Property buyers from the United States and Canada now account for a record one in five of international purchasers, new Hamptons data reveals.

Analysis of Connells Group buyer registrations shows that North Americans are the fastest‑growing international buyer group in Britain.

They accounted for 19% of all overseas-based applicants looking to buy in Britain in the first three months of the year, up from 15% a year ago.

Double number

And the share is more than double the figure seen a decade ago, Hamptons says.

But overall, international demand fell, with 10% fewer buyers registering than in the first three months of 2025.

London bucked the national trend, with international demand rising 8% year‑on‑year.

Only 5% of North American applicants were looking to buy in prime central London, down from 13% at the market’s peak in 2013.

There remains no sign of a rebound in Middle Eastern buyer demand, with registrations at their lowest share since 2013.

Single largest

European buyers remain the largest single overseas group, accounting for 54% of international applicants, with their share is unchanged year-on-year.

Overseas purchasers are increasingly purchasing with the intention of living in the UK.  First‑time buyers accounted for a record 23% of international applicants, while investors made up just 12%.

While international buyer demand has eased overall, Americans are bucking that trend.”

Aneisha Beveridge, Head of Research at Hamptons, says: “While international buyer demand has eased overall, Americans are bucking that trend.

“For many, London is starting to look like relatively good value again, and we’re increasingly seeing people buying with a view to living here, not just investing.

“That shift is most obvious among younger movers. More overseas-based buyers are seeing London as a place to put down roots, including purchasing a first home, rather than a short‑term investment.