In a surprising trend this spring, a growing number of Canadian snowbirds are opting to sell their beloved second homes in sunny hotspots like Florida and Arizona, largely due to the chilly relations between Canada and the U.S.

Real estate agents report a spike in Canadian property sales, putting further pressure on already softening prices in these desirable warm-weather states, which have long been havens for retirees escaping the cold Canadian winters.

According to the National Association of Realtors, Canadians poured nearly $6 billion into U.S. real estate from April 2023 to March 2024, representing 13% of all foreign transactions—more than any other nationality. A significant 50% of these purchases were vacation homes, with Florida, Arizona, and Hawaii topping the list.

Recently, Tracy and Dale McMullen, residents of Alberta, sold their vacation retreat in Buckeye, Arizona, after five years of ownership. They typically enjoyed four to five months in Arizona each year but have decided that enough is enough.

"We made the decision to sell after the current President took office," Dale explained. "We felt uneasy about the future—especially with his unpredictability. We simply don’t feel welcome or safe anymore."

Many Canadians are reacting to the Trump administration’s contentious policies, from harsh trade tariffs to comments about Canada potentially becoming a U.S. state. The president's derogatory remarks about former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau have also ruffled feathers and sparked a wave of national pride.

In response, countless Canadians are boycotting U.S. goods and canceling travel plans. Statistics Canada reported a staggering 13.5% drop in Canadian return flights from the U.S. in March compared to the previous year, while car trips fell by nearly 32%.

The real estate market is now experiencing a similar slowdown in demand, as Canadians opt out of their American properties.

Laurie Lavine, a realtor who assisted the McMullens, noted a dramatic increase in listings from Canadian owners looking to sell—18 currently, compared to the usual two to four each quarter.

Factors like trade tensions and a weakened Canadian dollar are fueling this trend. Canadians feel scrutinized, with U.S. border agents enforcing stricter entry regulations.

Effective this month, all foreigners over 14 must register and provide fingerprints if they stay longer than 30 days. Canadians, who previously enjoyed a six-month stay without a visa, are now affected by this new policy.

Florida Faces a Major Hit

The souring attitudes among Canadians are hitting Florida hard, a state that has heavily relied on annual visits from snowbirds, boosting local economies through property taxes and seasonal rentals.

Ermengarde Jabir, a director of economic research at Moody’s Analytics, states, "For decades, South Florida’s residential market has thrived on Canadian snowbirds. Their absence could be detrimental."

As the first quarter of the year typically sees a surge in condominium purchases coinciding with snowbirds' visits, real estate professionals are noticing an alarming trend. Andrea Hartmann, from the Sandy Hartmann Group, lamented, "We haven’t received a single offer from Canadian buyers this year, which is highly unusual."

Given the rising costs of insurance and ongoing concerns over climate change and hurricanes, Florida's housing market is already in turmoil.

Ken O’Brien, a Naples-based realtor who has catered to Canadian buyers for two decades, explained, "With political issues combined with the high cost of living here, many have chosen to sell and leave."

One Ontario native, Donny B., shared his personal frustrations as he prepares to sell two investment properties. "There’s no incentive to come to the States anymore. When I arrived, I felt anxious, wondering if locals would be upset with me simply because I’m Canadian."

California is witnessing a similar trend, with real estate agents in Los Angeles and Palm Springs helping Canadian sellers prepare to part ways with their second homes. Fatima Malik, a global real estate advisor, noted that while some Canadians are hesitant, others are already eyeing warmer destinations like Portugal, Mexico, and parts of France.