Properties in United States

As the world’s largest economy, the US is highly attractive to foreign investors for many reasons. High market sentiment and a strongly recovering housing market makes purchasing US property a promising investment.

Foreigners are allowed to buy US property without citizenship or residence, although there will be higher financial qualifications involved. It is possible for investors to obtain a loan from a bank in the US (particularly international banks).

In addition, foreigners have to pay higher down payments than residents, and will often be subject to higher interest rates. In certain scenarios, if you are able to pay a large down payment, you may receive tax benefits, such as exemption from rental income tax for a period of time. Investors should make sure to research US property tax laws, as rates may vary based on the state you are investing in. Your investment will also be subject to annual property tax and capital gains tax after you sell it. Certain types of properties may also involve annual/monthly management costs.

As the US has a variety of tax treaties, you may be subject to two different tax laws. It is a good idea to consult a tax expert to fully inform yourself. However, despite these costs, the stability and growth of the US market guarantees a strong return on an investment in US property. Other important US property information for foreign investors:

• Each state in the United States has specific regulations on real estate investment
• Buyers do not need to pay real estate agents any commission for scoping out properties on their behalf. The seller is responsible for their commission.
• While foreign investors won’t need citizenship or a green card to purchase property, they will need an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) as a substitute for a Social Security Number.