Chinese Investors Turn Away from U.S. Real Estate, Shift Focus to Australia, Canada, and Singapore

Chinese billionaires are gradually losing interest in the U.S. real estate market — a trend that has accelerated since President Donald Trump introduced new tariff policies.

As reported by South China Morning Post (SCMP), Chinese investors began pulling back from the American property market as early as 2024. Many are now favoring alternative destinations like Australia, Canada, and Singapore.

Key Drivers Behind the Investment Shift

According to data from Juwai IQI, in 2024, demand from Chinese buyers for properties priced above USD 5 million rose significantly in Thailand, Australia, and Canada. In contrast, Chinese real estate investments in the U.S. fell by more than half compared to their 2017 peak.

Juwai IQI co-founder and CEO Kashif Ansari explained that growing geopolitical tensions, trade protectionism, and increased scrutiny of property deals in the U.S. have made some Chinese investors wary.

Australia Emerges as a Top Choice

Australia has become the preferred real estate destination for many wealthy Chinese investors. In Q1 2025, Australia’s Foreign Investment Review Board (FIRB) approved 1,123 residential property transactions worth AUD 1.3 billion. Of this, Chinese investors accounted for AUD 400 million. Daniel Ho from Juwai IQI attributed this trend to political instability in the U.S. and a slowing Chinese economy.

Singapore and Canada Gain Popularity

Singapore is also attracting increasing numbers of Chinese property buyers. In the first quarter of 2025, Chinese nationals purchased 301 housing units — a 42% increase from the previous year.

Savills Singapore’s Alan Cheong observed rising demand from Chinese companies seeking industrial spaces, which may also be driving interest in private residential properties.

Meanwhile in Canada, despite a two-year ban on foreign property ownership, Chinese interest remains strong. Many are still exploring investment opportunities and seeking pathways to permanent residency through immigration programs.