South Florida continues to strengthen its position as one of the leading destinations for international real estate buyers in the United States.
For Realtors working in Miami and throughout South Florida, this trend represents a significant business opportunity. However, working with foreign buyers also requires an understanding of the unique considerations that may arise during an international real estate transaction.
From the structure used to purchase a property to documentation, the transfer of funds, and closing coordination, identifying these factors early can help make the transaction more efficient and provide a better experience for everyone involved.
South Florida Continues to Attract International Capital
International buyers remain a defining part of the South Florida real estate market.
According to the MIAMI REALTORS® New Construction Global Sales Report, published in November 2025, international buyers accounted for approximately 52% of the analyzed new construction, pre-construction, and condominium conversion sales in South Florida during a 22-month period.
The global reach of the market is equally significant: buyers identified in the study came from 73 countries.
These figures demonstrate Miami’s international appeal and the important role foreign buyers continue to play in the region’s real estate market.
Florida Remains a Leading Destination for Foreign Buyers
The trend extends well beyond South Florida.
According to the 2025 International Transactions in U.S. Residential Real Estate Report from the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR), international buyers purchased approximately $56 billion in U.S. existing homes between April 2024 and March 2025, representing a 33.2% increase from the previous period.
Florida remained the leading U.S. destination for international buyers.
Another important characteristic is how these buyers finance their purchases. Approximately 47% of international buyers paid cash, compared with 28% of all buyers.
For Realtors and professionals involved in the closing process, this makes it especially important to understand early in the transaction how the purchase will be structured and how funds will be transferred.
Miami-Dade Is Also Showing Strength in 2026
Recent Miami-Dade market data provides additional context for the opportunities available to Realtors.
In June 2026, total Miami-Dade home sales increased 14.3% year over year, rising from 1,843 to 2,107 transactions.
Sales of properties priced at $1 million and above increased 29.14%, from 374 to 483 transactions during the same period.
It is important to note that these figures primarily reflect transactions reported through the MLS and do not include a significant portion of new construction, pre-construction, and condominium conversion sales.
For Realtors working with international buyers, the combination of strong local activity and continued global interest creates opportunities across multiple segments of the South Florida market.
What Makes a Closing With an International Buyer Different?
A transaction involving a foreign buyer may have different considerations from a traditional transaction involving a local buyer.
For this reason, one of the best practices is to involve the title company early in the transaction.
Some areas that may require additional attention include:
- How the buyer intends to acquire the property.
- Whether the purchase will be made individually, through an LLC, or through another legal entity.
- Documentation required to complete the closing.
- Coordination and verification of funds originating outside the United States.
- Communication among the buyer, Realtor, lender — when applicable — and title company.
- Execution of closing documents when the buyer is not physically present in Florida.
- Potential FIRPTA considerations when a foreign seller is involved.
Every transaction is different. Identifying these circumstances early gives the professionals involved more time to properly prepare for closing.
Cash Purchases Still Require Careful Preparation
The absence of financing does not necessarily mean that the closing process will be simple.
When an international buyer purchases a property with cash, it is still essential to properly coordinate the transfer of funds, verify wire instructions, and complete the necessary closing procedures.
Security should also remain a priority.
Wire instructions should always be verified through trusted channels before funds are transferred. Realtors and buyers should be cautious of unexpected emails or communications requesting changes to previously provided wiring instructions.
Direct communication with the title company can help reduce risks during this critical stage of the transaction.
Identify the Ownership Structure Early
International investors may use different structures when purchasing property in Florida.
Some buyers purchase property individually, while others may use a Limited Liability Company (LLC), corporation, trust, or another legal structure.
The title company needs to clearly understand who the buyer will be and how ownership will appear on title.
When legal entities are involved, additional documentation may also be required before closing.
Identifying the ownership structure early allows the closing team to organize the process more efficiently and helps avoid last-minute requests for documentation.
Legal, tax, and corporate decisions regarding the appropriate ownership structure should be evaluated with the corresponding professional advisors.
FIRPTA May Also Be Relevant in International Transactions
Working with international buyers also means that Realtors may frequently encounter foreign property owners when those properties return to the market.
In certain transactions involving a foreign seller, the Foreign Investment in Real Property Tax Act (FIRPTA) may apply.
FIRPTA can create withholding and documentation requirements that should be properly identified during the transaction.
Determining early whether a foreign seller is involved allows the appropriate professionals to coordinate the necessary steps and can help reduce complications as the closing date approaches.
Communication and Preparation: Two Keys to a Successful Closing
The continued presence of international buyers represents a significant opportunity for South Florida Realtors.
However, attracting the client is only the beginning.
Once a contract is signed, coordination among the Realtor, buyer, seller, title company, and other professionals becomes an essential part of the client’s experience.
For Realtors, several best practices can make a meaningful difference:
- Inform the title company early that the transaction involves an international buyer.
- Identify how the purchase will be structured and who will take title.
- Confirm whether the buyer will be physically present for closing.
- Maintain consistent communication throughout the transaction.
- Avoid leaving important documentation or verification requirements until the final days before closing.
- Remind clients to independently verify any instructions involving the transfer of funds.
Proper preparation can help reduce delays and contribute to a smoother closing experience for everyone involved.
First Title Group: Your Partner for International Buyers
Miami continues to position itself as a truly global real estate market. For Realtors, this means increasingly working with clients from different countries, cultures, and investment backgrounds.
Having a title company that understands the unique considerations of these transactions can make a meaningful difference throughout the closing process.
At First Title Group, we work alongside Realtors, buyers, sellers, and investors throughout the closing process, providing professional, secure, and personalized service.
Our goal is to anticipate important details, maintain clear communication, and help every transaction move toward a successful closing.
Thinking about buying property in Florida? Let First Title Group handle your closing with the professionalism, security, and personalized service you deserve.
Contact Us
Email: info@firsttitlegroup.com
Phone: +1 (786) 409-2812
Business Hours: Monday – Friday | 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
This article is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, tax, or financial advice. Applicable requirements may vary depending on the specific circumstances of each transaction. Buyers, sellers, and other parties should consult the appropriate legal, tax, or financial professionals regarding their individual circumstances.
Sources
MIAMI Association of REALTORS® — New International Report: Global Buyer Share Increases for Miami New Construction Units; Buyers from 73 Countries
https://www.miamirealtors.com/2025/11/11/new-international-report-global-buyer-share-increases-for-miami-new-construction-units-buyers-from-73-countries/
MIAMI Association of REALTORS® — Miami-Dade Real Estate Posts Best June in Three Years; Home Sales Rise for 10th Consecutive Month
https://www.miamirealtors.com/2026/07/17/miami-dade-real-estate-posts-best-june-in-three-years-home-sales-rise-for-10th-consecutive-month/
National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) — International Buyers Purchased $56 Billion Worth of U.S. Homes from April 2024 to March 2025
https://www.nar.realtor/press-releases/international-buyers-purchased-56-billion-worth-of-u-s-homes-from-april-24-to-march-25
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