NEWS

A recent report from the National Association of Realtors highlights a key trend in global capital flows: the United States continues to be the top destination for foreign investment, with total foreign-owned assets nearly doubling over the last decade. Real estate, in particular, has emerged as a growing share of this capital, rising from 2.3% of all foreign direct investment in 2014 to 3.3% in 2024.

While overall new foreign projects have slowed—driven largely by higher interest rates and global economic uncertainty—the scale of investment remains significant. In 2024 alone, foreign investors added more than $279 billion to U.S. assets, with real estate accounting for an increasingly meaningful portion.

Texas: A Key Magnet for Global Capital

Among all states, Texas has distinguished itself as a top destination for foreign investment, attracting $22.8 billion in new inflows last year. This positions Texas alongside Georgia and California as one of the leading gateways for international capital.

Texas continues to offer a unique value proposition:

• Business-friendly policies that make it attractive for corporate relocation and expansion.

• Robust job creation, which fuels both residential and commercial demand.

• Population growth, driven by domestic migration as well as international interest.

These factors not only strengthen the state’s economy but also create tangible opportunities in the real estate sector. Industrial, commercial, and residential properties all benefit from the momentum foreign capital brings into the market.

Outlook for Realtors and Investors

For real estate professionals, this trend underscores the importance of understanding and engaging with international buyers. Whether purchasing commercial properties, residential housing, or land for development, foreign investors play a growing role in shaping Texas’s real estate landscape.

Despite a national slowdown in new projects, Texas’s continued ability to attract global investment signals a resilient and dynamic market. For investors seeking stability and growth, and for Realtors serving this demand, Texas remains a compelling region for opportunity.

Source: National Association of Realtors, Foreign Investment in the U.S.: Growing, but Slower

Texas Real Estate Law Change – Effective September 1, 2025

Starting September 1, 2025, a new Texas law restricts certain foreign governments, entities, and individuals from acquiring or leasing real property interests in the state. Covered property types include:

• Residential, commercial, industrial, and agricultural land

• Improvements, minerals, mines, and quarries

• Timber, groundwater, and water rights

• Leases of one year or longer related to these property interests

Purpose of the Law

The legislation, Senate Bill 17, is designed to protect national security. It specifically targets foreign governments, organizations, and individuals deemed national security threats by the U.S. Director of National Intelligence.

Currently designated countries: China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea.

The Governor of Texas may also designate additional countries or entities in the future.

Key Exceptions

• The law does not apply to U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents, nor to entities they own or control.

• Leases shorter than one year are not restricted.

Source: Texas REALTORS®

The U.S. housing market has reached a turning point. According to a recent report by Redfin, shared via ResiClub Analytics, there are now 1.9 million home sellers versus 1.5 million buyers—a gap of nearly 500,000. This marks the largest seller surplus Redfin has recorded since it began tracking the data in 2013.

This shift signals a move away from the pandemic-era seller’s market. With more listings available and fewer buyers in the market, leverage has shifted to home shoppers, making it one of the most buyer-friendly markets in over a decade.

Market Impact: A Shift in Power
Redfin economists now project a 1% national home price decline by year-end, driven by oversupply and cautious buyer behavior. Sellers are increasingly forced to lower prices or offer concessions to compete for attention. In many cases, listings are lingering longer, and more properties are selling below asking price.

A new report from the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) highlights a narrowing price gap between new and existing homes in the first quarter of 2025. The median sales price for a new single-family home was $416,900, only $14,600 more than the median price of an existing home, which stood at $402,300. This is a significant decrease from the peak difference of $64,200 in the fourth quarter of 2022.

The report indicates that new home prices have seen a year-over-year decline for eight consecutive quarters, with a 2.32% drop in the first quarter of 2025 compared to the same period in the previous year. Conversely, existing home prices have risen for seven straight quarters, showing a 3.38% increase year-over-year.

Regionally, the Midwest remains the most affordable area for new homes, with a median price of $367,500. In the South, the price gap is narrower, with new homes averaging $376,000 and existing homes at $361,800. The continued narrow gap between new and existing home prices reflects a housing market still dealing with low inventory, particularly for entry-level homes.

Source: National Association of Home Builders

As we move through 2024, the global real estate market continues to present major affordability challenges — particularly in developing countries where wages haven’t kept up with soaring home prices. A recent report from BestBrokers highlights the 10 least affordable countries to buy a home, based on a simple but telling metric: the property price-to-income ratio.

This ratio measures how many years of an average salary it would take to purchase a home, and the results paint a stark picture of global housing inequality.

At the top of the list is Turkey, where an average home costs nearly as much as the average annual salary — resulting in an alarming 81.45% property price-to-income ratio. Despite moderate real estate prices per square meter compared to developed countries, low average incomes in Turkey, Nepal, and India make homeownership extremely difficult for local residents.

Interestingly, South Korea shows a high per-square-meter price ($10,318.46), but with a stronger income level ($26,653.39), its affordability ranking improves significantly.

Stay informed about any changes/activities related to your property!

What It Is

Attempting to identify home title fraud and identity theft at an early stage, county recorders all over the country have implemented FREE "Property Owner Alert Programs".

How It Works

A property owner registers their email and receives notification of any instrument recorded in their name. While it doesn't necessarily prevent fraud, participation in this FREE program can really make a difference.

Why You Should Consider It

• Peace of mind: With this program, you can stay informed about any changes or activity related to your property. You will be the first to know of any new liens, changes in ownership, or even potential fraud attempts

• Proactive Protection: By discovering improper recordings early, you can take prompt action if any issues arise and avoid potential headaches down the road.

• Easy and convenient: Signing up is easy and it's free! Most programs offer simple online registration.

Where to Sign Up

If you are in any of the counties below, please click the link.

Tarrant: https://propertyfraudalert.com/TXTarrant
Dallas: https://dallas.tx.publicsearch.us/property-alert
Denton: https:/ /denton.tx.publicsearch.us/property-alert
Collin: https://collin.tx.publicsearch.us/property-alert

Source Information: WFG Underwriting