But that trend is shifting. Realtors in South Florida and Arizona are reporting a dramatic drop in Canadian buyers — a change that is rattling local markets and reshaping demand.
Why Canadians Are Leaving U.S. Markets
Several factors are driving Canadians to sell off U.S. properties — and avoid buying new ones:
- Tariffs & strained U.S.-Canada relations – Trade tensions and politics have soured sentiment.
- Weaker Canadian dollar – With the loonie trading around $0.70–0.72 USD, buying in America costs 30% more.
- High insurance & HOA fees – Florida’s rising premiums and condo costs are pushing buyers away.
- Cost of living & hurricanes – Recent storms and surging expenses have added to the burden.
One realtor summed it up:
“All my Canadian clients sold their homes this year — and they don’t want back in.”
The Numbers Tell the Story
- Canadian searches for U.S. homes on Redfin dropped 22% year-over-year, peaking at a 34% plunge in April 2025.
- Canadians still made up 14% of foreign buyers last year, spending $6.2 billion, second only to Chinese investors at $13.7 billion.
- But in hotspots like South Florida, realtors say sales are down 50% or more this year.
Despite the pullback, Canadians remain one of the most important foreign buyer groups — especially in Florida, where nearly half of their U.S. purchases are concentrated.
From Sellers’ Market to Buyers’ Market in Florida
The shift comes as Florida’s housing market cools:
- Home prices in Florida dropped 2.2% year-over-year in May 2025.
- South Florida listings are sitting longer, with many homes selling 20–30% below asking.
- Inventory has increased, giving buyers more options and negotiation power.
For U.S. buyers — and Canadians willing to wait out political tensions — this represents a prime opportunity to purchase at a discount.
Why This Matters Beyond Real Estate
When Canadians buy in Florida, they bring more than real estate dollars:
- They spend on cars, dining, and tourism during extended stays.
- Realtors estimate Canadians contribute up to a third of local tourism spending in some communities.
Their absence is felt not only in housing sales, but across the broader Florida economy.
Looking Ahead: Will Canadians Return?
Experts believe the pullback could persist into 2026 unless conditions change:
- Tariffs and trade tensions need to cool down.
- Interest rate cuts from the Federal Reserve could boost affordability.
- A softer U.S. dollar would make Florida property more appealing again.
As one analyst put it:
“By early 2026, a combination of dropped rates and a buyer’s market could bring Canadians back in.”
How Lendworth USA Helps Canadian Buyers Stay in the Market
At Lendworth USA, we make U.S. real estate accessible to Canadians — even in uncertain times:
- Foreign national mortgages – No U.S. credit history required
- Equity-based lending for flexible approvals
- Vacation & investment property financing in Florida’s top markets
- Cross-border expertise to simplify the process from Toronto to Tampa
📞 Contact Lendworth USA today to explore mortgage options designed for Canadians. Whether you’re looking for a Florida vacation home, a rental property, or a retirement retreat, we help you buy with confidence — even in a changing market.