More than half of Canadians with U.S. properties plan to sell amid political tensions: survey

More than half of Canadians who own property in the United States are preparing to sell within the next year, according to new data from Royal LePage.

The survey found tariffs and political tensions are driving those sales, and some of that money could be coming back into Canada’s real estate market, including right here in Calgary.

Calgarian Jill Stewart has owned a home in Palm Springs, California for more than 10 years.

Now, she wants to sell.

“I’m getting alerts saying that they’re finding ICE agents on the corner of, let’s say, 111th and 48th,” Stewart said. “So, there are alerts going out on a daily basis, talking to people who are likely undocumented Mexican immigrants.”

Calgary realtors tell CityNews the trend is already showing in the market.

Many Canadians are considering selling homes in sunbelt states like California, Arizona, and Florida.

They may reinvest back in Canada.

“The most glaring reason is the political policies that are existing in the U.S. right now, but there’s a number of other reasons led by economics as well,” explained Corinne Lyall, owner and broker at Royal LePage.

Both realtors and homeowners say Calgary could be one of the cities to benefit as Canadians shift their investments back home.

“Yeah, I think the idea would be to find a recreational property in Canada instead, or another revenue property in Calgary,” said Stewart. “If I do take my money out of the U.S., it will be invested back in Canada.”

Industry experts say this shift is part of a growing ‘buy Canadian’ movement, sparked by ongoing U.S. tariff pressures and political instability, which means the U.S. market’s loss could translate into new growth and reinvestment in local markets, including opportunities in Calgary.