🇨🇦 Canada· Miami Real Estate · EN / ES
Buying Miami Real Estate as a Canadian Buyer
Canadians are one of the largest groups of foreign buyers and snowbirds in South Florida. You do not need US residency or US credit to buy. I guide Canadian buyers from financing through closing, including the snowbird tax and 183-day rules.
How Canadian Buyers Purchase in Miami
Get an ITIN
As a foreign buyer you use an ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) in place of a Social Security number. It typically takes about 4 to 6 weeks. You can buy in cash without one, but you will need it for financing and US taxes.
Choose cash or foreign-national financing
Pay cash for the fastest close, or finance roughly 60 to 70 percent of the price through a foreign-national loan. These loans require no US credit history. You qualify with your passport, ITIN, bank statements, and a reference letter from your home-country bank.
Make an offer and open escrow
Once we find the right property, we submit an offer and place a deposit in a US escrow account. Funds are wired from your home country through compliant channels, so plan a few days and keep documentation of the source of funds.
Plan for taxes and structure
Budget for annual property tax (Florida has no state income tax) and understand FIRPTA, which withholds about 15 percent of the sale price when a foreign owner later sells, refundable against actual tax. Many buyers hold title in an LLC for privacy and estate planning. I connect you with a CPA and attorney.
Close, remotely if needed
Close in person or remotely with a power of attorney and a notary. I coordinate the title company, inspections, and wire instructions so the process is smooth from anywhere.
Best Miami Areas for Canadian Buyers
Canadian snowbirds love the Aventura, Sunny Isles, Hollywood, and Hallandale Beach corridor for beach access, amenities, and a strong seasonal community, with Brickell for those who want year-round city living. I will match you to the area that fits your season, budget, and whether you plan to vacation, retire, or rent it out when you are home.
Canadian Buyer FAQ
Can a Canadian citizen buy property in Miami?
Yes. Canadians can freely own US real estate with no residency or visa required. You buy with your passport; an ITIN is used for financing and US tax filing.
Can I get a mortgage in Miami as a Canadian buyer?
Yes. Cross-border and foreign-national loans finance roughly 60 to 70 percent of the price. Some Canadian banks also offer US mortgage programs. You typically qualify without US credit, using your Canadian financials. I can connect you with cross-border lenders.
How many days can I stay in Florida as a Canadian snowbird?
As a visitor you can generally stay up to about 182 days per year. Spending too much time in the US can trigger US tax residency under the substantial presence test, so many snowbirds track days carefully and file Form 8840. A cross-border accountant keeps you compliant.
What taxes do Canadian owners pay in Miami?
You pay annual Florida property tax (no state income tax). Rental income is taxed if you rent. On sale, FIRPTA withholds about 15 percent, refundable against actual tax, and the US-Canada treaty helps avoid double taxation. A cross-border CPA is worth it.
Can I rent out my Miami condo when I'm back in Canada?
Often yes, but it depends on the building's rules. Some condos allow seasonal or annual rentals while others restrict short-term use. I will confirm each building's policy so your unit can earn income while you are home.
Ready to Buy in Miami from Canada?
Send me your budget and timeline and I'll guide you from ITIN to closing, in English or Spanish. No US credit or residency required.