H-1B Visa Uncertainty Doesn't Deter Indians from Buying US Homes

A recent Reddit post sparked a heated debate among H-1B non-immigrants in the United States about the wisdom of buying a home in America. H-1B visas are designed for highly skilled foreign workers employed by US firms that cannot find American workers with the necessary qualifications. One of the primary arguments against purchasing US homes by H-1B holders was the perceived decline in the technology sector.

However, the reality paints a different picture. According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR) 2025 International Transactions in U.S. Residential Real Estate report, Indians were among the top five countries in terms of the percentage share of foreign home purchases, the number of homes purchased, and the total dollar volume. In 2024-25, Indians spent $2.2 billion on 4,700 homes in the United States, representing 6% of all foreign purchases. In 2024, 10% of the total homes purchased by foreigners were bought by Indians.

The report reveals that foreign purchasers spent a total of $56 billion on existing properties in the United States between April 2024 and March 2025, marking a 33.2% increase from the previous 12-month period. International buyers purchased 78,100 properties, up 44% from the prior year, with a median purchase price of $494,400, the highest on record.

Florida has been the most popular destination for international homebuyers for at least 15 years, but the trend is not limited to one state. The report also highlights the real estate buying patterns among foreigners, distinguishing between those living in the US and those residing abroad.

Foreign buyers who were recent immigrants or held visas allowing them to live in the US purchased 43,700 homes (56% of all foreign purchases) with a total dollar volume of $26.9 billion. Foreign buyers who lived abroad purchased 34,400 homes (44% of all foreign purchases) with a total dollar volume of $29.1 billion. In 2024-25, both US immigrants and foreigners living abroad experienced a significant increase in the purchase of US homes compared to 2023-24.

Can an Indian citizen buy property in the USA? Yes, anyone can purchase property in the U.S., regardless of their nationality or immigration status. International real estate buyers can even secure a U.S. mortgage without a U.S. credit history. However, owning property in the U.S. does not grant immigration status or the right to live there. H-1B visa holders and F-1 student visa holders can buy and rent out their properties but must return to their home country after their visas expire.

Ohio lawmakers are currently debating a bill that could restrict U.S. green card holders and foreign nationals from purchasing land in significant Ohio areas. This proposed law aligns with similar initiatives in Florida and Texas, aiming to comprehensively restrict foreign investment in U.S. real estate. Despite these potential restrictions, the trend of foreign home buying, particularly by Indians, continues to grow, highlighting the strong appeal of the U.S. real estate market.