Yes, you can buy without residency
The United States doesn't restrict home purchases by foreigners. You can buy with your passport; you don't need a green card, visa or Social Security number. For the tax side an ITIN (tax identification number) is typically used, and we guide you on how to get one. Buying is the easy part; the judgment to choose well is what makes the difference.
Cash or a foreign national loan
You have two common paths:
- ·Cash: the simplest and fastest process; you just need proof of funds.
- ·"Foreign national" loan: banks that lend to foreigners, usually with 30%–40% down and a slightly higher rate than a resident.
- ·In both cases, the down payment plus closing costs (2%–5%) are the upfront outlay.
How you close remotely
You don't need to travel to close. The title company handles escrow, signing can be done before a notary/consulate or by power of attorney, and funds are sent by international wire. We coordinate the inspection, the title company and communication, and keep you updated in your language at every step.
The taxes you should know
Buying doesn't charge you a special tax for being foreign. What you'll pay is the annual property tax (~1%–2% of value depending on the municipality) and insurance. The FIRPTA withholding (15% of the price) only appears the day you sell, and is recoverable when you file. Since this is tax territory, we connect you with a specialist; we coordinate the operational closing, not the tax or legal side.
Buying from abroad: the essentials
| Item | Estimated range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Residency / citizenship | Not required | You buy with a passport |
| Cash down payment | 100% of price | Simplest process |
| Foreign national down | 30%–40% | Loan for foreigners |
| Closing costs | 2%–5% of price | Added to the down payment |
| Annual property tax | ~1%–2% of value | Same as for residents |
| FIRPTA (only when selling) | 15% of sale price | Withholding, recoverable when filing |
General rules and ranges; not legal or tax advice. FIRPTA and ITIN are handled with a tax specialist. B&M coordinates the operational closing. Brokered by Antorcha Real Estate Group.
General framework for foreign buyers in Florida (no residency restriction, foreign national loans, FIRPTA on sale). For taxes and structure we connect you with a CPA. Brokered by Antorcha Real Estate Group.
Frequently asked questions
- Can I buy a house in Florida if I don't live in the United States?
- Yes. No residency or citizenship is required. You buy with your passport, cash or with a foreign national loan, and you can close remotely without traveling.
- Do I need a Social Security number or U.S. credit?
- Not to buy. For the tax side an ITIN is used, and we guide you to obtain it. If you finance with a foreign national loan, the bank evaluates with other criteria, not U.S. credit.
- Do I have to travel to close the purchase?
- It's not required. Signing can be done by power of attorney or before a notary/consulate, the title company handles escrow and funds are sent by wire. We coordinate everything remotely and in Spanish.
- Do I pay more taxes for being foreign when buying?
- No when buying. You pay the annual property tax like anyone. The 15% FIRPTA withholding only applies when you sell and is recoverable when you file. It's worth planning with a tax specialist.
- How do you support me if I'm in another country?
- We define your budget and criteria, the software shows you the whole market that fits, we coordinate showings (in person or by video), inspection, title and closing, and keep you informed in your language at every step.