Buying property in Arizona as a foreigner: Complete UK guide (2026)

Moving to the US, and have your eye on Arizona? The Grand Canyon State is a popular choice with expats and holiday home buyers, thanks to attractions such as year-round sunshine, vibrant cities, dramatic natural scenery and world-famous landmarks.

If you’re looking to buy property in Arizona - whether to live in or rent out - we’re here to help.

Read on for the ultimate guide to buying property in Arizona as a UK national. This includes essential info on how the purchase process works, current Arizona property prices, fees and taxes, and the pitfalls you’ll want to avoid.

We’ll also introduce a reliable and cost-effective way to send large sums internationally from the money services provider Wise. Over 14.8 million people worldwide use Wise to move £36 billion every quarter.

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Table of contents

Can UK foreigners buy property in Arizona? Can I get a mortgage in Arizona as a non-resident? What’s the real estate market like in Arizona? How much are the property prices in Arizona? Where is the cheapest place to buy property in Arizona? How to search for a property in Arizona How to buy property in Arizona as a foreigner - a step-by-step guide Fees and costs of buying property in Arizona Risks and pitfalls of buying property in Arizona Moving into your Arizona property Save on currency conversion fees with Wise when buying property in Arizona Key takeaways

Can UK foreigners buy property in Arizona?

Yes, foreign nationals can buy property and land in Arizona, and you don’t need to be a resident either.

However, you will need to navigate a number of legal, tax and financial requirements. These can sometimes be complex for non-residents, especially when it comes to getting a US mortgage.

Can I get a mortgage in Arizona as a non-resident?

Many US banks and other lenders do offer mortgages (known as home loans in the US) to foreigners. However, the requirements and rates differ compared to how it works for local applicants.

For example, you might have to pay a larger down payment (around 30% to 50%) as a non-resident¹, compared to the 20% required for residents. You may need to provide more documentation, and interest rates can be slightly higher too.

The requirements for application will vary between banks, but generally you’ll need the following:

• Valid photo ID
• Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) for non-residents, or Social Security Number (SSN)
• Proof of income and employment
• Recent bank statements
• A credit report from the UK (if asked)
• Proof of funds for the down payment and associated costs.

It’s a good idea to get pre-approval for your mortgage before starting your property search, as this can strengthen your negotiating position as a buyer.

What’s the real estate market like in Arizona?

The property market in Arizona is in a period of stabilisation at the moment, with steady activity in most areas.

Prices fell slightly (3.22%) in the year to December 2025, but supply has tightened in some areas recently, while demand remains steady.² This could potentially cause modest price pressure for buyers in the coming months.

How much are the property prices in Arizona?

So, how much is property in Arizona? This is an essential thing to know as you set your budget and start your search.

The average (median) price for a home in Arizona is $459,700 USD, as of December 2025.²

However, it varies considerably depending on what you buy and in which part of the state.

If you're wondering where to buy a home in Arizona, here are the average property prices across major cities (as of December 2025):²

City	Average (median) property price in USD
Phoenix	$464,995
Tucson	$369,900
Scottsdale	$1,007,500
Mesa	$450,000
Glendale	$442,900
Peoria	$542,495

And, if you’re arranging your property purchase from the UK, you’ll need a safe, reliable and preferably low-cost way to send over fees, deposits and other payments.

The Wise account could be a great solution, with transparent, low fees, and multiple layers of security, so you can safely transfer large amounts both in the UK and overseas.

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Where is the cheapest place to buy property in Arizona?

If you’re property hunting on a budget, some of the cheapest cities in Arizona for property prices are:

• Kingman
• San Luis
• Safford
• Somerton
• Bullhead City.

How to search for a property in Arizona

If you’re new to the Arizona property market, it could be worth using a specialist real estate agent to help you find the right property. This service is likely to come with a fee, however.

And when choosing a realtor, make sure to check that they’re licensed with the Arizona Department of Real Estate (ADRE).

You can also start the search online yourself, using one of these US property websites and portals:

• Zillow
• Realtor.com
• Trulia
• Redfin
• RE/MAX
• Rightmove Overseas

How to buy property in Arizona as a foreigner - a step-by-step guide

Now, let’s run through the steps involved in buying property in Arizona as a foreigner:

1. Get your finances in order

The first crucial step is to arrange your finances. You need to set your budget for the purchase, making sure to factor in all fees, taxes and other costs (more on this later).

You might also need to apply for pre-approval for a US home loan, or arrange alternative financing.

2. Apply for an ITIN

If you don’t already have one, you’ll need to apply to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) for an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). This is a tax number for non-US citizens who don’t have a Social Security Number (SSN).

It isn’t absolutely essential for property purchases, but it is a key requirement for applying for US mortgages or opening a US bank account. Both of these may be crucial for your purchase.

3. Find a property and arrange viewings

Now it’s time to find the perfect property. You can use online property portals or use local realtors to find properties that match your criteria, and arrange viewings (known as showings in the US).

4. Make an offer

Once you’ve found your dream home, you’ll need to make a competitive offer or bid in writing. You’ll submit it either to the real estate agent or directly to the seller. At this stage, negotiations on price may take place.

5. Hire a solicitor to carry out due diligence checks

If your offer is accepted, the next step is to appoint a real estate attorney. It isn’t mandatory in Arizona (like in some US states), but it is strongly recommended.

Your solicitor will handle all due diligence checks, which includes:

• Doing a title search to check the legal ownership of the property
• Checking for disputes, claims or other issues which could impact the sale
• Checking zoning and land use compliance.

6. Get a building survey

Arizona state laws require sellers to disclose important known issues with the property, but you may also want to commission your own independent property inspection. This can check for structural damage or any other issues/risks with the building.

7. Sign the purchase agreement and pay the deposit

This is the formal and legally binding contract signed by both parties which outlines the terms and conditions of the sale.

You’ll also pay what is known as an ‘earnest money deposit’ as a sign of good faith and commitment to the purchase. This is usually only around 1-2%.³

One key detail your real estate attorney will need to help with is negotiating the due diligence/inspection period, a common feature of Arizona real estate sales.

This is a period of around 10 days after signing contracts in which you can inspect/investigate the property - with the right to cancel if and get your earnest money back.

8. Finalise your mortgage

This is the time to contact your mortgage provider to finalise the loan. The provider may need to carry out an appraisal of the property.

9. Complete closing/settlement

This is when the purchase is finalised. Your real estate attorney will be crucial to helping with this, as there’s plenty of paperwork and legal steps to be completed. This includes:

• Setting a closing date
• Signing the title deed
• Signing your home loan documents
• Recording the title deed with the local county recorder’s office, to legally transfer ownership of the property
• Setting up a transfer for the remaining balance, including fees and taxes.

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How long does it take to buy a property in Arizona?

Buying property in Arizona tends to take between 30 to 90 days, although it can vary depending on your circumstances.⁴

Fees and costs of buying property in Arizona

There are quite a lot of closing costs involved in US property transactions, and the buyer has to cover many of them.

In Arizona, you can expect to pay between 2% and 5% of the total purchase price in closing costs. However, many buyers end up paying less than this, at an average of 1.16%.⁵

Here’s a breakdown of the main costs you need to know about:⁵

Fee/tax	Amount (USD)
Legal fees	Varies
Title insurance	$7.30 per $1,000 USD
Title search	$75 to $200 USD
Recording fees	$297
Mortgage fees
Application fee	Up to $500 USD
Origination/arrangement fees	0.5% to 1.5%
Valuation/appraisal fee	$400 to $700 USD

You may also have to pay:

• Homeowners Association (HOA) transfer fee (if applicable)
• Building inspection/survey fees
• Estate agent/broker fees (if using).

The great news for buyers is that Arizona doesn’t have a real estate transfer tax, unlike some US states.

As a property owner, you’ll also need to pay annual property tax - this varies by county but the average rate is pretty low at 0.44%.⁶

Risks and pitfalls of buying property in Arizona

One of the main things to watch out for when buying property abroad are scams.

The best way to protect yourself is to work with registered, licensed and credible professionals, such as realtors and real estate attorneys.

But there are some other pitfalls and risks to look out for when property hunting in Arizona, including the following:

• Arizona permits dual agency, which is where realtors act for both the buyer and the seller. They have to ask your permission first, but it’s still wise to double check.
• Many Arizona properties are in communities with Homeowner Associations (HOAs), where there are specific rules and fees which may affect your purchase
• It’s unwise to skip detailed property inspections, especially for older homes which may have problems with pests, mould or structural issues. You should also read the seller disclosure form very carefully.
• Due to the risks of fire and flood in the state, your homeowners insurance premiums could be quite high - it’s worth getting hypothetical quotes for the specific area you’re interested in before buying.

Moving into your Arizona property

Before you can move into your newly purchased property, there are a final few tasks to check off your list:

• Taking out building insurance
• Setting up utilities
• Carrying out any renovations or energy efficiency improvements.

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Key takeaways

• UK citizens can legally buy property and land in Arizona without being US residents, though they will need an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) for mortgages and tax purposes.
• The market is currently stable with a median home price of $459,700 USD; while Scottsdale averages over $1 million, cities like Tucson remain more affordable at around $370,000.
• Arizona is particularly attractive because it has no real estate transfer tax, and its annual property tax rate is among the lowest in the US at an average of 0.44%.
• Contracts typically include a 10-day due diligence period after signing, allowing buyers to cancel and recover their earnest money if serious issues are discovered.
• Financing is available but non-residents often face stricter terms, including higher interest rates and a significantly larger down payment of 30% to 50%.

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Sources used:

1. Properstar - Buying property in the United States as a foreigner: 2025 guide
2. Realtor.com - 2026 Arizona housing market trends & insights
3. OneAZ Credit Union - Buying a House in Arizona: What to Know and How to Buy
4. Arizona One - How Long Does It Usually Take to Buy a Home?
5. Consumer Affairs - Arizona Closing Costs
6. Tax Foundation - Taxes In Arizona

Sources last checked 25-Feb-2026