Editorial Integrity
Making informed real estate decisions starts with having the right knowledge. At HomeAbroad, we offer US mortgage products for foreign nationals & investors and have a network of 500+ expert HomeAbroad real estate agents to provide the expertise you need. Our content is written by licensed mortgage experts and seasoned real estate agents who share insights from their experience, helping thousands like you. Our strict editorial process ensures you receive reliable and accurate information.
Key Takeaways:
1. US buyer activity slows from November to January, giving foreign investors more negotiating power and fewer competing offers.
2. Sellers who keep their homes listed during the holidays often want to close before year end, which creates room for stronger pricing discussions.
3. Market data from shows that late fall and winter months typically see softer pricing and higher days on market.
4. HomeAbroad’s foreign national mortgage programs allow international buyers to move quickly during this quieter period with easy qualification and remote closing support.
Table of Contents
The holiday season in the US brings a calm shift to the housing market. While most families are focused on lights, winter gatherings, and travel plans, the real estate pace slows down in a way that quietly benefits foreign investors.
Fewer buyers are competing, sellers are more open to negotiation, and some of the strongest rental markets begin to show softer prices. It is one of the rare times of year when the market feels calmer, warmer, and more inviting for international real estate investors who want to secure a good property before the new year.
Why The US Holiday Season Creates A Better Buying Window For Foreign Investors
The US real estate market follows a predictable seasonal pattern. Activity peaks in spring and early summer, then slows sharply as the holidays approach. The National Association of Realtors has consistently reported fewer tours, fewer offers, and longer days on market during November, December, and January.
For foreign nationals, this slowdown creates a calmer environment. You have more time to evaluate homes, analyze rental numbers, and compare neighborhoods using HomeAbroad’s AI tool without the pressure seen in peak months.
The quieter season also means your offer is more likely to receive attention from agents and sellers who remain active during this time.
How Lower Competition During US Holidays Helps Foreign Buyers Negotiate Better
From late fall into winter, fewer Americans are actively buying because they are focused on travel, gift spending, and holiday commitments. This drop in demand leads to:
-
Fewer bidding wars - More price reductions
- A higher chance of securing concessions
- Less pressure to make fast decisions
- More time for inspection and due diligence
For foreign investors who may not be physically present in the US, lower competition makes the buying process more strategic and less rushed.
US Holiday Pricing Trends That Benefit Foreign Real Estate Investors
ATTOM’s price analysis consistently shows that October through December offer some of the lowest price premiums of the year. Historical data also highlights December 24 as one of the best individual days to buy based on price advantages.
HomeAbroad’s market insights show similar trends. Homes sell closer to or below asking price in winter months compared to summer. Days on market are longer, and buyers often have more room for negotiation.
The holiday season gives foreign investors a short window where prices soften, competition falls, and motivated sellers become more flexible. This makes it easier to enter popular markets like Florida, Texas, Georgia, Nevada, and the Carolinas.
Investing during this period can help you:
- Lock in better long-term rental yields
- Enter strong markets at a lower price
- Build a more competitive portfolio
- Avoid bidding pressure that returns in spring
For foreign nationals, timing the market around this seasonal slowdown can be one of the smartest long-term strategies.
Holiday Season Investment Snapshot: Key Buyer-Friendly Markets For Foreign Investors
The holiday real estate trends become even more visible when you look at markets that show clearer signs of softening as the holiday season approaches.
Below is a data-backed snapshot of US markets where prices are softening and days on market are rising heading into the holiday season.
| State | City / Market | Median sale price (Oct 2025) | YoY price change | Median days on market | Why this helps buyers during the holiday season |
| Florida | Statewide | $408,100 | -0.46% | 82 days (up 12 days YoY) | Prices are slightly lower, and homes are taking longer to sell, which supports stronger negotiation. |
| Texas | Statewide | $342,600 | -0.68% | 74 days (up 13 days YoY) | More time on the market gives foreign investors room to negotiate cleaner offers. |
| Florida | Miami | $600,000 | -4.2% | 127 days (up from 86 days last year) | A major rental market with slower movement and lower prices, creating solid entry points. |
| Florida | Tampa | $420,000 | -13.8% | 58 days (up from 53 days last year) | Sharp price drop in a high-demand city, making holiday entry especially attractive. |
| Texas | Austin | $539,950 | approx 0% change | 89 days (up from 81) | Prices have flattened, and homes are sitting longer, giving foreign investors negotiation leverage. |
| Texas | Houston | $340,000 | -1.4% | 55 days (up from 41) | Price declines and longer days on market support better buying terms. |
| Nevada | Las Vegas | $440,000 | -2.2% | 63 days (up from 46) | Tourism-driven markets slow down in winter, improving investor leverage. |
| Georgia | Atlanta | $400,000 | -3.6% | 82 days (up from 58) | Price dips and slower movement create better buying windows in a growing metro. |
These markets demonstrate what happens nationally during the holiday period. Homes stay listed longer, price cuts increase, and buyers gain more leverage. For a foreign investor who is prepared with financing, this timing can be very effective.
How Homeabroad’s Foreign National Mortgage Programs Help You Act Faster
Foreign investors often face more hurdles in the US. HomeAbroad is designed to remove those barriers so you can move quickly during the holiday slowdown.
HomeAbroad’s foreign national mortgage benefits include:
- No US credit history required
- No personal income verification
- 30-year fixed mortgage terms
- Up to 75% LTV
- Quick prequalification
- Remote closing from your home country
This structure allows investors to submit strong offers during a period when sellers value fast, reliable closings. Since you can close from abroad, you avoid holiday travel delays and can move faster than many US-based buyers.
Final Thoughts: Should Foreign Buyers Consider Purchasing During US Holidays
Absolutely, yes! The holiday period combines lower buyer activity, motivated sellers, longer days on market, and softer seasonal pricing. For foreign investors, this creates ideal conditions to secure good properties at competitive prices.
With HomeAbroad’s foreign national mortgage programs, you can take advantage of this unique window without needing US credit history or travel to the country. It is one of the most strategic times of the year to enter the market with confidence.
FAQs
Is the holiday season really a good time for foreign investors to buy in the US?
Yes, the US housing market slows from November to January. There are fewer buyers, more motivated sellers, and more price reductions. This gives foreign investors a stronger position when negotiating.
Are property prices lower during US holidays?
Prices are not always lower across every city, but our data shows that late fall and winter months often have lower price premiums. Many homes stay longer on the market, which increases the chances of reductions.
Do foreign investors face any challenges when buying during the holidays?
The main challenge is speed. Sellers want quick closings. HomeAbroad solves this by offering prequalification without US credit and remote closing support. This helps foreign buyers move faster than many local buyers.
Can I buy a US property during the holidays without traveling to the country?
Yes. HomeAbroad allows you to close your entire mortgage and property transaction from your home country. You do not need to visit the US to complete the purchase.
Are holiday season investment opportunities available in popular states like Florida and Texas?
Yes. These states remain competitive throughout the year, but demand slows during the holidays. This makes the holiday period one of the better entry points for foreign buyers targeting high-growth markets.
