A growing number of Canadian “snowbirds” are planning to sell their U.S. properties and return home permanently, citing political tension and deteriorating U.S.-Canada relations as major reasons. The shift is particularly evident in Florida and Arizona, traditional hotspots for Canadian retirees, where real estate agents are reporting a surge in listings from Canadian owners.
Long-time snowbirds like Tracy and Dale McMullen from Alberta have sold their Arizona home, citing discomfort with U.S. President Donald Trump’s second term, aggressive trade policies, and derogatory remarks about Canada. New U.S. entry regulations—including fingerprinting for stays over 30 days—have further soured Canadian sentiment.
According to the National Association of Realtors, Canadians made up the largest share of foreign homebuyers in the U.S. last year, with nearly half of their purchases intended for vacation use. However, in 2025, Canadian return trips to the U.S. have dropped significantly, and interest in buying property is at a historic low.
Florida’s real estate market, particularly in South Florida and Tampa Bay, has been hit hard. Agents report an absence of Canadian buyers during what is typically the peak buying season. The exodus is also expanding to states like California, where Canadians are quietly exiting the market.
In addition to politics, a weak Canadian dollar, high insurance premiums, and climate change concerns are fueling the retreat. Some Canadians are now looking beyond the U.S. altogether, with growing interest in European destinations like Portugal.