Buying a home in the U.S. as a non-U.S. citizen can be tricky, at least on the surface. If you’re wondering whether a citizen of another country can buy property in the U.S., the short answer is yes, though it’s easiest if you’re buying the property in cash. If you’re seeking financing from a financial institution in the U.S. to purchase real estate, as a non-citizen getting a mortgage is the most challenging part.
In this Redfin article, we’ll outline how to buy a house if you’re not a U.S. citizen, whether you’re looking for a home in Miami, FL, or in Atlanta, GA. If you’re prepared to purchase property in the U.S., but you’re not a U.S. citizen, here’s essential information to know.
Buying a house as a non-U.S. citizen
Anyone may buy and own property in the United States, regardless of citizenship. Historically, there have been no laws or restrictions that prevent an individual of any foreign citizenship from owning or buying a home in the U.S. However, as of 2026, about 36 states including Florida, Texas, and Ohio have passed new laws that restrict land purchases for non-citizens near military bases or farms.
In fact, many foreign nationals purchase vacation homes in the United States, and there are many wealthy foreign investors who purchase investment property such as multi-unit apartments or condos, single-family homes, and even business properties such as shopping malls. So whether you’re a new resident searching for a two-story home for you and your household, or an investor with interest in vacation property, there are several resources and options available to you.
Buying a house in the U.S. as a non-U.S. citizen is simple if you plan to pay in cash – or have all the money saved to buy the home in one lump sum. If you’re not in the financial position to be able to purchase a home with cash, you’ll need to obtain a mortgage loan to purchase property. Getting a mortgage pre-approval early in the process can help you understand your budget and show sellers you are a serious buyer. This is where the process can become more complex.
Your ability to get a mortgage as a non-U.S. citizen depends on your residency status. If you’re planning to buy a home and have no intention of moving to the U.S., the only loan you may qualify for is a foreign national loan. Foreign national loans tend to have a higher down payment, higher interest rates, and you will need to have an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN).
If you’re a permanent resident with a green card, a non-permanent resident with a valid work visa, or a refugee granted asylum, you can qualify for a mortgage. A lender will need to be able to verify the legal residency of the applicant, so foreign nationals whose primary residence is not in the U.S. may have a harder time getting a mortgage. Because of these nuances, it is helpful to understand how your specific legal status changes your requirements.
“The ability to purchase property in the United States is open to non-citizens, but every buyer’s path looks a little different,” explains Ellen Sullivan, Founding Attorney of Cambridge Immigration Law. “Factors like visa status, income sources, and long-term plans can all influence how the process unfolds, particularly when it comes to financing and tax considerations. Research how your visa status affects your eligibility for a loan. Make sure that you show the right documents to your lender and agent so that they know your actual visa status. Taking the time to understand those issues upfront can make the entire experience smoother and far more predictable.”
This preparation is especially important when exploring specific government-backed programs. You may be wondering if you can buy a home with an FHA loan if you’re not a U.S. citizen. In most cases, you can apply for an FHA loan as long as you provide proof of your permanent residency. However, in order to qualify for an FHA loan, the home you’re looking to buy will need to be your permanent residence, not a second home or vacation residence.
Additionally, most U.S.-based mortgage lenders look at a borrower’s U.S. credit history to determine their eligibility for a mortgage loan. As a non-U.S. citizen, you may not have a U.S. credit report or your credit report may not have enough information for lenders to establish your creditworthiness. Therefore, it can make it difficult for lenders to analyze the risk of loaning you money to purchase a home. That means your lender will have to use another method for evaluating your risk as a borrower.
Due to the complexity of analyzing risk, many lenders simply opt to not lend money to foreign citizens. It may take you longer to find a lender who is willing to work with you, and it may take longer to get approval for your mortgage loan. You may also pay a higher interest rate. If you’re concerned about securing a mortgage loan due to your credit, consider taking the time to establish or improve your credit score before buying a home as a non-U.S. citizen.
Eventually, you might decide to sell your U.S.-based property. Before you purchase new property in the U.S., it’s good to be aware of the rules and requirements should you decide to sell your property in the future. The IRS requires that buyers of property from non-U.S. citizens withhold 15% of the gross sale price to ensure foreign nationals do not evade U.S. income tax on their sold property.
However, there are specifics that may apply to your sale; for example, the 15% withholding can be reduced to 10% or even 0% for homes under $1M but over $300k if the buyer uses it as a residence. If the buyer does not withhold this amount, they may be responsible for additional taxes. The rules surrounding this are somewhat complex but are outlined in the IRS FIRPTA publication. You can find more information in the International Tax Gap Series. Working with a real estate agent you trust who understands the complexities of buying a home as a non-U.S. citizen is key, so you know they have your best interest in mind.