According to one recent statistic, searches by American homebuyers looking to buy a home across the pond have tripled. In fact, they’re at an eight-year high! Edinburgh has, in record time, become the leading contender amongst these purchases. This fundamental shift represents a major change in the UK property market. That’s truly a remarkable increase. Inquiries from North American buyers have increased their inquiries by 19% over last year at this time.
One of London’s largest commercial real estate agencies, John D Wood & Co, has already experienced an uptick in inquiries. Clients heads are especially keen on “prime” central London properties. Even though Edinburgh is suddenly very hot right now, London’s still got it, with an extraordinary culture and connections as a global city. For many American travelers the city is the ideal springboard for visiting Europe and beyond. This appeal continues to attract attention in the capital.
Statistics from property-search site Rightmove reveal that most inquiries are from individuals seeking to move in on a permanent basis. It covers those looking to buy second homes or buy-to-let properties. American buyers have historically made up the largest share of international interest in UK property over the past decade. London has got the biggest share of these queries. It was a dramatic turn of events at the very start of 2025. Scotland received the highest number of US inquiries, making it the clear leader in this category. This increase might be due to Scotland’s relatively lower house prices.
She’s right, other regions across Scotland have enjoyed the boost in interest from US buyers. The most recent top ten list contains Highland, Argyll and Bute and Fife, in addition to Glasgow—fourth place overall. Perhaps most importantly, Glasgow nudges out once-gold standard Kensington and Chelsea, long-cherished stomping grounds of the American buyer.
Westminster takes the runner-up position in the rankings for US inquiries, as Camden, NJ ranks third. The changing tastes of US consumers bode well for more varied regions throughout the UK.
“Whether it’s because the UK is seen as a more stable investment opportunity, or whether some buyers are considering a permanent move across the Atlantic, we’re seeing an increase in inquiries from the US,” – Colleen Babcock.
With the growing political Fahrenheit 911 vibes that increasingly affect financial decisions, for many Americans it makes sense to look across borders. Commenting on the capital’s appeal, Glynn Gibb of John D Wood & Co emphasized London’s attraction. He said that “London’s culture and global connectivity feature makes it an ideal springboard to Europe and beyond.” Tens of thousands more call DC their temporary home. Sometimes they crash with friends as they make new plans after aging out of the system. Look for much more action in the coming months! Spring and early summer typically warm up to a bustle of buyers entering the market, propelled by lifestyle and fiscal decisions tempered by the ongoing political circus being played out in the states.
Questions are increasing, and this is more than just about individual moves. To many savvy American investors, UK properties are goldmine opportunities. Applications for UK citizenship from Americans have reached an all-time high. This demand is indicative of an increasingly favorable climate to settle on the other side of the Atlantic.