According to JamesEdition Data Insights, European markets now capture 37% of U.S. buyer demand. Interest in historic estates is growing rapidly, with prices averaging 60–75% below those in top-tier American markets. Mediterranean destinations stand out as offering the most compelling value for luxury buyers.
With an apparent 250% surge since the beginning of 2025, a trend emerges where American interest starts to lean more and more towards central European regions. For example, Americans now represent 6.9% of buyers in prime central London. The Financial Times cites security concerns, healthcare costs and political factors as motivations.
So, what does this shift in interest mean for the premium real estate market? To better understand the extent of this trend, JamesEdition Data Insights dove into our exclusive global data. Not only do the numbers confirm the Financial Times’ reporting, but also reveal surprising patterns in where and what Americans seek on European soil.
Global Shift in American Buying Interest
Whilst the United States remains the single most popular destination with 21.3% of all buyer interest, data shows that European markets collectively attract more than half of American luxury property inquiries.
Four European countries dominate the global top 5, with Italy leading at 15.8% share, followed by France (8.5%), Spain (8.0%) and Portugal (4.7%). These popular Mediterranean markets continue to captivate American buyers seeking historical architecture in 2025 so far.
Beyond Europe’s established markets, the United Arab Emirates has emerged as the most dynamic growth story, experiencing a remarkable 95% surge in American inquiries year-over-year to reach 4.0% of total market share.This represents the largest proportional increase of any global destination, highlighting the UAE’s rising appeal as a luxury property market.
European Hotspots: The Five Regions Capturing American Investment
European regions maintain a strong presence in the global top 10 destinations for American buyers, securing five positions including the top two spots. Italy’s Tuscany leads all locations worldwide with a notable 4.3% share of American international property inquiries, while Spain’s Andalusia follows in second position with 3.8% of market interest.
The Mediterranean basin dominates these European preferences, with Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur capturing 3.2% of inquiries and Lombardy securing 3.0%. These traditional luxury destinations continue to attract American buyers with their distinctive combination of historical estates, vineyard properties, and coastal retreats that define the Mediterranean lifestyle.
England completes Europe’s strong showing at 2.3% of inquiries. Beyond Europe, Dubai emerges as the leading non-European hotspot with 3.7% of American international inquiries, placing it third globally and underscoring its growing prominence in the luxury real estate landscape. Within North America itself, Florida (3.3%), California (3.0%), Texas (2.3%), and New York (2.1%) represent the domestic alternatives to these international destinations.
The Mediterranean Value Proposition: 60-75% Below Premium US Markets
Italy, Spain, France, and Portugal provide exceptional value with median prices ranging between €0.9-1.6M. These destinations offer historic properties with distinctive architectural elements at significantly more accessible price points compared to premium US markets, which average over €4M.
This price differential — properties available at 60-75% below comparable premium US markets — appears to be a primary driver of American interest. European destinations offer century-old estates with authentic regional character at a fraction of domestic luxury market prices.
The Lasting Impact of America’s European Investment Shift
The data shows that there is a shift in how Americans look at international properties in 2025. European markets position themselves as compelling alternatives to domestic options, providing good value and distinctive attractions with its historical architecture, authentic cultural experiences, and established luxury infrastructure that cannot be replicated elsewhere easily.
While the Financial Times correctly identified political and security factors as motivations, it seems clear that value considerations are equally influential in driving this behavior. American buyers are increasingly targeting specific regional hotspots rather than entire countries, demonstrating a good understanding of local property markets. This reflects an approach where interested parties are able to distinguish well between the unique attributes of Tuscany versus Lombardy, or Andalusia versus Madrid, seeking out particular architectural styles, lifestyle elements, and investment potential that align with their specific preferences rather than making generalized country-level decisions.
As this trend continues, Southern European markets will likely maintain their appeal while fast-growing destinations like Dubai uphold their potential in the global luxury property landscape.