China and Singapore Top List of Potential Miami Real Estate Investors

International buyers purchased almost 50 percent of new construction in South Florida in 2024, says realtors’ report.

A 'For Sale' sign is displayed in front of a home in Miami, Fla., on May 30, 2019. Joe Raedle/Getty Images

When it comes to prime beachfront property in the United States. Miami, Florida, seems to be at or near the top of every list—not only domestically, but internationally as well.

An Oct. 14 report from the Miami Association of Realtors indicates that the Sunshine State’s most renowned city continues to attract the attention of potential global buyers, particularly those from China and Singapore, ranking first and second, respectively.

Shenzhen, China’s largest electronics manufacturing and export city, held the top spot for the highest number of real estate searches in September.

“Asia continues to be an emerging market for South Florida real estate with our clean air, ideal weather and growth as a FinTech destination being major attractions,” The association’s chairman of the board, Eddie Blanco, said in a statement.

“The new $1 million Gold Card that potentially could grant American residency in record time, plus a temporary injunction on SB 264 are two factors for the increase in searches from Asia.”

President Donald Trump’s executive order on investor visas, announced in September, allows foreign property investors to secure a Golden Visa for $1 million. It also promises to grant U.S. residency as quickly as possible. Originally, the investment requirement had been set at $5 million.

“It is a priority of my Administration to realign Federal immigration policy with the nation’s interests by ending illegal immigration and prioritizing the admission of aliens who will affirmatively benefit the nation, including successful entrepreneurs, investors, and businessmen and women,” the executive order states.

According to the Miami Association of Realtors, China and India are predicted to be the top countries to apply, with the costs much lower than in other countries, such as Singapore, where golden visas are offered for investments of $8 million as part of the nation’s Global Investor Programme.

Currently, Florida’s Senate Bill 264 bans Chinese nationals and some others without permanent U.S. residency from buying property or land in Florida. The bill is facing some legal challenges that have temporarily stopped its enforcement.

In the meantime, potential homeowners from 150 other nations searched for Miami properties in September. Colombia ranked third for the third year in a row, followed by Spain, India, the Philippines, Canada, Argentina, Venezuela, and Ireland.

The report also shows that international buyers purchased almost 50 percent of new construction in South Florida in 2024. Argentinian buyers purchased the most, accounting for 18 percent of all international deals in Florida. Colombian buyers represented 14 percent, followed by Canadians at 8 percent, and Brazilians and Mexicans at 6 percent.

Florida remained the top U.S. destination for all foreign buyers last year at 20 percent, and has held that top position for the past 16 years.  Miami, Fort Lauderdale, and West Palm Beach are the most popular home-buying destinations.

Domestically, Virginia was the top state with homeowners searching for Miami real estate in September, followed by California, Washington, New York, and Georgia. Completing the top 10 list were potential buyers from Iowa, Ohio, Texas, Nevada, and North Carolina.