Political uncertainty in the United States is prompting many Canadians to sell their homes south of the border, according to a new Royal LePage survey.
The survey, conducted by Burson, found that more than half (54 per cent) of Canadians who own residential property in the U.S. plan to sell within the next year. Of those, nearly two-thirds (62 per cent) cited concerns about the current U.S. administration as their main reason.
“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. “Canadians have been the most important foreign investors in America’s residential real estate market for years, and a significant wave of property sales would leave a noticeable mark on the regional economies that snowbirds support.”
Other sellers pointed to personal and financial reasons (33 per cent) or worsening weather conditions, such as hurricanes and flooding (five per cent).
Investment patterns shifting
Canadians have consistently ranked among the top two foreign investors in U.S. residential real estate over the past two decades, according to the National Association of Realtors. But transactions have slowed in recent years, and Canadian sellers now make up a large share of international property sales.
“Not every decision to sell is politically driven,” Soper said. “For many, the decision to divest will be due to changing personal circumstances, from reprioritizing financial goals to the simple decision to invest closer to home.”
Statistics Canada reports Canadian residents made 6.1 million trips to the U.S. in the first quarter of 2025, down 10.8 per cent from a year earlier. Spending fell nearly eight per cent, totaling $5.7 billion.
Domestic reinvestment coming?
Nearly one-third (32 per cent) of respondents who have sold or plan to sell their U.S. property said they intend to reinvest the proceeds in Canadian real estate, with many considering recreational properties.
“Across sectors, Canadians are increasingly choosing to support domestic businesses, prioritize homegrown products, and invest in their own communities,” said Soper. “Many who are selling their U.S. properties are opting to bring that capital back home.”
Royal LePage also reported a surge in U.S. traffic to its website during key political events, including the 2024 presidential election and major protests in 2025, reflecting growing American interest in Canadian housing.
