NEWS

Dallas-Fort Worth attracted more newcomers than any other U.S. metro in 2025, according to the latest migration report released by U-Haul.

This marks the second consecutive year DFW has topped U-Haul’s annual Top U.S. Growth Metros and Cities list. The report is based on more than 2.5 million one-way moves made across the U.S. and Canada using U-Haul trucks, trailers, and U-Box containers.

Notable highlights from the report:

• Texas reclaimed the No. 1 Growth State position in 2025

• Inbound moves to Texas increased 3% year over year, while departures rose just 1%

• Houston and Austin ranked No. 2 and No. 3 among growth metros

• McKinney debuted at No. 6 nationwide on the top growth cities list

According to U-Haul International President John “J.T.” Taylor, while life events such as jobs, family changes, and education drive most moves, broader factors like economic opportunity and lifestyle continue to draw people toward high-growth states.

Top 10 Growth Metros for 2025:

1. Dallas–Fort Worth, TX

2. Houston, TX

3. Austin, TX

4. Charlotte, NC

5. Phoenix, AZ

6. Nashville, TN

7. Charleston, SC

8. Raleigh, NC

9. Atlanta, GA

10. Brownsville–McAllen, TX

Migration trends like these continue to shape housing demand, development, and long-term market opportunities across Texas.

Source: U-Haul Top U.S. Growth Metros & Cities Report 2025

According to data from the U.S. Census Bureau and Zillow, analyzed by Construction Coverage, 71,788 new residential units were authorized in DFW in 2024—more than any other major metro in the country.

Here’s how the numbers stack up
• DFW: 71,788 permits (#1 nationally)
• Houston: 65,747 permits
• New York City: 57,929 permits
• Austin: 32,294 permits
• San Antonio: 14,857 permits

Texas didn’t just lead at the metro level—it led the nation overall. A Newsweek analysis shows 225,756 residential permits were approved statewide in 2024, driven largely by DFW, Houston, Austin, and San Antonio.

Why the surge?
Population growth. Texas’ population grew 7.3% from 2020–2024, fueling housing demand across major metros.

But there’s a twist:
Despite the building boom, profitability remains tight. According to National Association of Home Builders, two-thirds of builders are offering buyer incentives while dealing with rising labor and material costs.

Big takeaway:
DFW’s growth reinforces its position as one of the strongest long-term real estate markets in the U.S.—for homeowners, investors, and developers alike.

Source: CultureMap

With U.S. home prices still high and cash flow harder to find, more American investors are looking outside the United States for short-term rental opportunities—and the data backs it up.

According to AirDNA, Americans have increasingly invested abroad over the past few years as domestic affordability tightened. Many are finding stronger returns in international vacation markets where property prices are lower and tourism demand is high.

Some investors are turning to places like Costa Rica, Mexico (Tulum & Cabo), Greece, Italy, and Spain, where:

• Entry prices can be significantly lower than major U.S. cities

• Tourism-driven demand supports high occupancy

• Short-term rental revenue can outperform many U.S. markets

Top global markets for short-term rental revenue (avg. annual per host):

• Saint Barthélemy – ~$524K

• Turks & Caicos – ~$254K

• Mykonos – ~$105K

• Cabo San Lucas – ~$92K

• Italy, Australia, Canada & New Zealand also made the list

Why these locations?

They’re some of the world’s most desirable vacation destinations, often dominated by large, high-end villas that command premium nightly rates.

Important reminder:

High revenue does NOT automatically mean high profit. Many of these markets come with:

• Strict short-term rental regulations

• Permit caps or bans

• High acquisition and operating costs

If you’re considering global real estate investing, due diligence is everything—local laws, taxes, financing, and long-term strategy matter just as much as headline revenue numbers.

International investing can be powerful when done right—but it’s not “set it and forget it.”

Source: Realtor.com® (data and insights from AirDNA)

The United States has announced the suspension of the Diversity Immigrant Visa Program, commonly known as the green card lottery, following a deadly shooting at Brown University. According to U.S. officials, the decision was made after it was confirmed that the suspect had entered the country through the programme.

The Diversity Visa program has historically provided approximately 50,000 immigrant visas annually to individuals from countries with lower levels of immigration to the United States. The suspension signals a significant shift in U.S. immigration policy and is expected to prompt renewed discussion around visa vetting, public safety considerations, and the future of diversity-based immigration pathways.

This development may have far-reaching implications for prospective immigrants, employers, and international mobility, particularly for applicants who rely on the lottery as one of the few available legal pathways to U.S. permanent residency.

Source: BBC News

Starting January 1, Senate Bill 38 (SB 38) updates the Texas Property Code and makes several important changes to the eviction process. According to Texas REALTORS®, landlords and property managers should be aware of the following key updates:

• Clearer eviction timing rules

Time periods now exclude the day a notice is delivered, include the final day, and count weekends and holidays unless the last day falls on one.

• CARES Act properties

The additional 30-day waiting period has been eliminated. Evictions may now be filed immediately after the Notice to Vacate or Notice to Pay or Vacate expires. Judges may no longer delay eviction trials to give tenants extra time.

• New Notice to Pay or Vacate requirement

For first-time nonpayment cases, landlords must provide a one-time written Notice to Pay or Vacate before filing an eviction. Timing depends on the lease used.

• Electronic delivery of notices

Pre-eviction notices may now be delivered electronically if both parties have agreed to electronic delivery.

• Faster removal of squatters

Landlords may now request a Motion for Summary Disposition, allowing courts to rule faster or, in some cases, without a trial.

These changes are intended to reduce delays, clarify procedures, and create a more predictable eviction process for property owners.

Landlords and property managers should review lease forms and eviction procedures now to ensure compliance beginning January 1.

Source: Texas REALTORS®

This post is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.

Thinking about owning property abroad? You’re not alone. Nearly 40% of U.S. buyers are considering international real estate within the next year.

Why now?

• A stronger U.S. dollar stretches your buying power.

• Some foreign interest rates are lower than U.S. rates.

• The U.S. housing market remains expensive and competitive.

Investing abroad can:

• Generate rental income in popular destinations.

• Diversify your portfolio with foreign assets.

• Offer unique lifestyle experiences and seasonal retreats.
  

Top 7 Markets to Watch in 2025:

1. Portugal – Affordable Western Europe, beaches, cities, and Golden Visa perks.

2. Spain – High rental demand, affordable prices in Barcelona, Madrid.

3. Turks & Caicos – Island life with strong tourism demand.

4. Costa Rica – Lush landscapes, surf, and expat-friendly infrastructure.

5. Mexico – Close to the U.S., great rental potential in Tulum, Puerto Vallarta, Cancun.

6. United Arab Emirates (Dubai) – No personal income tax, premium rental opportunities.

7. Colombia – Emerging market with growth potential in cities like Medellín and Cartagena.
   

Tips for Buying Abroad:

• Research local laws & taxes.

• Consider rental potential if not using the property year-round.

• Evaluate long-term value and risk.

• Visit the property to experience the lifestyle firsthand.
  

International real estate can be both a smart investment and a lifestyle upgrade. The key is preparation and research.

Source: Coldwell Banker & House Beautiful, 2025

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