After a slowdown during the pandemic years, international buyers are officially back—and they’re setting their sights beyond Manhattan.
In 2025, Queens is drawing increased attention from foreign investors looking for value, rental income, and cultural proximity. If you’re buying, selling, or investing in real estate this year, understanding this trend could give you a major edge.

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Why Foreign Buyers Are Returning to NYC

Several key factors are fueling this resurgence:

The U.S. dollar has stabilized, making NYC more attractive to global investors

Loosened travel restrictions post-COVID have opened the market again

Foreign nationals see NYC as a secure, long-term investment

Manhattan prices are pushing buyers to explore outer boroughs

In the first half of 2025, foreign transactions in NYC real estate are up nearly 30% from last year, according to national realty data.

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Why Queens Is Gaining Ground

While Manhattan still gets the headlines, Queens offers:

✔ Lower cost per square foot
✔ Proximity to airports (JFK and LaGuardia)
✔ Cultural familiarity—especially in Jackson Heights, Flushing, and Elmhurst
✔ Strong rental demand, which appeals to overseas landlords

In short, Queens is offering the yield, space, and community that many foreign buyers are after—but without the Midtown price tag.

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What Kind of Properties Are Being Targeted?

Here’s what’s on the radar for international investors:

• Multi-family homes with strong rental income potential
• Turnkey condos and co-ops near transit hubs
• Commercial-residential mixed properties
• New developments offering full-service amenities

Listings that are professionally staged, priced competitively, and easy to manage remotely are moving faster in this segment.

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What Sellers Should Know

If you’re listing your home or investment property in Queens, foreign buyers could be part of your audience—whether you realize it or not.

• Consider virtual tours and translated listing descriptions
• Highlight proximity to international schools, cultural centers, or airports
• Be prepared for all-cash offers, often from LLCs or international trusts

Working with a broker experienced in cross-border transactions helps streamline the process and builds trust with overseas clients.

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Final Thought

NYC real estate is always global—but in 2025, Queens is stepping into the spotlight. As foreign investment grows, the borough’s value, culture, and location make it an ideal match for long-term growth.

Whether you’re buying, selling, or investing, knowing where the international market is moving gives you a serious advantage—and right now, it’s pointing straight to Queens.