A Comprehensive Guide for Chinese Citizens Purchasing Property in the US

Are you a Chinese citizen looking to buy an investment property or home in the United States? If yes, this guide is intended for you. Stick around to learn more about the US real estate market and how to acquire property as a foreigner.

Can Chinese Citizens Acquire Property in the United States?

Yes! A citizen of China can purchase property in the US as the United States government does not impose any restrictions. Moreover, you can access several mortgage options if you don’t have cash to finance your property purchase.

How Many House Units Do Chinese Citizens Purchase Every Year in the US?

In a recent report by the National Association of Realtors, 61% of the property purchases made by foreign buyers have come from Chinese citizens. In 2022, people from China bought 11,460 house units, estimated to be worth $8.4 billion. By comparison, in 2020, Chinese citizens acquired 18,256 house units worth $14.4 billion.

No other foreigners have purchased more house units in the United States than the people of China over the past three years.

5 Top Reasons Why Citizens of China Buy Property in the United States

Here are the main reasons Chinese citizens are buying property in the US:

Opportunity to Enroll Their Children in the World’s Best Universities

Most of the world’s leading universities are found in the US. That explains why many rich Chinese parents send their children to America and buy property for their accommodation.

Secure and Stable Real Estate Investment

The Chinese real estate market is not as stable as that of the United States. So, wealthy Chinese investors find the US real estate investments more appealing. In addition, since there are no investment restrictions on Chinese people in the United States, it has become easy for them to buy property in whichever State they want.

A Path to Acquiring Citizenship

Any Chinese citizen buying property in the United States must have an EB-5 visa, which can be used to get a green card. So, a Chinese investor with a US property is a few steps away from acquiring United States citizenship.

Favorable Loan Terms

Most US lenders that offer mortgages to foreign nationals charge relatively low interest rates, which makes them attractive to Chinese investors.

High-Quality Property With Low Prices

House prices in the United States are considerably lower than in most European countries. And given the significant demand for rentals, you can earn good money from rent.

Which Areas in the US Do Chinese Nationals Purchase Property?

National Association of Realtors data indicates California is the most popular among Chinese citizens. Over 35% of the housing units bought in 2022 are located in this city. Other preferred locations include Texas, New Hampshire, Oklahoma, Michigan, Georgia, Michigan, and Tennessee.

Process of Acquiring Property in the US for Chinese Nationals

If you’re unfamiliar with the process of buying property in a foreign country, you may find it challenging. But if you learn that process, buying a house as a foreigner can be an exciting experience.

Here is how to buy property in the US as a Chinese citizen:

Step 1: Select the location you want to purchase property in the US.

Step 2: Seek the services of a US-based real estate agent who handles international transactions. Ensure they hold certificates from professional bodies like Certified International Property Specialist (CIPS).

Step 3: Ask the agent to take you through the house-buying process and explain the taxes involved.

Step 4: Start searching for your ideal house with the guidance of the real estate agent.

Step 5: Submit your first offer after identifying the property.

Step 6: Survey the property and enter a purchase agreement with the owner.

Step 7: Submit the agreement to the lands office for a new title deed to be produced.

Step 8: Transfer funds to the seller once a new title deed is generated.

Step 9: Receive keys to your new US property after the seller confirms receiving the money.