The US is the deepest, most open property market in the world, and foreigners can buy on largely the same terms as citizens. The United States real estate market 2026 is, however, 50 markets rather than one, so national averages need care. Browse stock on the United States property page.
A national average is a blunt tool
Survey data show central prices at about $5,276 per m² and outside-centre prices of about $3,534 per m² (2023), with a one-bedroom renting at roughly $1,846 a month. Those numbers blend Manhattan with small-town Ohio. Our data also give a price-to-rent ratio of 12.3 and average net pay of about $4,890 a month.
We do not quote the survey's price-to-income reading, because it conflicts with widely reported affordability pressure in major metros. Better to compare states and metro areas individually: Sun Belt cities, Florida and Texas have different dynamics from the Northeast and California. See apartments in the US, houses and land.
Rates and returns
Mortgage costs are the main driver of affordability. The 20-year rate in our database was 6.86% in 2024, and the Federal Reserve policy rate stood at 5.0%. A great deal of US housing is financed on 30-year fixed loans, which made existing owners reluctant to sell once rates rose and shrank supply. The survey gross yield of 8.1% in 2024 looks high for the country as a whole and reflects specific central-city samples; realistic gross yields in major metros are lower, so do your own numbers per property.
| Indicator | Value | Year |
|---|---|---|
| Mortgage rate (20 years) | 6.86% | 2024 |
| Policy interest rate | 5.0% | 2024 |
| GDP growth | 2.16% | 2025 |
| Inflation | 2.95% | 2024 |
| Unemployment | 4.2% | 2025 |
| Corporate tax (federal) | 21% | 2026 |
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Economy
GDP was about $30.8 trillion in 2025, growing 2.16%, with output per person near $90,027. Unemployment was 4.2%, inflation 2.95% (2024), and public debt about 122.3% of GDP. The population is about 342 million. Sustained immigration and household formation underpin demand, while the debt level is a long-run concern for rates.
Foreign buyers
There is no general ban on foreign purchase, but states regulate agricultural land, and federal rules govern property near sensitive sites. Foreign investors face withholding on sale under FIRPTA, property tax that varies by county, and financing that usually needs a larger deposit. Our US buying guide and financing page set out the process, and a US attorney and tax adviser are essential.
Risks and outlook
- Rates and lock-in: high rates cool turnover.
- Insurance and climate: premiums in Florida, California and the Gulf Coast have risen sharply.
- Local taxes: property tax and HOA fees can change returns materially.
- Fragmentation: each metro cycle differs.
The US rewards careful local selection. Start from your budget, for example cheap property in the US, and test valuations with the property valuation tool.
Last updated 8 October 2026