More Americans appear to be dreaming of Scotland — not just as visitors but as prospective homeowners, according to a UK property portal.
Rightmove revealed a 19% increase in enquiries from the US about buying property in the UK since the start of 2025 compared to the same period — the highest pace since 2017.
Some 28% of US enquiries have been about Scotland — an area closely associated with President Donald Trump. That’s slightly more than the proportion asking about homes in London (26%).
Rightmove did not reveal the number of queries it had received and noted that only a small percentage of all UK enquiries came from the US.
Colleen Babcock of Rightmove said that Trump’s tariffs had led to “more economic uncertainty globally, and we’re starting to see some of the effects of this on the UK property market — whether it’s because the UK is seen as a more stable investment opportunity, or whether some buyers are considering a permanent move across the Atlantic.”
Trump has long emphasized his Scottish roots. His mother, Mary Anne MacLeod, was born in a village called Tong, near Stornoway on the Isle of Lewis.
In 2006, he Trump strengthened his Scottish connection by purchasing a championship golf resort in Aberdeenshire, later opening the Trump International Gold Links. He then acquired another course in Turnberry.
Edinburgh’s castle, great food, and Arthurs Walk, which were featured in the Netflix drama “One Day” have helped raise the profile of the Scottish capital.
Rising interest in Edinburgh could also reflect its lower property prices than central London, Rightmove said.
Glasgow as well as other Scottish regions including Argyll and Bute, and Fife are among those of interest to potential US buyers along with the Westminster and Kensington and Chelsea areas in London.
Glynn Gibb, regional director at real estate agent John D Wood & Co, said, “We’re seeing a number of politically motivated relocations —Americans seeking greater stability abroad. There’s a noticeable trend of high-net-worth individuals looking to move capital into what they see as a safe and stable market.”
Gibb added: “We expect activity to build in the coming months … as more buyers make lifestyle and financial decisions shaped by the political climate in the US.”
