Buyers from the United States and Canada now represent 19% of all overseas-based applicants seeking to purchase property in Britain, marking a record high for North American interest in the UK market, according to data released by Hamptons.
Analysis of Connells Group buyer registrations shows North Americans have become the fastest-growing international buyer segment, up from 15% of overseas applicants in the first quarter of 2025 and more than double the share recorded a decade ago.
Overall international demand declines
Despite the North American surge, total international buyer registrations fell 10% in the first three months of 2026 compared to the same period in 2025. London proved an exception to the national trend, recording an 8% year-on-year increase in international demand.
The data reveals a shift in North American buying patterns, with only 5% of applicants targeting prime central London, down from 13% at the market’s peak in 2013. This contrasts with broader changes in the UK property sector, where investor activity has been affected by various market pressures.
European buyers maintain dominance
European buyers continue to represent the largest single overseas group, accounting for 54% of international applicants, with their share unchanged year-on-year. Middle Eastern buyer demand remains at its lowest level since 2013, with no signs of recovery.
The composition of overseas buyers has shifted significantly, with first-time buyers now accounting for a record 23% of international applicants, while investors represent just 12%. This indicates overseas purchasers are increasingly buying with the intention of residing in the UK rather than treating properties as investment vehicles, a trend that may impact the wider residential sales market.
Aneisha Beveridge, Head of Research at Hamptons, said: “While international buyer demand has eased overall, Americans are bucking that trend. For many, London is starting to look like relatively good value again, and we’re increasingly seeing people buying with a view to living here, not just investing.”
She added: “That shift is most obvious among younger movers. More overseas-based buyers are seeing London as a place to put down roots, including purchasing a first home, rather than a short-term investment.”
The data suggests North American buyers are diversifying their UK property purchases beyond traditional prime central London locations, potentially spreading demand across a wider range of markets and price points.
