value, and attract a steady stream of renters looking for somewhere to stay while on vacation. California's diverse geography has something to suit just about any appetite. Want to own property in a ski resort? California has it. The same holds true for beach front property, wine country property, lake or mountain property.

Secure Ownership Rights

U.S. real estate has, arguably, the most dependable property ownership system in the world. Transparency in ownership and title means that any foreign investor purchasing property in California can rest assured that he or she is purchasing property from the rightful owner. Foreign nationals also know their investments are protected by our system of stable individual property rights.

Access to Financing

Even in the current housing market, the United States offers flexible mortgage options for foreign nationals. Applying for a US mortgage is a straightforward process, and there are a variety of foreign national mortgage programs available.

Affordable Inventory

Thanks to current exchange rates and the housing market, California real estate is more affordable than it has been in years. Let's take the pound, for example. In today's market, the GPB (pound) is currently trading at approximately 2 dollars to 1. Any down payment an investor from the United Kingdom has to pay for a California property is at a 50% discount. Any reserves a UK investor has to deposit in a US bank is also at a 50% discount.

Great Long-Term Investment

Homes in California hold their value over time. This makes California real estate a solid part of any long-term investment portfolio.

Affordable housing prices, attractive exchange rates, flexible mortgage options, and a stable market make California real estate an attractive investment for foreign nationals looking for retirement, second home or vacation property.