Homes Are Cheaper This Year for These Buyers

📉 How a Weak U.S. Dollar Is Shaping the Real Estate Landscape

International homebuyers are currently enjoying a rare advantage: a weaker U.S. dollar. According to Redfin, currency gains from nations such as Russia, Japan, Switzerland, Sweden, Europe, and the U.K. have effectively granted foreign buyers a 5–10% discount compared to just a year ago—even though median U.S. home prices are at record highs. For example, buyers using rubles benefit from nearly a 9.6% price drop in dollar terms.Investopedia+7Investopedia+7RealEstateNews.com+7

This improving exchange rate played a key role in a 44% rise in foreign home purchases between April 2024 and March 2025—surging from 54,300 to 78,100 homes sold internationally.Investopedia+2Investopedia+2RealEstateNews.com+2 Foreign buyers are now paying an average of $494,400 per home—well above the overall U.S. median price of $408,500—and nearly half are purchasing in cash.Investopedia+2Investopedia+2RealEstateNews.com+2

This trend has lifted luxury real estate markets in popular destinations and accelerated sales cycles. However, it also raises concerns about affordability for domestic buyers, especially first-timers and lower-income households competing for a shrinking housing stock.Investopedia+1Investopedia+1

🏡 What This Means for Local Markets

• International demand is increasingly influencing metrics like median sales prices and days on market.

• Cash-heavy foreign purchases help stabilize transactions, even amid rising U.S. interest rates.

• Real estate professionals—especially in high-demand regions—should tailor marketing strategies to leverage currency-driven buyer interest.

Whether you're a seller targeting global buyers or a local buyer competing with international cash offers, now is the time to stay informed and agile.