Residency in the USA through Property Purchase
Buying property in the US is a specific process with special stages and conditions. If you are looking to obtain residency in the USA through property purchase, unfortunately, you cannot achieve your goal solely by buying property. It is better to consider alternative methods like investment in the USA and work to receive residency in the USA.
Purchasing property in the USA usually takes around one month. Prices vary by state, typically ranging from $400,000 to over $1 million. The process is legal but should be handled with care, so consulting a lawyer is strongly recommended. While buying property does not lead to US residency, applicants only need a valid visa and sufficient funds to proceed.
Malekpour Immigration Institute can assist you in consulting for immigration to the USA through pathways that lead to permanent residency. Just contact us for a free initial consultation. You can also ask your questions in the comments section and receive answers in a short time.
Advantages of Buying Property in the US
Buying a home in the US is a popular option for those looking to invest or live there. However, purchasing property alone does not grant US residency, though it can support future immigration plans.
Today, home buying apps and websites in the US simplify the property search with advanced tools and up-to-date listings. Understanding the home buying process and legal requirements is key to making informed decisions. If your goal is to immigrate to the US through property purchase, seek expert advice to ensure a smooth and legal process.
- Settling in a developed country
- Possibility of earning rental income
- Obtaining an investment visa (EB-5)
- Living in a developed country
- Preserving assets
- Growth and profit on investment
Buying Property in the US and Residency
Buying a house in the USA and obtaining residency in this country through purchasing private property is not directly possible. Some people think that residency in the USA may be possible through property purchase; however, you should know that this path does not lead to obtaining a US green card and acquiring citizenship.
However, people entering the country with a tourist visa also have the opportunity to buy property in the USA with no restrictions in this regard. However, residency through property purchase in the USA is not defined this way. This means that obtaining a US passport is not possible through this route.
Those who intend to buy property in the USA must first establish their residency in the country as permanent and definitive before proceeding to purchase property there.
Conditions for Buying Property in the US
Buying property in the USA is possible for foreign nationals without specific limitations; however, there are specific conditions for conducting this transaction:
- Visa and Residency: To buy property in the United States, a valid visa is required. Permanent residency or U.S. citizenship is not required.
- Sufficient capital: Buyers must have sufficient financial capacity to pay for the property and taxes.
- Legal steps: This includes a legal review of the property, signing a purchase agreement, and paying the relevant taxes. It is usually recommended to consult a lawyer to review the title deed and complete the legal steps.
- Taxes: Buyers must pay property taxes and, if renting out the property, rental income taxes.
- Residency and Green Card: Buying property alone does not lead to permanent residency or a U.S. green card. To obtain residency, other immigration routes such as the EB-5 program must be used.
Legal Steps for Buying Property in the US
Buying property in the USA and the legal steps involved are a very important matter and require full attention. The legal steps for purchasing property in the USA, using banking facilities and mortgage loans, have a considerably shorter timeframe, typically between 25 to 30 days.
This time is sufficient for completing all the legal steps of property purchase. Buying property in cash takes only about 7 to 10 days. One crucial aspect that is very important is to check the status of any restrictions on property sale.
- Registration of property purchase requests by applicants
- Choice of desired property by customers
- Guidance from specialized property buying and selling consultants
- Receive a guarantee from a lawyer and request to review the legal status of the property
- Register relevant documents and records in official real estate registration offices
- Delivery of the property to the seller by the buyer
- Payment of any fees determined for the purchase of the property
Price of Buying property in the US
The price of property and house rent in the USA varies by states. Individuals entering this country should keep in mind that costs differ in each state. In the table below, you can observe the average price of houses in the USA.
| State | Average House Price |
|---|---|
| Hawaii | $848,316 |
| California | $796,255 |
| West Virginia | $167,250 |
| Mississippi | $189,710 |
| Texas | $307,629 |
| Florida | $389,400 |
Additionally, the average rent price for apartments in the USA depends on various factors including geographical location, size and type of property, and market conditions.
- The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in cities like New York and San Francisco can range from $2,500 to $4,000 per month.
- In mid-sized cities like Atlanta or Dallas, the rent for a one-bedroom apartment is usually between $1,200 and $2,500 per month.
House prices in the USA vary by location, city, and state. In rural areas, rent ranges from $700 to $1,200/month. Buying property is cheaper in states like Ohio, while luxury homes in major cities can be very expensive. Land prices in the USA also differ widely based on the area.
Buying property in the United States does not lead to residency, but it can be a personal or investment choice. House prices in the USA vary by state, location, and amenities. For those seeking affordable options, states like Ohio offer lower property prices.
Investment Standards for Buying property in the US
Buying property in the USA and the conditions for obtaining residency through property purchase has been analyzed, and reviewing its standards is a very important and fundamental matter. Generally, individuals who invest and buy property in the USA should examine all related factors.
Eligibility for Buying property in the US
Buying property in the USA and obtaining residency in this country is possible for everyone; however, as mentioned, buying property in this country does not constitute grounds for obtaining residency and citizenship. To buy property, you simply need to fulfill the following conditions:
- Having a US visa to enter the country
- Having sufficient capital to purchase property
- Being aware of the legal issues of purchasing property
Laws for Buying Property in the US
Foreign nationals can buy residential or commercial property in the USA without legal restrictions. The process includes signing a purchase agreement, legal deed review, obtaining title insurance, and property transfer. Owners must pay annual property taxes and, if rented, income tax.
Buying property alone does not grant residency or citizenship. To obtain a green card, legal pathways like the EB-5 investment program are required. Consulting specialized legal advisors is essential to ensure a valid transaction.
Websites for Buying property in the US
After reviewing rental property websites in the USA, it is recommended to consult with a local real estate agent in the USA to obtain the most current and accurate information regarding the desired real estate market. Some reputable websites for buying houses in the USA include:
Affordable Houses in the US
House prices in the USA vary by location, size, and property conditions. Prices per square meter differ across cities and states, with cheaper homes often found in areas with lower economic activity or different living cultures.
Affordable houses can be found for under $100,000, while average homes typically range from $100,000 to $500,000 or more depending on the market.
Property Purchase Loans in the US
In the United States, there are various types of loans for purchasing property. Below are some of the most common types of mortgage loans:
- FHA Loans – Backed by HUD, require 3.5% down, ideal for first-time buyers.
- VA Loans – For veterans and active military; no down payment or mortgage insurance needed.
- USDA Loans – For rural homebuyers with moderate income; little or no down payment.
- Conventional Loans – Offered by banks/private lenders; require 5–20% down, fixed or adjustable rates.
- Adjustable-Rate Mortgages (ARMs) – Lower initial interest; rates adjust after a fixed period.
- Jumbo Loans – For high-value properties exceeding Fannie Mae/Freddie Mac limits; higher down payment required.
Taxes on Property Purchase in the USA
Purchasing property in the United States comes with various types of taxes. Below are some of the most common types of taxes related to property purchase:
- Transfer Tax – Charged by states/counties when property ownership changes; calculated on the purchase price.
- Property Tax – Annual tax based on the assessed value of the property; rates vary by location.
- Capital Gains Tax – Applied when selling property for a profit; depends on ownership duration and total income.
- Sales Tax – Sometimes applies to services like legal or consulting fees during property purchase, not usually on the property itself.
- Rental Income Tax – Taxed on income from renting property; included in total personal income.
Residency in the USA through Property Purchase
Buying property in the USA cannot automatically grant you permanent residency in this country; however, you should consider that purchasing residential or commercial property in the USA can be considered one of the profitable methods of investment.
Therefore, pay attention to the fact that buying property alone cannot lead to obtaining permanent residency (green card) in the United States. However, investing in real estate can be part of the immigration process, especially under the EB-5 program.
Buying Property in the US and Real Estate Attorney
Purchasing property in the USA requires legal guidance to ensure a secure investment. A U.S. real estate lawyer helps review the deed, taxes, and inheritance issues and checks for any legal problems through the property registration office. Foreign buyers can seek assistance from specialized attorneys, like those at Malekpour Institute, to guarantee a safe and successful property purchase in the USA.
Legal Tips for Residency in the USA through Property Purchase
Taking special attention to legal advice is only for your convenience and to protect your investment. Many individuals venture to buy properties and invest in foreign countries without proper study and research, which can lead to economic and time losses.
One of the most important points that investors looking to invest in the USA should consider is the possibility of obtaining residency in this country through property purchase, which unfortunately is not viable through property purchase in the USA.
- Very easy and convenient purchase in the shortest time
- Utilization of bank loans to purchase property from the government
- Payment of tax of about 2% according to the price of the desired property
- Buying property in this country is not an investment
- Buying property in this country does not lead to obtaining your residency at any price
- Confiscation of property in this country is a very worrying factor
Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Property Purchase in the US
- Is it possible to buy property in the USA with a tourist visa?
Yes, individuals entering the country with a tourist visa can buy property in the USA and face no restrictions in this regard.
- What is the property tax rate in the USA?
This rate is approximately 2% of the property value for that year.
- Can buying property in the USA lead to citizenship and residency in this country?
Buying property in this country does not justify receiving residency and citizenship.
How long does it take to buy property in cash in the USA?
Buying property in cash takes between 7 to 10 days.
Conclusion:
Buying property in the USA does not lead to residency or citizenship. Property purchase is considered a personal expense, not a qualifying investment, due to its low return on investment. This article outlines the main conditions for buying property in the USA. For full guidance on property investment in the USA and other countries, explore free articles and videos on the Malekpour website.
Before making any decisions, we recommend a free consultation with Malekpour’s experts. You can also leave your questions in the comments section for a prompt response.
