Many plan to reinvest in domestic real estate

Growing political uncertainty in the United States is prompting a significant shift in cross-border real estate ownership. According to a recent Royal LePage survey, a large number of Canadians who own property south of the border are now reconsidering their investments, with many planning to sell and redirect their capital back into the Canadian housing market.

Key Highlights

• 54% of Canadians who currently own residential property in the U.S. say they are considering selling within the next year
• 62% of those planning to sell cite concerns with the current U.S. government’s policies and political climate as the primary reason
• 32% of respondents who have sold or plan to sell say they intend to reinvest the proceeds into Canadian real estate
• U.S.-originated web traffic to royallepage.ca spiked during major American political events in 2024 and 2025

Political Uncertainty Driving Canadian Sellers

Amid rising political turmoil in the United States and ongoing economic tensions between the two countries, many Canadian property owners are reassessing their exposure to U.S. real estate.

A Royal LePage survey conducted by Burson found that more than half (54%) of Canadians who currently own residential property in the U.S. are planning to sell within the next year. Among those respondents, nearly two-thirds (62%) identified the current political administration as the main motivating factor behind their decision.

Other reasons cited include personal or financial considerations (33%), as well as increasingly extreme weather events such as hurricanes, flooding, and forest fires (5%).

“The polarizing political climate in the United States is prompting many Canadians to reconsider how and where they spend their time and money,” said Phil Soper, President and CEO of Royal LePage.

Soper emphasized that Canadians have historically been the most significant foreign participants in the U.S. residential real estate market, particularly in snowbird destinations such as Florida, Arizona, and California. Unlike some international investors, Canadians tend to integrate into local communities—supporting small businesses, volunteering, and participating in neighbourhood life.

A widespread sell-off, he noted, would leave a noticeable economic and social impact in these regions.

Recent Sales Reflect Similar Motivations

Among Canadians who sold their U.S. property within the past year:

• 44% cited the current political administration as the main reason
• 27% sold due to personal considerations
• 22% pointed to extreme weather conditions

“Not every decision to sell is politically driven,” said Soper. “For many, changing personal circumstances, financial priorities, and the burden of maintaining a distant property all play a role.”

He also noted that growing uncertainty around border policies and travel rules has added stress to what was once a straightforward winter migration for many Canadians.

Canadian Investment in U.S. Real Estate Declining

According to the National Association of REALTORS®, Canadians have been among the top two foreign investors in U.S. residential real estate for the past two decades. However, transaction volumes have declined significantly over the last five years compared to much of the 2010s.

At the same time, U.S. real estate professionals report that international buyer activity has increased overall, with Canadians still representing the largest share of foreign sellers.

“Political instability is no longer just a talking point—it’s a catalyst for change,” said Soper. “This shift is reshaping how Canadians think about cross-border investment.”

Fewer Canadians Crossing the Border

Broader travel and spending trends reinforce this shift. Statistics Canada reports that during the first quarter of 2025:

• Canadian trips to the U.S. declined 10.8% year over year, totaling 6.1 million trips
• Spending during those visits fell 7.9%, down to $5.7 billion

These figures suggest a cooling of cross-border engagement beyond real estate alone.

Canadians Reinvesting at Home

The growing “Buy Canadian” sentiment—sparked in part by ongoing tariff threats from U.S. President Donald Trump—appears to be influencing real estate decisions as well.

Nearly one-third (32%) of Canadians who have sold or plan to sell their U.S. property say they intend to reinvest the proceeds into the Canadian real estate market. Some are choosing to purchase recreational or secondary properties closer to home, reinforcing confidence in Canada’s long-term economic stability.

“This mindset extends into real estate,” said Soper. “Many Canadians are choosing to bring their capital back home and invest in their own communities.”

U.S. Interest in Canadian Real Estate Surges During Political Events

Political unrest in the U.S. is also driving increased American interest in Canadian housing.

Sessions originating from the U.S. to royallepage.ca, Canada’s most-visited real estate company website, surged during key political moments:

• June 2025 (Week 24): U.S. web traffic increased 116% year over year, coinciding with protests in Los Angeles following ICE raids
• November 2024 Election Week: Traffic from U.S. users rose 70% year over year, with a 52% spike the day after Donald Trump was elected president for a second term
• June 2024 Presidential Debate: U.S. traffic jumped 112% compared to the prior month

“These spikes suggest a growing number of Americans are exploring Canadian real estate as a safe and stable alternative,” said Soper.

While interest does not guarantee relocation, the data underscores Canada’s ongoing reputation as a secure and appealing place to live and invest.

About the Survey

Burson surveyed 2,500 Canadian adults using the Leger Opinion online panel between August 4 and August 9, 2025. Results were weighted by age, gender, and region to reflect 2021 Canadian census data.

As this was a non-probability online survey, no margin of error can be formally assigned. For comparison purposes, a probability sample of this size would have a margin of error of ±2%, 19 times out of 20. Findings from smaller subsamples should be interpreted with caution.

Thinking About Bringing Your Real Estate Investment Back to Canada?

If you’re considering selling a U.S. property and reinvesting closer to home, having the right local expertise matters. Janice Leffler, REALTOR® in the Comox Valley, offers in-depth market knowledge, trusted guidance, and a strong understanding of what today’s shifting economic and political landscape means for buyers and sellers.

Whether you’re exploring recreational property, downsizing, or repositioning your real estate investments in Canada, Janice can help you move forward with clarity and confidence.

Connect with Janice Leffler today to discuss your goals and discover opportunities in the Comox Valley real estate market.