If you’ve been sitting on the sidelines waiting for the right moment to enter the market, the fundamentals behind US real estate investment remain strong heading into the second half of 2026. Steady home price appreciation, resilient rental yields, and financing built specifically for international buyers continue to make U.S. property one of the most accessible major markets in the world for foreign nationals and U.S. expats.
The State of US Real Estate Investment in 2026
Home Prices Continue to Rise, Even as Growth Moderates
According to the FHFA House Price Index, U.S. home prices rose 2.0% year-over-year as of April 2026. That’s a more moderate pace than the rapid appreciation seen in prior years, but it reflects a market still growing steadily rather than declining. Some regions are outperforming the national average significantly, the East North Central census division saw 4.4% year-over-year appreciation, while states like Illinois (7.3%), Alaska (5.5%), and Vermont (4.9%) led all states in annual price growth. For investors, this kind of steady, broad-based growth is often a healthier long-term signal than a sharp, unsustainable spike.
US Home Price Appreciation Highlights (2026)
| Metric | Year-over-Year Change |
|---|---|
| National average (April 2026) | 2.0% |
| East North Central census division | 4.4% |
| Illinois (highest of all states) | 7.3% |
| Alaska | 5.5% |
| Vermont | 4.9% |
Foreign Buyer Activity Remains Substantial
International buyers remain a significant force in the U.S. housing market. According to the National Association of Realtors’ 2025 Profile of International Transactions, foreign buyers purchased $56 billion worth of U.S. residential real estate, spanning 78,100 properties, in the 12 months ending March 2025. Notably, 47% of foreign buyers paid all-cash, compared to just 28% of all U.S. buyers, though this also reflects that many international buyers simply don’t yet know financing options exist for them, which is exactly the gap America Mortgages was built to close.
The median foreign buyer purchase price was $494,400, above the $408,500 median for all U.S. buyers. China and Canada led as the top two countries of origin, followed by Mexico, India, and the United Kingdom. Florida remained the top destination state, followed by California, Texas, New York, and Arizona.
Mortgage Rates Have Room to Work With
As of July 2026, the average 30-year fixed mortgage rate stood at 6.49%, according to Freddie Mac’s Primary Mortgage Market Survey, down from 6.72% a year earlier. While foreign national rates typically carry a modest premium over standard domestic rates to reflect the added underwriting complexity, the overall rate environment has eased compared to a year ago, an important factor for investors weighing financing costs against rental yield.
Rental Yields Remain Competitive
According to Global Property Guide’s 2026 research, the average gross rental yield across major U.S. cities stood at 6.71% as of Q2 2026. Markets like Philadelphia, Houston, Chicago, and Orlando posted gross yields above 8%, meaningfully outperforming many major global cities where investors are increasingly looking to diversify into the U.S. instead.
Why International Investors Choose US Real Estate Investment
- Legal accessibility: non-U.S. citizens can purchase virtually any property type in the U.S. without restriction, no visa or residency required.
- Currency diversification: holding U.S. dollar-denominated assets provides a hedge against currency volatility in an investor’s home market.
- Strong rental markets: many U.S. metros combine steady appreciation with rental yields well above what’s available in comparable global cities.
- A maturing lending landscape: financing infrastructure for foreign buyers has expanded significantly since 2020, DSCR loans, foreign national full-documentation programs, and ITIN-based lending are now standard, well-established products.
How America Mortgages Makes US Real Estate Investment Easy
A Streamlined Application Process
America Mortgages has streamlined the mortgage application process so you can apply from anywhere in the world, whether you’re a foreign national or a U.S. expat. Most applications can be completed and closed entirely remotely.
Loan Programs Built for Investors
America Mortgages offers DSCR loans that let you qualify for financing based on a property’s rental income rather than your personal income or complex tax documentation. Well-qualified borrowers can access up to 80-85% loan-to-value, with loan sizes ranging from $150,000 to $5 million and no cap on the number of properties financed. To understand exactly how your qualifying rent compares to your loan payment, see our guide on how to calculate your DSCR ratio.
Qualification Based on Rental Income Alone
Don’t have a U.S. credit score? That’s not a barrier. With America Mortgages, you can qualify for financing based on the rental income of the property you’re purchasing, no U.S. credit history, Social Security number, or ITIN required for most DSCR programs.
Typical Timeline and Costs
For well-prepared foreign national borrowers, DSCR loans typically close in 25-35 days from a complete application. A formal loan quote, including rate, term, LTV, and closing cost estimate, is usually provided within 24-72 hours of submitting a complete application package.
Tailored Support for International Investors
Whether you’re a U.S. expat or a foreign national with no U.S. financial history, America Mortgages specializes in making the investment process smooth and straightforward, removing the common barriers that stop international buyers from financing U.S. property.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is US real estate investment still a good opportunity in 2026?
Yes. While price growth has moderated compared to prior years, national home values are still appreciating (2.0% year-over-year as of April 2026), and rental yields in many markets remain well above 6% gross, supported by continued strong foreign buyer demand and a maturing lending landscape for international investors.
Do I need U.S. credit history to finance a US real estate investment?
No. Most DSCR loan programs qualify borrowers based on a property’s rental income rather than personal credit or income documentation, making it possible for foreign nationals and U.S. expats with no U.S. credit history to secure financing.
Which U.S. states are most popular with foreign real estate investors?
According to NAR’s most recent data, Florida is the top destination for foreign buyers, followed by California, Texas, New York, and Arizona.
How much rental yield can I expect from a US real estate investment?
Yields vary significantly by city. As of 2026, the national average gross rental yield across major U.S. cities is around 6.71%, with cities like Philadelphia, Houston, Chicago, and Orlando posting yields above 8%.
How long does it take to close on a US real estate investment as a foreign national?
Well-prepared DSCR loan applications from foreign national borrowers typically close in 25-35 days, though timelines can extend if documentation, fund transfers, or LLC formation add complexity.
Ready to Start Your US Real Estate Investment Journey?
With steady price appreciation, resilient rental yields, and financing built specifically for international investors and U.S. expats, the fundamentals for US real estate investment remain strong in 2026.
Contact us today, call +1 (845) 583-0830 to speak with a loan officer, or schedule a call with a U.S. mortgage specialist to get started.
