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The Top 10 Second-Home Locations

By
Real Estate Broker/Owner with Antonelli Realty 3137972

new report by Point2Homes uses Google search data to determine where U.S. residents are looking to purchase their second homes, with Mexico coming out on top. The report analyzed keywords searched between January 2017 and 2018 for home sales abroad and in the U.S., and ranked them according to average monthly search volume.

Here are the top 10:

  1. Mexico
  2. Canada
  3. Puerto Rico
  4. Costa Rica
  5. Belize
  6. U.S. Virgin Islands
  7. Panama
  8. Bahamas
  9. Dominican Republic
  10. Jamaica

Most locations boast more spacious homes than what's available to be purchased at the national median price in the U.S.—$240,500. For example, in Mexico, homebuyers can purchase a two-bedroom detached home with a pool in Playa del Carmen for that price. And in Puerto Rico, those funds would get you a three-bedroom condo in San Juan, according to the report.

But not all U.S. residents are looking to purchase their second home outside the country. Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands made the top 10 list. And following the devastation of Hurricane Maria, Puerto Rico has used the opportunity to renovate or upgrade its properties.

So, what makes these locations desirable to second-homebuyers? Most of these rankings represent the iconic paradise: beach, sun and relaxation. And, of course, relatively low prices rank the highest, as well.

Mary Ellen Holleran
Holleran Real Estate - Chapel Hill, NC

A little surprised at Canada but perhaps for outdoor sports like skiing, hunting, hiking?

Jun 27, 2018 06:26 AM
Michelle Edwards
Realty One Group Trilogy - San Bernardino, CA
Licensed Realtor® in California and Nevada

I would never have guessed Canada would rank so high as a spot for repeat vacation destination. Hmmm.

Jun 27, 2018 09:43 AM