A cold wave hits Florida’s warm real estate scene. It stems from the north.
Canadian home owners, top foreign buyers in U.S. homes for years, now sell their Florida spots. Trade clashes, tariff worries, and a weak Canadian dollar raise costs sharply.
Douglas Elliman’s Florida luxury sales director Senada Adzem spoke to Fox News Digital. “Our Canadian clients call in droves to list homes right as peak season starts,” she said. “They see now as the best sell time.”
Canadians claim 13% of foreign U.S. home buys. Realtor.com shows fewer Canadian searches for Florida lately. Adzem fields many calls from them. She lists three main exit reasons.
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“First, costs to own Florida property rise,” she said. “Second, trade strains and wild U.S.-Canadian dollar swings affect choices. Third, on a personal level, many sense they’re not welcome here.”
Flags wave on buildings in Canada and Florida. Canadians in Florida push quick sales amid trade fears and market doubts. (Getty Images)
“I tell them that’s not true,” she added. “But perceptions often match reality.”
Lately, President Donald Trump halted trade talks with Canada. It mocked his policies using old words from Ronald Reagan. Canada pushed its own trade walls.
Trump added a 10% tariff on Canadian goods. This joins a 35% levy, 25% car tax, 40% shipping fine, and fresh U.S. rules for Canadian visitors.
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Adzem said Canadian clients sense broad strain in talks and money rules between nations. It sparks worry.
U.S. dollar beats Canadian one hard. One Canadian dollar buys just 72 U.S. cents now.
“They point to steel tariffs and fees on goods Americans use,” Adzem noted. “They fear wider strains hurt Canada’s economy. That brings doubt on spending and investing.” She tied trade talks to shaky moods and unknowns.
“Money rules all,” she said. “Canadian dollars face big swings against U.S. ones. It costs snowbirds more to keep Florida winter homes.”
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With trade woes in view, Adzem’s rich clients shift money wisely. They eye Florida sales.
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“They seek advice from real estate pros and money experts,” she said. “They weigh personal and cash effects. It shapes how they pick lifestyle over costs.”
From Ontario or Quebec, Canadians share one trait. They act ahead for family, not wait and watch events unfold, Adzem said.
This seller surge may shift South Florida’s market. More homes mean more stock.
“Prices hold steady overall,” Adzem said. “Extra supply helps us. We craved inventory in summer but got little. It meets wants from California and New York buyers.”
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Adzem brushes off flood fears. She sees space for more before limits hit.
“That’s the big puzzle,” she said. “Demand stays strong. Florida’s governor boosts roads and builds to draw new folks.”
“I see it as a shift,” she closed. “Real estate runs on feelings. Once calm returns, buyers will jump back in.”