International Guide
Foreign Investors
Complete step-by-step guidance for international buyers in Miami.
Key Reassurance
Florida is generally considered investor-friendly, with a favorable tax environment, strong demand, and stable legal framework. However, you still need professional legal and tax advice for your specific situation. This guide provides an overview — not legal/tax advice.
Process
Step-by-Step Overview
From defining your goals to closing the deal, here's everything you need to know about buying Miami real estate as an international investor.
Define Your Goals
- —Vacation home for family visits?
- —Rental investment for income?
- —Pure investment to build wealth?
Choose Property Type & Area
- —Single-family homes (simpler, fewer rules)
- —Condos (more amenities, but check HOA rules)
- —Multifamily (more complex, higher potential returns)
Decide on Ownership Structure
- —Personal name (simplest, but tax implications)
- —LLC or company (better privacy and liability protection)
- —Trust (wealth planning option)
- —Always consult a Miami real estate attorney
Explore Financing Options
- —Foreign buyers can get mortgages (usually 40–50% LTV)
- —Higher down payments required (50–60%)
- —Certain lenders specialize in foreign buyers
- —Bring documentation: passport, income proof, bank statements
Understand the Closing Process
- —Title search and insurance
- —Property inspection and appraisal
- —Closing attorney reviews all documents
- —Funds wired from your bank to escrow
Know Ongoing Tax & Reporting
- —US federal income tax on property income
- —Florida state property taxes (roughly 1% of value)
- —FIRPTA for sales
- —Consult a CPA familiar with foreign investors
Risk Factors
What Can Go Wrong?
Currency Risk
USD fluctuations affect your return if you convert back
Regulation Changes
Tax laws and HOA rules can change
Distance Management
Managing property remotely is harder than locally
Bad Property Management
Wrong manager can hurt your investment
Market Swings
Economic cycles affect value and rental demand
Visa/Immigration
Property ownership doesn't affect immigration status
Ready to analyze a deal?
Use our Deal Calculator to run the numbers on a specific property before committing.