USA Property FAQs

This is your USA property FAQs, where you’ll find all the information you need about the buying and moving processes for expats in America gathered in one place. Find out the answers to questions about financing your purchase, sorting out taxes, moving with children and more.

Raising finance for your property

How can I finance my property purchase?

What are the hidden costs of buying in the USA?

Currency transfer

Should I use a currency specialist to transfer money?

How do I make regular payments to or from the US?

Find out more about reducing risk in transferring money overseas by reading the free Property Buyer’s Guide to Currency.

Where are the best areas for…?

Where are the best areas to buy a holiday home?

Where are the sunniest areas of the US to buy?

What are the best foodie destinations to buy in?

Where is the most affordable property in the US?

Areas of the USA: where to buy in…?

Where to buy in Washington State?

Where to buy in Florida?

Where to buy in Central Florida?

Where to buy near Disney World Resort, Orlando?

Where to buy in Northern California?

Where to buy in Southern California?

Where to buy in New York City?

Good planning and negotiating tactics can help you get a lower price. Find out more in our guide, How to Negotiate Abroad, to maximise your bargaining position.

Buying process and legalities

Do you have a breakdown of the buying process?

What properties are available in the US?

How do I find a reputable estate agent?

What should I prepare for a viewing trip to America?

What are the legalities of buying in the US?

Banking

How do I open a bank account in the US?

Taxes

What taxes should I consider before moving to the USA?

What taxes should I consider after moving to the USA?

What are rules around inheritance in America?

Pensions

How do I maximise my pension in the USA?

Get in touch with a recommended Independent Financial Advisor to get impartial advice about your financial situation today.

Insurance

What insurance do I need and how do I find a provider?

Removals

How can I organise removals to get my possessions to the US?

Pets

How do I bring my pet with me to America?

Renting out your property

How do I rent out my property?

What are the key steps to following when letting your home and what taxes will you pay?

Healthcare

What is healthcare like in the US?

Education

How does the US education system work?

Moving with children

What should I think about if I’m moving with children?

Transport and driving in the USA

What is transport like in the USA?

How do you register your car and get a US driving licence?

Working and earning money

How can I generate an income in the US?

Why not split the cost – or double what you can afford – buy buying together with family? Learn more in our guide, Buying Abroad with Family.

After buying

How do I find a tradesperson?

How do I get connected to utilities?

Settling in

What are your tips for settling in in America?

Do you have any advice for dealing with homesickness?

What customs should I be aware of?

How can I make friends in the USA?

What is shopping like in the USA?

What is food and drink like in the USA?

These are the most frequently asked questions we get from readers looking to buy a home in America. However, if you still have questions beyond the scope of the USA property FAQs, all you need to do is to give the Resource Centre a ring on 020 7898 0549 or send us an email at [email protected].

Read the free USA property guide below to find all the information you need about moving to the United States. It’s written by experts in American property and is full of tips and advice to help you make a success of your new life stateside.

Download your free USA property guide

Our guide to buying a house in America is readily available online, but you can also a PDF version to view when you're offline or print. Simply fill in the form to the right and you'll be able to download your free copy.

• Ask the right questions
• Avoid the legal pitfalls
• Find your property
• Avoid losing money
• Move in successfully