Interest from US high‑net‑worth individuals in UK residential property continues to grow, with London and the Cotswolds standing out as two markets offering compelling lifestyle and investment benefits.
London remains one of the world’s most desirable and resilient real estate markets. Its position as a global financial centre, combined with exceptional cultural and educational opportunities and deep pool of prime properties, make it a consistent favourite among American buyers. For many, a London home serves as both a practical base and a long‑term store of value.
The Cotswolds, meanwhile, appeals for different reasons. US clients are increasingly drawn to its tranquillity, privacy, and the classic English countryside aesthetic. The region offers spacious country houses, picturesque villages, excellent schooling, and proximity to London (often within 90 minutes), making it an attractive location for second homes or longer‑term family retreats. With exclusive private members’ clubs such as Estelle Manor, The Club by Bamford and Soho Farmhouse, there is a ready-made community waiting in the Cotswolds. The culinary scene is also a draw, with ample traditional English country pubs focussing on their food offering, with the Bull in Charlbury, the Chequers in Churchill and The Wild Rabbit to name a few.
Key considerations for US buyers:
Supply of the best properties can be limited with many of the best opportunities privately marketed, so local expertise from a buying agent is invaluable.
When considering investment in the UK, US buyers should be mindful of several practical considerations and ensure an experienced professional team is engaged from an early stage. These include considerations around ownership structures, financing options, due diligence on listed properties, and the differences between purchasing in a dense urban market like London versus a rural market like the Cotswolds. In the countryside, issues such as land boundaries, and rights of way frequently arise, whereas in London the concerns tend to be more focussed on nearby construction activity.
The sought after nature of these markets can make bidding competitive, with the most desirable properties often having multiple interested parties all prepared to pay a premium to secure the property. In this scenario, having a team of advisors (a buying agent, property and tax lawyers) in place early on can be crucial, as preliminary work can be undertaken to bolster the attractiveness of an offer – a seller is often more likely to take an offer where the buyer has already undertaken much of the due diligence compared to one where the buyer knows little about the property.
Crucially, while tax considerations are beyond the scope of this piece, , it is essential that US buyers obtain coordinated US‑UK tax advice from the outset. The cross‑border tax position for US individuals purchasing UK residential property can be complex, and decisions made before an offer is accepted often determine the efficiency and simplicity of ownership over the long term. Early input helps avoid costly restructuring later.
Given the international nature of these transactions, assembling the right advisory team from the beginning ensures clients can approach the process confidently and with clarity. Both London and the Cotswolds offer exceptional opportunities for US clients seeking lifestyle enhancement, diversification, or multi‑generational homes. With the right guidance and early planning, advisors can help clients secure properties that integrate seamlessly into their wider wealth and estate strategies.
