A rising number of Americans leaving the United States is helping to fuel demand for prime London property according to new analysis from international mortgage broker Enness Global.

The firm estimates that more than 5,200 US citizens expatriated in 2025, with momentum expected to build further this year as affluent and internationally mobile professionals seek greater political and economic stability outside the US. London is emerging as a key beneficiary, particularly at the top end of the housing market.

Enness Global’s research, which tracks annual and long-term emigration trends, shows that an estimated 5,228 Americans left the US last year, an increase of 8.5% on 2024. That followed a sharp surge the previous year, when expatriation rose by almost 48% compared with 2023.

TRUMP EFFECT

The analysis suggests the trend is structural rather than short term. Since Donald Trump’s first election victory in 2016 and subsequent inauguration in January 2017, the number of US citizens choosing to leave the country is estimated to have increased by an average of 25.7% a year.

Political uncertainty is cited as a major driver behind the sustained outflow. Periods of heightened political tension, polarisation and abrupt policy shifts have historically coincided with higher levels of emigration, particularly among high net worth individuals with the means to relocate and diversify assets internationally.

Enness Global expects expatriation levels to remain elevated through 2026.

It points to renewed geopolitical tensions at the start of the year, including controversial foreign policy decisions, which it says are reinforcing concerns among wealthy Americans about long-term stability and global positioning.

For the UK, and London in particular, the trend is translating into renewed interest in property ownership.

Enness Global reports consistent enquiries from US buyers focused on established prime neighbourhoods, attracted by London’s status as a global financial centre, its legal framework and the relative depth and liquidity of its high-end housing market.

POLITICAL CHANGE

Islay Robinson (main picture, inset), CEO of Enness Global, said: “Whether people agree with President Trump and his policies or not, there’s no denying that periods of political change and uncertainty can create volatility and leave sections of the population feeling unsettled.

“As a result, the number of US citizens choosing to expatriate has risen in 2025 following his re-election, and the longer-term trend since his first term in office has been striking.”

CLEAR CONSEQUENCE

And he added: “With President Trump beginning 2026 amid renewed controversy, it’s reasonable to expect this trend to continue, however from a UK perspective, the consequence has been a clear increase in American interest in London property – particularly across prime neighbourhoods.

“With interest rates now trending downwards and prime London property values remaining subdued, the current market presents a compelling window of opportunity and for US buyers with the ability to act, now is very much the time to do so.”