Global web searches for South Florida real estate in September 2025 showed China and Singapore leading all countries. This trend highlights the growing interest from Asian markets in Miami's property sector, driven by various factors including new residency programs and the region's economic appeal.
Key Takeaways
- China and Singapore topped global web searches for Miami real estate in September 2025.
- Shenzhen, China, was the top city searching for Miami properties.
- New U.S. Gold Card visa and temporary injunction on Florida SB 264 are influencing Asian buyer interest.
- International buyers account for nearly half of new South Florida construction sales.
- Miami offers significantly more prime property per $1 million compared to other global cities.
Asian Markets Drive Miami Property Searches
A new report from the MIAMI Association of REALTORS® (MIAMI) reveals that China ranked first and Singapore second for global web searches for South Florida real estate during September 2025. This indicates a strong and sustained interest from these Asian nations in the Miami property market.
Specifically, Shenzhen, a major electronics manufacturing and export hub in China, was the top city globally searching for Miami real estate. Singapore, an island city-state in Southeast Asia, followed as the second top city for these searches.
"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," said Eddie Blanco, MIAMI Chairman of the Board. "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."
Impact of New Residency Programs and Policy Changes
Two significant factors are contributing to the rise in searches from Asia. The first is the newly introduced U.S. Gold Card. This executive order, signed by President Donald Trump, offers U.S. residency for an investment of $1 million.
This program is expected to attract a large number of applicants, with China and India projected to be the primary countries applying. The Gold Card presents a more affordable option than Singapore's investment visa program, which costs nearly $8 million. However, the Gold Card is likely to face legal challenges from courts and potentially Congress.
Key Policy Details
- The U.S. Gold Card costs $1 million and grants U.S. residency.
- It is significantly cheaper than Singapore's nearly $8 million investment visa.
- Florida Senate Bill 264, which previously banned certain foreign nationals from buying property, is currently facing legal challenges and a temporary halt in enforcement.
The second factor is the temporary injunction on Florida Senate Bill 264 (SB 264). This law had banned Chinese nationals without permanent U.S. residency from purchasing property or land in Florida. The law also prohibited countries like Russia from owning agricultural land and properties near military installations. Legal challenges have temporarily stopped its enforcement, which may be boosting confidence among potential Asian buyers.
Global Interest in Miami Real Estate
In September 2025, approximately 150 countries conducted searches on MiamiRealtors.com, which features three consumer-facing property search portals. The top 10 countries included representation from four continents: North America, South America, Europe, and Asia.
Colombia has consistently ranked among the top three countries searching for Miami real estate for the past 42 consecutive months, spanning over three years. This highlights a long-standing and robust interest from South American buyers.
Top 10 Countries Searching MiamiRealtors.com (September 2025)
- China
- Singapore
- Colombia
- Spain
- India
- Philippines
- Canada
- Argentina
- Venezuela
- Ireland
International Buyers and New Construction
International buyers are a significant force in South Florida's new construction market. A report, the first-ever New Construction Global Sales Report by MIAMI REALTORS®, indicated that foreign buyers purchased 49% of new construction, pre-construction, and condo conversion sales over an 18-month period ending July 2025.
This data was compiled from 9,115 units across 37 new condominium projects in the Miami market area. MIAMI collaborated with several real estate firms, including Cervera Real Estate, ISG World, PMG, SERHANT. New Development, and ONE Sotheby's International Realty, for this comprehensive report.
In 2024, Argentinian buyers led all foreign countries in South Florida real estate purchases, accounting for 18% of all international transactions. They were followed by Colombia (14%), Canada (8%), Brazil (6%), and Mexico (6%).
Florida: A Top Destination for Foreign Investment
- Florida has been the No. 1 state for foreign home buyers for 16 consecutive years.
- It accounts for 20% of all U.S. international home sales.
- Nearly half (49%) of all international home sales in Florida occur in the Miami-Fort Lauderdale-West Palm Beach area.
- South Florida alone secures 10% of all international home sales in the entire United States annually.
Miami's Value in the Global Luxury Market
Miami continues to offer competitive value for prime properties, defined as those priced at $1 million and above, when compared to other major global cities. According to the 2025 Knight Frank Wealth Report, a $1 million investment can purchase 58 square meters of prime property in Miami.
This represents significantly more space than in other global luxury markets. For example, the same $1 million would only buy 19 square meters in Monaco, and 34 square meters in both New York and London. Miami also offers more prime property per million dollars than Paris, Sydney, and Tokyo.
Top International Cities Searching MiamiRealtors.com (September 2025)
- Singapore (island country and city-state)
- Shenzhen, China
- Bogota, Colombia
- Dublin, Ireland
- Medellin, Colombia
- Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Toronto, Canada
- London, England
- Barranquilla, Colombia
- Amsterdam, Netherlands
Domestic Interest in Miami Real Estate
While international interest is strong, domestic buyers also show significant engagement with the Miami real estate market. Virginia registered the highest number of domestic web searches for Miami real estate in September 2025.
New York consistently leads as the top state for out-of-state buyers in the South Florida area, according to the 2024 Profile of International Home Buyers by MIAMI Association of REALTORS®.
Top 10 U.S. States Searching MiamiRealtors.com (September 2025)
- Virginia
- California
- Washington
- New York
- Georgia
- Iowa
- Ohio
- Texas
- Nevada
- North Carolina
Among U.S. cities, San Jose, California, led the domestic searches for Miami properties in September 2025. Other top cities included Ashburn, Virginia, and Des Moines, Iowa.
Top 10 U.S. Cities Searching MiamiRealtors.com (September 2025)
- San Jose, CA
- Ashburn, VA
- Des Moines, IA
- New York, NY
- Las Vegas, NV
- Atlanta, GA
- Tampa, FL
- Dallas, TX
- Los Angeles, CA
- Houston, TX
The MIAMI Association of REALTORS®, chartered in 1920, celebrates 105 years of serving real estate professionals and the public in South Florida. It is the largest local REALTOR® association in the U.S., representing 58,000 real estate professionals. The association maintains partnerships with 288 international organizations globally.
