A growing number of US citizens are leaving America and turning their attention to the UK with prime London property emerging as a key beneficiary, according to new research from Enness Global.
The international mortgage broker estimates that more than 5,200 Americans expatriated in 2025, up 8.5% on the previous year and expects the figure to rise further in 2026.
The increase follows a sharp surge in 2024, when the number of US citizens leaving the country jumped by almost 48% compared with 2023.
Enness Global’s analysis of longer-term trends suggests the outflow has been accelerating for several years.
TRUMP EFFECT
Since Donald Trump was first elected and inaugurated in January 2017, the number of Americans choosing to leave the US is estimated to have increased by an average of 25.7% a year.
Political uncertainty is highlighted as a key factor behind the sustained rise in expatriation.
Periods marked by heightened political tension, polarisation and policy volatility have historically coincided with increased emigration, particularly among high net worth individuals and globally mobile professionals.
GEOPOLITICAL TENSIONS
Looking ahead, Enness Global believes the trend will remain firmly in place through 2026. It points to renewed geopolitical tensions and concerns around long-term economic and political stability, which are encouraging affluent Americans to consider relocating and diversifying assets overseas.
For the UK property market, this has translated into steady interest from US buyers, with London a particular focus.
Enness Global reports consistent enquiries for homes in prime neighbourhoods, as American purchasers look to combine relocation plans with long-term investment in one of the world’s most established and liquid property markets.
“Periods of political change and uncertainty can create volatility.”
Islay Robinson (main picture, inset), CEO of Enness Global, says: “Whether people agree with President Trump and his policies or not, there’s no denying that periods of political change and uncertainty can create volatility and leave sections of the population feeling unsettled.
“As a result, the number of US citizens choosing to expatriate has risen in 2025 following his re-election, and the longer-term trend since his first term in office has been striking.
TREND TO CONTINUE
And he adds: “With President Trump beginning 2026 amid renewed controversy, it’s reasonable to expect this trend to continue, however from a UK perspective, the consequence has been a clear increase in American interest in London property – particularly across prime neighbourhoods.
“With interest rates now trending downwards and prime London property values remaining subdued, the current market presents a compelling window of opportunity and for US buyers with the ability to act, now is very much the time to do so.”
