International investors own 202,568 properties across England and Wales, according to Land Registry data analysed by mortgage broker Enness Global.
The figure represents a marginal increase of 0.02% compared to the previous year, indicating stable levels of overseas ownership despite recent changes to non-domicile tax rules and increased property taxation.
Regional distribution
London accounts for 33.9% of all internationally owned properties in England and Wales, representing the largest concentration. The South East holds 17.2% of overseas-owned homes, while the North West ranks third with 15.9%.
Buyer nationalities
Hong Kong nationals represent the largest group of international property owners, accounting for 13.8% of overseas-registered homes. Singapore follows at 7.9%, with the United States at 6.8%, the United Arab Emirates at 5.9%, and China at 5.8%.
The data is based on properties registered with an overseas correspondence address in the Land Registry records.
Islay Robinson, CEO of Enness Global, said: “Despite a challenging economic backdrop and ongoing political and tax uncertainty, the UK remains a desirable place to own property for many global buyers.”
Robinson noted that overseas ownership extends beyond the capital, with the South East and North West “continuing to attract substantial international interest” as a property destination.
The stable ownership levels suggest international demand for UK property has remained resilient through a period of fiscal and regulatory changes affecting overseas buyers.