Country Guides
Buying Property in the USA: What International Buyers Should Know
By LashkariProperties Team · July 10, 2026 · 9 min read
The United States places few restrictions on foreign property ownership. The practical challenges are financing, taxation, and understanding costs that vary sharply between states.
Financing as a non-resident
Non-resident buyers can obtain mortgages, though lenders typically require larger deposits and charge higher rates than for residents. Cash purchases are common at the higher end.
Property taxes vary enormously
Property tax is set locally, not nationally. Effective rates differ significantly between states and even between counties, which materially changes your holding cost.
Closing costs
- Typically 2% to 5% of the purchase price
- Includes title insurance, appraisal, and loan origination
- Budget for these separately from your deposit
Tools mentioned in this article
Mortgage Calculator
Estimate monthly mortgage payments, total interest, and payoff based on price, down payment, rate, and term.
Property Tax Calculator
Estimate annual and monthly property tax from assessed value and tax rate.
Closing Cost Calculator
Estimate the closing costs and total cash needed to complete a property purchase.
Currency Converter
Convert property prices between currencies using a reference exchange rate.
Related reading
- Buying Property in the UK: Stamp Duty, Leasehold, and Costs
The UK market has features that surprise overseas buyers, particularly stamp duty bands and the leasehold system.