A sharp rise in interest from American house hunters in the UK property market has been recorded, with new figures from Rightmove revealing that inquiries from the United States are up 19% so far in 2025 compared to the same period last year.
The property portal suggests that global economic uncertainty, spurred in part by President Donald Trump’s recent announcements on US tariffs, may be prompting buyers to look across the Atlantic for more stable investment opportunities. The data covers US-based inquiries for UK homes between January and early May this year.
Interestingly, Edinburgh has overtaken traditional hotspots such as Westminster and Kensington as the most searched-for location among American buyers. The Scottish capital’s historic charm and relatively lower property prices seem to be drawing increased attention.
Rightmove’s Colleen Babcock noted: “President Trump’s tariff announcements have led to more economic uncertainty globally, and we’re starting to see some of the effects of this on the UK property market. Whether it’s because the UK is seen as a more stable investment opportunity, or because some buyers are considering a move, we’re seeing an increase in inquiries from the US.”
The majority of inquiries, however, are not focused on grand townhouses or sprawling country manors. Rightmove reports that most US-based interest is aimed at smaller homes with two bedrooms or fewer—indicative of investment intentions or potential holiday homes, rather than permanent relocations.
Scotland’s affordability appears to be playing a key role in shifting American interest away from London. Glasgow, for example, now ranks ahead of London’s Islington and Kensington & Chelsea in US inquiry volume. Other Scottish regions such as the Highlands, Argyll and Bute, and Fife also feature in the top ten.
Toby Leek, president of Propertymark, commented: “Scotland is likely to be particularly popular due to its scenic landscapes and the fact that the average home is around £100,000 less compared to that in England. In some ways, those who are looking for a rural escape may see this as providing more for their money.”
Despite the increased attention to Scotland, London remains a prominent fixture on the list. Westminster and Camden hold second and third place respectively, and Tower Hamlets also features in the top ten. According to Glynn Gibb of John D Wood & Co, there has been a steady rise in interest from American buyers in prime central London locations, particularly among high net worth individuals.
Gibb explained: “London’s culture and global connectivity make it an ideal springboard to Europe and beyond. Many are basing themselves here temporarily – often staying with friends – while they work out how long they plan to stay. For those expecting to remain less than five years, renting can often make more financial sense, especially when stamp duty is taken into account.”
While the recent spike is notable, Rightmove cautions that US inquiries still represent only a small fraction of total activity in the UK housing market. Nevertheless, the trend reflects shifting global dynamics and the enduring appeal of the UK as a destination for international property investment.
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Top 10 UK Locations for Inquiries from US House Hunters in 2025 (with 2014–2024 averages in brackets):
- Edinburgh, Scotland (Westminster, London)
- Westminster, London (Edinburgh, Scotland)
- Camden, London (Kensington and Chelsea, London)
- Glasgow, Scotland (Camden, London)
- Islington, London (Glasgow, Scotland)
- Kensington and Chelsea, London (Cornwall, South West England)
- Highland, Scotland (Highland, Scotland)
- Argyll and Bute, Scotland (Argyll and Bute, Scotland)
- Fife, Scotland (Fife, Scotland)
- Tower Hamlets, London (Tower Hamlets, London)
As the world grapples with economic shifts, the UK appears to remain a key point of interest for American buyers—whether for strategic investments, second homes, or future relocations.
