Canadians Selling U.S. Properties Amid Political Tensions and Economic Uncertainty

A growing number of Canadians are putting their U.S. properties on the market, citing political instability and economic pressures as major reasons for pulling back from American real estate. According to cross-border services firm Canada to USA, nearly 100 percent of its clients this year are focused on selling, a stark shift from the usual balance between buyers and sellers.

Miles Zimbaluk, founder and CEO of the company, said the trend is being fueled by several factors, including a weaker Canadian dollar and growing distrust in the U.S. political climate. Approximately 25 to 30 percent of his clients cited political concerns specifically, expressing fears over the rhetoric surrounding Canada’s sovereignty and recent remarks from U.S. President Donald Trump suggesting annexation.

The trend is especially noticeable in markets like Phoenix, where listings from Canadian sellers have jumped by 700 percent in early 2025 compared to the previous year. While experts caution that the increase represents only a small fraction of total Canadian property owners in the U.S., the shift is a clear reflection of heightened anxieties about cross-border relations.

Individual Canadian homeowners expressed mixed views about the situation. Some, like Donna Phillips from Alberta, chose to sell their U.S. homes out of frustration with Trump’s remarks and what they see as an erosion of respect for Canada. Others, like longtime Arizona snowbirds Michael Frederick and Graham Kinmond, are opting to hold onto their properties, viewing Trump’s statements as political noise that will eventually pass.

Despite the political turbulence, experts and property owners alike acknowledge that personal circumstances still play a key role in selling decisions. Yet, the wave of Canadians rethinking their U.S. investments underscores how deeply the current political climate is shaping cross-border ties at a time when relations between Canada and the U.S. are facing historic strains.

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