Miami, known as the “Capital of the Sun,” is not just a vibrant tourist destination. It is a thriving hub for real estate investment. For Latin American entrepreneurs who have built their capital over the past 25 years and are now looking to diversify their wealth, understanding how to buy a home in Miami is a smart strategy with significant growth potential.
Do you want a second home to enjoy Miami’s beaches or a rental property for income? The U.S. real estate market offers many options. Its cultural familiarity, economic stability, and the prestige of owning property in such a city make Miami a magnet for investors looking to expand their financial horizons.
However, understanding how to buy a home in Miami as a foreign national can seem complex. Full of specific requirements and various financing options! That is where having a step-by-step guide and expert support becomes essential.
At Avanti Lending, our mission is to inspire and empower families who want to build a solid future through real estate. For this reason, we provide the confidence and comprehensive service you need to understand how to buy a home in Miami. Also, we cover everything from understanding mortgage loans in the United States for foreigners to key documents and closing the transaction.
So, get ready to uncover the secrets of this exciting market and bring your investment to life.
How to buy a home in Miami: essential requirements for foreigners
The process for a foreign investor has specific details you need to understand. Here, we outline the key requirements and documents to help you learn how to buy a home in Miami smoothly and without complications.
1. Identification and background check
To initiate the purchasing process, please provide a valid form of identification, such as your passport. Additionally, financial institutions and title companies will require a thorough background check. So, this helps them comply with anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing (AML/CFT) regulations. What kind of information might they request?:
- Proof of residence in your home country
- Bank history and financial references from your local institution
- Recent tax returns
- Documentation showing the legal source of your funds
Being transparent and well-prepared with these documents will significantly streamline the process.
2. How to buy a home in Miami: proof of funds and financing options
One of the most common questions about how to buy a home in Miami as a foreigner is related to financing. While it is possible to pay in full (in cash), many investors prefer to secure a mortgage in the U.S., specifically designed for foreign nationals. Here are the general conditions:
- Proof of funds: You will need to show you have the money for the down payment and closing costs. Foreign national loans typically require a higher down payment, ranging from 25% to 40% of the property’s value (Lamberg & Wangman, 2024).
- Foreign national mortgage loans: Even without a U.S. credit history, banks evaluate other factors like your income, financial stability, and payment capacity. Typically required documents include:
- Copy of passport and visa (if applicable)
- Proof of income (bank statements from the past 12–24 months, tax returns, personal and business)
- Employment verification or documents from your company showing your occupation and income
- Banking references from your home country
- Power of attorney (if someone will represent you in the process)
Latin American investors often wonder how to buy a home in Miami or other strategic locations using financing. In this regard, it is crucial to understand that mortgage loan conditions in the United States for foreign buyers can vary from one institution to another. That is why guidance from an expert like Avanti Lending is essential!
3. How to buy a home in Miami using your ITIN
Although not mandatory for cash purchases, if you plan to finance your home or generate rental income and comply with U.S. tax obligations, it is advisable to obtain an ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number). Issued by the IRS, this number allows you to file taxes and streamline financial transactions in the U.S.
How to buy a home in Miami: financing alternatives
Many foreign investors wonder how to buy a home in the United States. This is quite common, especially in cities like Miami, where the international real estate market is highly active. In fact, over the past year, the volume of foreign investment in real estate in Florida reached US$15.6 million (Villalobos, 2025).
While many buyers choose to purchase properties in cash, others are interested in how to buy a home in Miami using financing alternatives. These options allow foreign investors to access mortgage loans and other financial tools. Here, we will outline the primary options and explain how you can leverage them.
Moreover, some U.S. financial institutions offer products specifically designed for international buyers. The goal of these programs is to attract foreign investment and simplify the process of acquiring real estate.
1. Foreign national loans
These are mortgage loans designed for non-residents and non-citizens. Typically, lenders will not require U.S. credit history but will request solid financial backing from your country of origin. Key features (Lamberg & Wangman, 2024):
- Up to 60–70% financing of the property value (LTV)
- Down payment of 30–40%.
- Slightly higher interest rates than those offered to U.S. residents.
- Documentation proving stable income, liquid assets, and solid financial health.
How can you buy a home in Miami using these loans for foreign buyers? You should reach out directly to U.S. banks that work with foreign investors or consider a mortgage broker specializing in this type of client. Additionally, some private institutions and firms offer these services.
2. How to buy a home in Miami: private lenders or hard money loans
Another option is to turn to private lenders or investment funds. These loans come with fewer requirements, but in exchange, they offer higher interest rates and shorter terms. Here are their main advantages:
- No credit history or extensive income verification is required.
- They are based on the value of the property as the primary collateral.
- For those wondering how to buy a home in Miami quickly, the approval process is more straightforward, making it ideal for urgent purchases.
This option can work well for those who plan to refinance later or quickly resell the property. However, interest rates can range between 8% and 12% annually, with terms between 1 and 5 years (Probasco, 2024). Before taking out a private loan, make sure to calculate the total investment cost so you can accurately estimate your ROI.
3. Developer financing
In Miami, especially in the segment of new properties or pre-construction sales, some developers offer direct financing to foreign buyers as an incentive to close deals. So, how can you buy a home in Miami through a private real estate development? Let us look at the payment requirements you will need to meet:
- The payment structure typically requires that about one-third of the total value be paid as deposits during the construction phase.
- Payments are made in installments based on construction progress.
- The remaining balance can be financed or covered with a bridge loan option.
This alternative is particularly popular in areas such as Brickell, Downtown, or Sunny Isles, where luxury projects are underway and there is high demand from international buyers.
4. Buying through legal structures (LLC, Trusts, etc.)
Many investors prefer to purchase properties through a company (LLC) or a trust structure in order to:
- Protect their assets.
- Optimize taxes.
- Make financing easier.
In fact, some banks are willing to grant loans to LLC whose beneficiaries are foreign nationals. To understand how to buy a home in Miami under this arrangement, it is crucial to seek legal and financial advice. However, please note that the structure must be properly registered, and you are required to submit all necessary documentation.
How to buy a home in Miami: key considerations
To optimize your investment and ensure a seamless process, consider the following additional points when planning to buy a home in Miami.
Legal and tax advisory services
Because U.S. real estate and tax laws can be complex, especially for international buyers, it is strongly recommended to work with specialized legal and tax advisors. A real estate attorney can review contracts and protect your interests. Meanwhile, a tax advisor can guide you on your obligations, such as:
- Property taxes.
- Rental income taxes.
- Capital gains taxes upon selling.
Real estate market in the United States: trends and opportunities
Miami is part of a highly dynamic national and local real estate market. Currently, the city remains attractive due to:
- Strong demand: It draws buyers and renters from all over the world.
- Population growth: A steady increase in residents.
- Economic diversity: Not just tourism, but also finance, technology, and international trade.
- Appreciation opportunities: Although prices have risen, the long-term potential for value growth remains high in many areas.
Additionally, you should consider factors such as interest rates, which impact mortgage loans for foreign buyers in the United States. It is also crucial to assess local supply and demand, as well as urban development projects that may impact the value of your investment.
How to buy a home in Miami: tax obligations and management
If your goal is rental income, technological innovation can be your ally. Explore property management platforms and services that can help you find tenants, manage contracts, collect rent, perform maintenance, and manage your tax obligations related to rental income.
Remember that rental income in the U.S. is subject to taxation. Additionally, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has specific regulations for foreign investors.
Avanti Lending: your partner to learn how to buy a home in Miami
At Avanti Lending, we understand the unique needs of Latin American investors looking to grow their assets in the U.S. real estate market. Our commitment is to simplify the process of buying a home in Miami. We do this by offering you a comprehensive range of services that includes:
- Personalized guidance: We support you from the very first contact, understanding your goals and capabilities.
- Mortgage options in the United States for foreigners: We connect you with a broad network of lenders and help you navigate the complexities of financing, even without a U.S. credit history.
- Clarity regarding requirements: We break down the documents and processes so you understand every step of buying a home in Miami.
- Simplification of tax obligations: We guide you on the relevant tax aspects related to your investment.
- Experience and trust: With years of experience in the U.S. real estate market, we are your dependable partner for a successful investment.
Our approach focuses on providing you with the tools and knowledge necessary to make informed decisions. We want you to feel confident at every stage of the process. Thanks to technological innovation, we can streamline the pre-approval and document analysis process. This makes your path to owning property in Miami smoother and more efficient.
How to buy a home in Miami: your investment awaits!
How to buy a home in Miami is a question that does not have to be a maze for Latin American investors. With the correct information and careful planning, your dream of owning property in this vibrant city can become a reality. Having the support of experts like Avanti Lending will help ensure success!
Remember, the key lies in defining your goals, understanding your financing options, and knowing the required documentation. Having the backing of professionals to guide you every step of the way is equally important. Miami boasts a thriving real estate market with considerable potential, whether you are looking for a luxury second home as a personal retreat or an investment property to diversify your income and grow your wealth.
Do not let complexity hold you back. Now that you know how to buy a home in Miami, take the first step today. At Avanti Lending, we are ready to accompany you on this journey, providing the confidence and comprehensive service you need. We also offer technological innovation to help make your Miami investment a resounding success. Visit our website and begin your journey to owning your dream property in South Florida.
References
- Bentley, A. (2025, January 23rd). How to buy a home in the U.S. as a non-U.S. citizen. Redfin.
- Lamberg, E., & Wangman, R. (2024, June 21st). Can a non-U.S. citizen get a mortgage? Business Insider.
- Probasco, J. (2024, May 17th). Hard money loan: What it is, how it works, example. Investopedia.
- Villalobos, A. (2025, January 3rd). Florida atrajo compradores latinoamericanos que encabezaron las inversiones inmobiliarias en 2024.
- Yale, A. J. & Grace, M. (2024, July 22nd). Can a non-U.S. citizen get a mortgage loan? Eligibility and options. Business Insider.