5 tips to buying and owning a property in the U.S.
If you’re buying property in the U.S. from overseas, the steps may feel unfamiliar. Here are 5 practical tips to guide you through the journey.
Buying property in the U.S. can feel quite different from what you’re used to in your home country. From finding the right neighborhood to understanding local financing and ongoing costs, there are several new steps to navigate. These 5 home buying tips are designed to help you feel more informed about how to buy a property in the U.S.
Our 5 tips for buying and owning a property in the U.S. include: 2. Smart ways to finance your property 3. Use professionals to streamline the process 4. Understand the costs to buy and own a property in the U.S. |
1. A winning strategy to find your ideal property
Before contacting a local realtor, it’s a good idea to do some basic research of what type of properties are selling in your desired area. This is your first step in the home buying process. Sites like Zillow, Realtor and Redfin can filter down relevant properties for your search, which will help you to get a sense of what you can get for your budget.
Connect with local realtors
House hunting online will only ever give you a fraction of the housing market. In many areas, where demand is high, many homes are bought and sold before they appear on major listing sites. This is when the value of a real estate professional comes into play. By signing up with local agents, you’ll often be the first to hear about new properties coming to market.
"Real estate professionals continue to play a central role in buying and selling homes. 88% of buyers purchased their home through an agent or broker, making agents the most trusted and frequently used information source - well ahead of online listings."
National Association of Realtors 2025
Source nar.realtor
Realtors are local experts with a working knowledge of property insights in the specific geographic location where you plan to buy. They will help you better understand what locations might best suit your needs. In addition, they will listen to your needs and compile a shortlist of properties that match what you’re looking for.
Dig deeper with home shows and new‑construction builders
Visiting real estate expos and trade shows can help you learn more about property markets in specific geographic regions. You will be able to meet a range of agents and developers, as well as conduct virtual tours of potential properties.
Buying property pre-construction can be a good idea if you are looking to build a home to your exact specifications, but keep in mind you will not be able to see the property before you purchase it. It’s important to ensure that you are legally protected if the developer fails to fulfil the terms of your contract.
Relocating to the U.S.? Read our financial guide on Coming to America.
2. Smart ways to finance your property
Cash - If you have the funds to buy a U.S. property outright, you can avoid arranging finance. Keep in mind you’ll be tying up a substantial amount of money in one asset, which can reduce your liquidity.
A U.S. mortgage - You may be able to get a mortgage through an overseas lender (via a foreign bank, a specialist broker, or a U.S. branch of your existing bank). These providers are typically familiar with local mortgage markets, laws and regulations, including cross‑border requirements. They may offer a range of products with different terms, rates and deposit options. If you’re new to the U.S., look for lenders that can use your international credit history and don’t require an established U.S. credit score.
Buy in cash, then finance afterwards (delayed financing) - Paying cash can simplify the purchase. Some lenders allow you to take out a mortgage shortly after completion to reimburse yourself. This is often called delayed financing and can avoid some of the extra cost and complexity of a standard cash‑out refinance (timelines and eligibility vary by lender). Rules vary and may require documentation of the cash source.
3. Use the right professionals to streamline the process
A common mistake to avoid is trying to take on too much of the admin that purchasing property in the U.S. requires. To ensure a smooth and stress free process, try to select professionals with local knowledge of the area you're buying in. It also helps to find a lender who specializes in working with international clients.
With this combination, it's possible that you'll be able to purchase the property without even leaving your home country. Your team should include:
A realtor – Someone who will act as the middle ground between you and the seller, keeping you updated along the process. They may also make recommendations for other professional services.
A mortgage consultant – Someone who will help you find the funding or mortgage that best suits your needs. You may find it helpful to work with a mortgage consultant who speaks your native language.
A lawyer or attorney – Someone who will help you overcome the complexities of local planning, zoning and property laws. They will also research material issues that may affect your purchase, such as a boundary or planning disputes.
A tax professional – Someone who will help you comply with local tax legislation, as well as completing your purchase in a tax efficient way. If you plan to rent your property, they will account for rental income when filing taxes.
A home inspector – Someone who will assess the condition of the property you plan to buy, confirm its value and identify important work that needs to be done.
4. Understand the costs of buying a property in the U.S.
The true cost of buying a property in the U.S. will vary from state to state. However, when planning your overall budget for your U.S. property purchase, there are additional closing costs to take into consideration. These are in addition to the purchase price of the property itself.
| Expense | Description |
|---|---|
| Legal fees | A fee paid to your property lawyer or attorney for completing the sale. |
| Home inspection fees | A fee paid to your home inspector for inspecting the property. |
| Transfer tax | This is charged by a state or county when property ownership is transferred. |
| Recording fees | A fee to record the deed or mortgage with the local authority. |
| Mortgage tax | Some states charge a tax on registering a mortgage. |
| Mortgage admin fee | Some mortgage options apply a one-off upfront fee. These sometimes allow you to lock in a lower interest rate. |
| Expense | Legal fees | Legal fees |
|---|---|---|
| Description | A fee paid to your property lawyer or attorney for completing the sale. | A fee paid to your property lawyer or attorney for completing the sale. |
| Expense | Home inspection fees | Home inspection fees |
| Description | A fee paid to your home inspector for inspecting the property. | A fee paid to your home inspector for inspecting the property. |
| Expense | Transfer tax | Transfer tax |
| Description | This is charged by a state or county when property ownership is transferred. | This is charged by a state or county when property ownership is transferred. |
| Expense | Recording fees | Recording fees |
| Description | A fee to record the deed or mortgage with the local authority. | A fee to record the deed or mortgage with the local authority. |
| Expense | Mortgage tax | Mortgage tax |
| Description | Some states charge a tax on registering a mortgage. | Some states charge a tax on registering a mortgage. |
| Expense | Mortgage admin fee | Mortgage admin fee |
| Description | Some mortgage options apply a one-off upfront fee. These sometimes allow you to lock in a lower interest rate. | Some mortgage options apply a one-off upfront fee. These sometimes allow you to lock in a lower interest rate. |
If you’re purchasing your first property in the U.S., it will need to be furnished. Remember to factor in the cost of shipping and moving of your existing furniture and possessions or buying replacements in the U.S. Take all these things into account when deciding on how much you can afford.
5. Forecast the costs of owning a U.S. property
Once you’ve completed the purchase of your property, it’s important to be aware of some ongoing costs of owning property in the U.S. Remember, these would apply on a monthly or year-round basis.
| Expense | Description |
|---|---|
| Property insurance | This is typically required by any mortgage lender and covers repairs or rebuilding costs of the property itself. |
| Personal property insurance | This covers your personal belongings from damage or loss in the event of fire, theft, or a natural disaster. |
| Monthly bills | Including gas, electricity, water, phone, high-speed internet, cable and streaming services. |
| Local taxes | You will usually have to pay recurring fees to local authorities for services such as street lighting, refuse collection and local amenities. |
| HOA fees | If you have purchased a property in a complex, you may have to pay for homeowner association (HOA) fees for upkeep of any shared or common spaces. |
| Maintenance and repairs | Whether you live in your property or rent it out, regular ongoing maintenance, upkeep and repairs will be needed. |
| Property taxes | Some states will charge ongoing annual local taxes for property owners. This is different to one-off purchase tax. |
| Expense | Property insurance | Property insurance |
|---|---|---|
| Description | This is typically required by any mortgage lender and covers repairs or rebuilding costs of the property itself. | This is typically required by any mortgage lender and covers repairs or rebuilding costs of the property itself. |
| Expense | Personal property insurance | Personal property insurance |
| Description | This covers your personal belongings from damage or loss in the event of fire, theft, or a natural disaster. | This covers your personal belongings from damage or loss in the event of fire, theft, or a natural disaster. |
| Expense | Monthly bills | Monthly bills |
| Description | Including gas, electricity, water, phone, high-speed internet, cable and streaming services. | Including gas, electricity, water, phone, high-speed internet, cable and streaming services. |
| Expense | Local taxes | Local taxes |
| Description | You will usually have to pay recurring fees to local authorities for services such as street lighting, refuse collection and local amenities. | You will usually have to pay recurring fees to local authorities for services such as street lighting, refuse collection and local amenities. |
| Expense | HOA fees | HOA fees |
| Description | If you have purchased a property in a complex, you may have to pay for homeowner association (HOA) fees for upkeep of any shared or common spaces. | If you have purchased a property in a complex, you may have to pay for homeowner association (HOA) fees for upkeep of any shared or common spaces. |
| Expense | Maintenance and repairs | Maintenance and repairs |
| Description | Whether you live in your property or rent it out, regular ongoing maintenance, upkeep and repairs will be needed. | Whether you live in your property or rent it out, regular ongoing maintenance, upkeep and repairs will be needed. |
| Expense | Property taxes | Property taxes |
| Description | Some states will charge ongoing annual local taxes for property owners. This is different to one-off purchase tax. | Some states will charge ongoing annual local taxes for property owners. This is different to one-off purchase tax. |
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