Canadians Selling U.S. Homes Amid Political Unrest, Turning to Domestic Real Estate
TORONTO — A growing number of Canadians are putting their U.S. residential properties on the market, with more than half (54%) planning to sell within the next year, according to a new Royal LePage survey conducted by Burson.
Of those looking to divest, nearly two-thirds (62%) say the political climate under the current U.S. administration is the driving factor. A further 33% cite personal and financial reasons, while 5% point to worsening extreme weather conditions such as hurricanes and wildfires.
Political Instability Fueling Decisions
Phil Soper, president and CEO of Royal LePage, said Canadian owners are rethinking how they spend their time and money across the border.
“The polarizing political climate in the United States is prompting many Canadians to reconsider how and where they spend their time and money,” said Soper. “Canadians have been the most important foreign investors in America’s residential real estate market for years, and a significant wave of property sales would leave a noticeable mark on the regional economies that snowbirds support.”
Canadians, unlike some foreign investors, are deeply embedded in the U.S. communities where they purchase — frequenting local shops, restaurants, and even community sports leagues. A decline in their presence could mean millions lost in annual economic activity for states like Florida, Arizona, and California.
Climate and Practical Factors Also Driving Sales
Of Canadians who already sold their U.S. homes within the past year, 44% blamed the political environment, 27% cited personal reasons, and 22% pointed to extreme weather risks.
Soper noted that lifestyle factors are also at play: “For some, the upkeep and distance of a U.S. property has become more burden than benefit, and uncertainty around shifting, murky border rules is yet another layer of stress.”
Canadian Market Benefits
With U.S. properties being sold, many Canadians are redirecting capital back into the domestic market. Nearly one-third (32%) of respondents said they plan to reinvest their proceeds into Canadian real estate, including recreational properties closer to home.
This aligns with a broader “Buy Canadian” movement sparked by ongoing tariff threats from U.S. President Donald Trump. Canadians are increasingly prioritizing local goods, services, and now real estate investments.
Declining U.S. Travel and Surging Interest in Canada
Travel statistics also point to shifting behaviours. In the first quarter of 2025, Canadian trips to the U.S. dropped by 10.8% year-over-year, while spending fell 7.9% to $5.7 billion, according to Statistics Canada.
At the same time, U.S. web traffic to royallepage.ca has spiked during politically turbulent moments south of the border. Following Trump’s re-election in November 2024, traffic jumped 70% year-over-year during election week. Similar surges have occurred during presidential debates and immigration-related protests.
“Moments of political unrest in the United States are directly correlating with surges in interest from American visitors to our website,” Soper explained. “It’s a powerful signal that Canada’s reputation as a secure and welcoming place to live and invest continues to resonate beyond our borders.”
Context
Canadians have long been among the top two largest foreign buyers of U.S. residential real estate, according to the National Association of REALTORS®. However, the last five years have seen a significant decline in transactions compared to the 2010s, reflecting a growing hesitation to invest.
As Canadians weigh their options, political instability, climate risks, and cross-border travel uncertainties are reshaping traditional snowbird patterns — while reinforcing confidence in Canadian housing markets.
For full survey details, visit: rlp.ca/table-2025-Canadians-selling-US-properties.
Sources:
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Royal LePage Real Estate Services
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National Association of REALTORS®
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Statistics Canada
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