Property website Rightmove has recorded a jump in inquiries from US-based house hunters about homes for sale in the UK.
According to the website, the number of inquiries stemming from the US regarding homes for sale in the UK since the start of the year – which covers all of 2025 up until the first week of May – is nearly a fifth (19 per cent) higher than the same period in 2024.
Rightmove suggests that the increase is a result of the global economic uncertainty that looms following Donald Trump’s tariffs announcements.
The number of US-based inquiries for the period is the highest that Rightmove has recorded since 2017, reports PA news agency.
The data includes people inquiring about relocating to the UK from the US or purchasing a second home or buy-to-let property in the UK.
Rightmove also says that the US-based inquiries it is seeing are mainly relating to smaller homes with two bedrooms or fewer, suggesting that Americans are seeing UK properties as a possible opportunity for an investment or holiday home, rather than a permanent relocation.
The website also said that the US house hunter focus on Scotland marks a departure from the longer-term trend, with London having typically generated the most interest from US buyers over the past ten years.
Colleen Babcock, a property expert at Rightmove, said: “President Trump’s tariff announcements have led to more economic uncertainty globally, and we’re starting to see some of the effects of this on the UK property market.
“Whether it’s because the UK is seen as a more stable investment opportunity, or whether some buyers are considering a permanent move across the Atlantic, we’re seeing an increase in inquiries from the US. While a really interesting trend, it’s important to note that only a very small percentage of all UK inquiries come from the US.”
Glynn Gibb, regional director at property firm John D Wood & Co, said: “We’ve certainly seen a steady rise in inquiries from American buyers in prime central London, particularly over the past 12 months.
“While it’s not a dramatic uptick, there’s a noticeable trend of high net worth individuals looking to move capital into what they see as a safe and stable market.
“For many US clients, London represents both a safe haven and a strategic investment.”
He added: “London’s culture and global connectivity make it an ideal springboard to Europe and beyond. Many are basing themselves here temporarily – often staying with friends – while they work out how long they plan to stay.
“For those expecting to remain less than five years, renting can often make more financial sense, especially when stamp duty is taken into account.”
Here are the top ten UK locations for inquiries from US house hunters, according to Rightmove and report, with the top locations for 2025 so far followed by the 2014-2024 long-term average in brackets.
Most popular UK cities for US househunters in 2025:
1. Edinburgh, Scotland (Westminster, London)
2. Westminster, London (Edinburgh, Scotland)
3. Camden, London (Kensington and Chelsea, London)
4. Glasgow, Scotland (Camden, London)
5. Islington, London (Glasgow, Scotland)
6. Kensington and Chelsea, London (Cornwall, South West England)
7. Highland, Scotland (Highland, Scotland)
8. Argyll and Bute, Scotland (Argyll and Bute, Scotland)
9. Fife, Scotland (Fife, Scotland)
10. Tower Hamlets, London (Tower Hamlets, London)
