Surge in Canadian ‘Snowbirds’ Selling U.S. Properties

By Doyinsola Oladipo and Mrinalika Roy

(Reuters) – The number of Canadian “snowbirds” planning to sell their second homes in sunny Florida and Arizona has surged this spring, influenced by strains in relations between Canada and the U.S.

Real estate agents report an increase in Canadians cashing out, further softening property prices in states like Florida and Arizona, popular with retirees from colder regions. Canadians spent nearly $6 billion on U.S. real estate from April 2023 to March 2024, representing 13% of foreign transactions, predominantly for vacation homes.

Tracy and Dale McMullen recently sold their vacation home in Buckeye, Arizona, expressing concerns over political developments in the U.S. under President Donald Trump. They felt unwelcome and unsafe, prompting their decision to sell.

Trade tensions and a weaker Canadian dollar have fostered a climate of reluctance among Canadians, leading to a significant drop in Canadian travel to the U.S. In March, return flights from the U.S. fell 13.5%, and auto trips dropped 32% from a year earlier. This trend extends to real estate, with agents noting a surge in Canadians looking to sell.

Florida Market Impacted

The rising anti-U.S. sentiment among Canadians is reshaping the Florida property market, a longtime favorite for Ontario and Quebec residents. According to Ermengarde Jabir from Moody’s Analytics, the South Florida market relies heavily on Canadian snowbirds, both as property owners and renters.

However, as of early 2025, agents reported no offers from Canadian buyers, a sharp contrast to typical trends during peak buying seasons. Rising insurance costs, climate concerns, and past hurricanes have also contributed to the market’s struggles.

In the Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater area, the volume of mortgage locks for second homes dropped by 25% year-over-year. Some Canadians, such as Donny B. from Ontario, feel uncertain about their safety and whether they are still welcomed in the U.S. He expressed anxiety over selling his properties due to the political climate.

Agents in other states, including California, report Canadian sellers considering offloading their properties as they contemplate moving to countries like Portugal, Mexico, and parts of France.