Why US residents need to transfer to UK and the place they’re concentrating on | EUROtoday

Rightmove has reported a big improve in inquiries from US-based home hunters about UK properties, with a 19% rise in comparison with the identical interval final 12 months.

This surge, masking January to early May 2025, marks the very best stage of US inquiries since 2017.

Rightmove suggests this elevated curiosity could also be linked to international financial uncertainty following US President Donald Trump’s tariff bulletins.

Edinburgh has emerged as the most well-liked location for US patrons, adopted by numerous areas inside London.

The information encompasses inquiries from these seeking to relocate, buy second houses, or spend money on buy-to-let properties within the UK.

This development displays the potential impression of worldwide financial shifts on the UK property market.

However, Rightmove stated the US-based inquiries it’s seeing are primarily referring to smaller houses with two bedrooms or fewer, suggesting that Americans are seeing UK properties as a attainable alternative for an funding or vacation house, reasonably than a everlasting relocation.

The web site additionally stated that the US home hunter deal with Scotland marks a departure from the longer-term development, with London having sometimes generated essentially the most curiosity from US patrons over the previous 10 years.

It urged that decrease property costs in Scotland could also be attracting some potential patrons.

As effectively as Edinburgh, Glasgow can also be one of the widespread places for inquiries from the US.

Glasgow presently sits above the London boroughs of Islington and Kensington and Chelsea for US home hunter inquiries.

Colleen Babcock, a property professional at Rightmove, stated: “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 inquiries from the US. While a really interesting trend, it’s important to note that only a very small percentage of all UK inquiries come from the US.”

Toby Leek, president of property professionals’ physique NAEA (National Association of Estate Agents) Propertymark, stated elements of the UK “come at an affordable price for many overseas buyers”, in addition to being picturesque.

He stated: “Scotland is likely to be particularly popular due to its scenic landscapes and the fact that the average home is around £100,000 less compared to that in England.

“In some ways, those who are looking for a rural escape may see this as providing more for their money.”

Glynn Gibb, regional director at property agency John D Wood & Co, stated: “We’ve certainly seen a steady rise in inquiries 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.”

He added: “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.”

The 10 areas of the UK the place US residents need to transfer to

Here are the highest 10 UK places for inquiries from US home hunters, in keeping with Rightmove, with the highest places for 2025 thus far adopted by the 2014-2024 long-term common in brackets:

1. Edinburgh, Scotland (Westminster, London)

2. Westminster, London (Edinburgh, Scotland)

3. Camden, London (Kensington and Chelsea, London)

4. Glasgow, Scotland (Camden, London)

5. Islington, London (Glasgow, Scotland)

6. Kensington and Chelsea, London (Cornwall, South West England)

7. Highland, Scotland (Highland, Scotland)

8. Argyll and Bute, Scotland (Argyll and Bute, Scotland)

9. Fife, Scotland (Fife, Scotland)

10. Tower Hamlets, London (Tower Hamlets, London)