Interest in U.S. real estate among Russian nationals is seeing an unexpected spike, with a 78.5% increase recorded in the first half of 2025 compared to the same period last year. This upward trend reflects shifting priorities among Russian buyers, as financial and political uncertainty back home continues to shape global investment choices.
While Russians still account for less than 1% of all international property buyers in the U.S., the scale of their spending tells a different story. With an average price tag of $652,915 per property, Russian buyers are outpacing the overall foreign buyer average of $480,695, according to figures from the National Association of Realtors (NAR).
Why Russian Buyers Are Turning Toward the U.S.
As financial uncertainty grows and the idea of relocating becomes more practical than abstract, Russian buyers are setting their sights on the U.S. housing market. New data from Tranio suggests this isn’t just about chasing high-end listings anymore—it’s about long-term planning and a search for security.
Freepik | The rise in interest in American real estate suggests a changing tide.
Key drivers behind this trend:
1. Asset Diversification: Russian investors are keen to move capital outside traditional domestic markets, looking for safer havens with legal clarity and strong property rights.
2. Residency and Citizenship Goals: Approximately 14.4% of Russian buyers say their purchases are aimed at acquiring residency or citizenship through real estate investment channels.
3. Permanent Relocation Plans: Around 18.3% are looking to permanently move to the U.S., whether for family, business, or lifestyle.
4. Rental Income or Vacation Use: Nearly one-third of Russian purchases fall under these categories, suggesting a mix of both personal and financial motivation.
Where Russians Are Buying (And Why)
Florida remains the top pick for Russian buyers, especially in Sunny Isles Beach—often nicknamed “Little Moscow” thanks to its strong Russian-speaking population. The draw? A mix of lifestyle, climate, and comfort with the local culture.
Other states drawing attention include:
New York offers a world-class mix of culture and concrete investment opportunities
California balances fast-paced tech hubs with laid-back coastal towns
Georgia and Illinois stand out for more practical reasons: cost and community
By the end of June, the United States moved into 9th place among the top destinations for Russian property investments, accounting for 3.6% of the total foreign property interest. While that may seem modest at first glance, it’s a significant jump in both rankings and raw numbers.
Shifting Public Sentiment Adds to the Shift
One subtle but influential factor is the transformation in how Russians view the United States politically and culturally. A May 2025 survey conducted by the Levada Center, a respected independent Russian pollster, revealed that just 40% of Russians now see the U.S. as their country’s “most hostile” foreign nation—a steep decline from 76% the year before.
Even more notably, for the first time in over a decade, a majority of Russians no longer identify the U.S. as their top adversary. This shift in public opinion may be opening emotional and psychological doors to investing or relocating abroad, especially for younger or more globally minded Russian citizens.
Russia’s Global Real Estate Preferences in 2025
Instagram | thenationthailand | Thailand maintained its two-year lead as the top property destination for Russians.
Despite the U.S. gaining ground, Thailand remains the top choice for Russian property seekers for the second consecutive year. It accounts for 25.6% of all foreign real estate demand by Russians, driven by affordability, residency incentives, and a laid-back lifestyle.
That said, the rise in interest in American real estate suggests a changing tide—one in which Russians are now valuing long-term security and asset protection more than just vacation ease or proximity.
What This Means for U.S. Real Estate
A sharp rise—nearly 79%—in Russian interest in U.S. properties is catching attention across the real estate world. For many buyers, the move is less about snapping up luxury homes and more about finding financial safety amid global instability.
High-end properties in cities like Miami and New York remain popular targets, with this wave of interest starting to influence pricing trends and developer strategy. While Russians represent a small portion of international buyers by volume, their capital outlay and intent to hold make them a group worth watching closely as geopolitical factors continue to reshape cross-border investment.
