Colombians Rank Among the Leading Buyers in the US Real Estate Market

Written on 04/26/2026
Josep Freixes

In 2025, Colombian investors ranked among the top 10 foreign buyers of real estate in the U.S., particularly in Florida and New York City. Credit: Josep Maria Freixes / Colombia One.

Colombians are increasingly buying homes in the United States and now rank among the leading foreign buyers. Their share accounts for 3% of total international acquisitions, with investments close to US$1.68 billion, according to data from the National Association of Realtors (NAR).

In just a few years, Colombia has gone from having a modest presence to establishing itself within the group of countries that invest the most in real estate in that market, driven by the search for profitability, stability, and protection against local economic volatility.

In this way, the interest—and the means—of Colombian citizens to acquire properties abroad is confirmed, as a way to diversify their investments.

The profile of the international buyer helps explain the phenomenon and defines an investor with strong financial capacity. In this regard, the median price paid by foreigners for property purchases in 2025 was US$494,400—with an average of US$719,000—figures that reflect a high investment capacity.

In addition, 47% of purchases were made in cash, confirming that this is a market with high entry barriers and dominated by investors with liquidity. Slightly more than half of foreign buyers resided—or at least held a resident visa—in the United States.

Colombians rank among the leading buyers in the US real estate market

Colombia’s positioning among the top foreign buyers is a reality that has been emerging for several years, but has recently consolidated into a strong trend.

The most recent NAR report on foreign buyers showed that between April 2024 and March 2025, 78,100 residential properties were purchased in the United States for a total value of US$56 billion. Within that total, Colombia managed to rank among the top ten countries of origin, consolidating its presence in a market historically dominated by larger-scale investors.

The truth is that Colombians today share space with economies of greater size and tradition in this type of investment. In this regard, in March 2026 alone, seasonally adjusted annualized sales of existing homes reached 3.98 million units, with a median price of US$408,800 and an inventory of 1.36 million homes, equivalent to 4.1 months of supply, reflecting sustained activity despite costs.

This progress responds to a growing interest in the U.S. real estate sector, seen as a safe haven in times of uncertainty. The possibility of acquiring assets in dollars and in a stable economy has led many Colombians to move part of their capital to that country.

The phenomenon also fits into a global dynamic. In the same period analyzed by the NAR, foreign buyers invested tens of billions of dollars in housing in the United States, which gives an idea of the scale of the market in which Colombia has gained ground.

Behind these figures lies a relatively clear profile. Most Colombian buyers belong to middle- and upper-income segments, with savings capacity and access to international financing. In many cases, the goal is not to acquire housing for personal use, but rather an investment aimed at generating rental income or appreciation.

In recent years, this strategy has consolidated as an alternative to diversify portfolios. The combination of legal security, monetary stability, and constant housing demand makes the U.S. market an attractive destination.

Added to this is the possibility of earning income in dollars, which acts as a hedge against the depreciation of the Colombian peso—historical, despite the current strengthening of the local currency—. For many investors, this factor is decisive when making the decision.

After the traditional destination of Florida, Texas, California, and New York are the top choices for Colombian investors. Credit: Michael Barera, CC BY-SA 4.0 / Wikimedia.

Preferred destinations and factors of attraction

Colombian investments are not evenly distributed across the United States. States such as Florida, Texas, California, and New York account for a large share of purchases, largely due to their economic dynamism and the presence of Latin American communities.

Cities such as Miami have become one of the main hubs of investment. Geographic proximity, cultural affinity, and language accessibility lower barriers for buyers, while also offering an active rental market.

The Colombian diaspora also plays an important role. The existence of migrant networks facilitates access to information, advisory services, and business opportunities, further boosting purchases.

One of the main drivers of this phenomenon is the need to diversify. In an environment marked by economic and political uncertainty, many Colombians seek to protect their wealth through investments abroad.

The U.S. real estate market offers conditions that are difficult to replicate in other contexts, such as access to credit, clear rules, and institutional stability. This allows even investors without full liquidity to enter the market.

Moreover, purchasing housing in the United States is often associated with long-term plans, such as migration, education, or the generation of passive income. In that sense, it is not only a financial decision, but also a strategic one.

Although Colombia already holds a relevant position, there is still ample room for growth. Other countries maintain larger shares within the U.S. market, indicating that Colombian participation can still expand.

Industry analysts agree that factors such as the economic stability of the United States and the increasing internationalization of Latin American investors will continue to drive this trend.

At the same time, this phenomenon reflects a change in the way Colombians manage their wealth. Investment in housing abroad is no longer an exceptional practice, but part of a broader strategy of integration into global markets.