Can a British Person Buy a House in America

Yes, a British person can buy a house in America. There are no laws in the United States that prevent non-US citizens from owning property. Whether you are looking for a holiday home, an investment property or even a permanent residence, the US property market is open to British buyers. However, buying property in a foreign country comes with legal, financial and practical considerations that you will need to understand in detail before making the commitment.

This article explains how British citizens can buy property in the United States, what the process involves and what key issues to be aware of when making a transatlantic property investment.

Can UK nationals legally buy property in the US

There are no citizenship or residency requirements to purchase a property in America. You do not need a green card or visa to own real estate. Both individuals and companies can own property regardless of their nationality. You can buy as a private individual, through a UK company or through a US-registered entity, depending on your tax and legal preferences.

However, owning property in the US does not grant you any rights to live there permanently. If you intend to stay in your home for extended periods, you will need to apply for the appropriate visa such as a B2 tourist visa or a more specific long-term visa depending on your circumstances.

How the property buying process works

The process of buying a home in the US is different from that in the UK. Each state has its own property laws, so the experience can vary widely between locations such as Florida, New York, California or Texas. In most cases, buyers work with a real estate agent and appoint a US-based attorney or closing agent to handle the legal side of the transaction.

Once you find a property and make an offer, it is usually formalised through a purchase agreement. The deal then moves into escrow, where title searches, inspections and finance arrangements take place. Closing takes place several weeks later, at which point ownership is transferred and you take possession of the property.

Do you need a US mortgage

You can buy a property outright with cash or apply for a mortgage from a US lender. Some US banks do offer mortgages to foreign nationals, although the eligibility criteria are often stricter than for citizens or residents. You may be asked to provide a higher deposit, sometimes 30 percent or more, and show strong proof of income and creditworthiness from the UK.

Alternatively, some UK-based international lenders offer mortgages for overseas property purchases. Currency exchange rates and international banking charges should be factored into your financial planning if you are transferring large sums.

What are the costs involved

The total cost of buying a house in the US will include the purchase price, legal fees, property taxes, insurance and ongoing maintenance. You may also need to budget for stamp taxes, escrow charges and title insurance depending on the state. Annual property taxes in the US can be higher than in the UK and vary significantly by location.

If you are not a US tax resident, you will also need to consider the implications of the Foreign Investment in Real Property Tax Act (FIRPTA), which may apply when you come to sell the property. FIRPTA requires that a portion of the sale price be withheld to cover potential capital gains tax, although you can claim a refund or exemption depending on your circumstances.

What are the risks or considerations

As a non-resident, you may face challenges in managing the property from overseas. If you are not planning to live in the home year-round, you may need to appoint a property management company to handle maintenance and tenant issues. In popular holiday areas, many British buyers let their homes as short-term rentals, although some areas have strict rules on this.

You must also ensure that your ownership is structured in a way that minimises exposure to US inheritance tax and avoids double taxation. Professional advice from both UK and US tax specialists is highly recommended before committing to a purchase.

Do you need a visa to stay in the property

Buying a home in the US does not automatically give you the right to live there permanently. British citizens can stay in the US for up to 90 days under the visa waiver programme, provided they apply for ESTA authorisation. If you plan to stay longer or live in the home full-time, you will need to apply for a visa that suits your circumstances, such as an investor visa or a retirement-based long-stay visa.

Conclusion

A British person can absolutely buy a house in America. The US property market is open to overseas buyers, and many UK nationals’ own homes in popular areas like Florida, California, New York and Arizona. However, the process involves different laws, customs and costs compared to the UK. From securing finance to navigating local tax and visa rules, thorough planning is essential. With the right legal and financial guidance, buying a property in the US can be a rewarding investment and a step toward living the American dream, even if only part-time.