The short answer

Yes. New York has no citizenship or residency requirement for buying real estate. Most international buyers choose condos, because co-op boards usually want U.S. income, credit and assets. If you finance, expect a larger down payment. When you eventually sell, the buyer generally withholds 15% of the price under FIRPTA, with lower rates for some homes bought as residences. Non-resident owners can also face U.S. estate tax on U.S. assets above $60,000 unless a treaty or ownership structure changes it.

Key numbers

Citizenship or green card needed
No
Most practical property type
Condo
FIRPTA withholding on a sale
Generally 15% of the price; 10% or 0% in some resident-buyer cases
Estate tax return for non-resident owners
Required when U.S. assets exceed $60,000
Attending the closing
Not required; your attorney can close with a power of attorney

What you can buy

  • Condos are the usual choice. You own the unit outright, there's no board interview, and most condos allow renting.
  • Co-ops are hard to buy from abroad. Boards generally want U.S. income, U.S. credit history and assets they can verify, and many won't approve ownership through a company.
  • Houses have no board, so they are open to international buyers, and upkeep is your responsibility.

Paying for it

Many international buyers pay cash. Some lenders offer mortgages to foreign nationals without U.S. credit history, usually with larger down payments and higher rates than standard loans. Banks, your attorney and the title company will verify your identity and the source of your funds, so keep clear records of where the money comes from and start international transfers well before closing.

Taxes while you own

  • Property taxes are billed by New York City or, on Long Island, by the county, town and school district.
  • Rental income must be reported on U.S. tax returns if you rent the home out. You'll need a U.S. taxpayer identification number, either a Social Security number or an ITIN.

Taxes when you sell

  • FIRPTA withholding. When a foreign person sells U.S. real estate, the buyer generally must withhold 15% of the sale price and send it to the IRS. If the buyer will live in the home, withholding is 0% at $300,000 or less and 10% between $300,000 and $1 million. The withholding is a prepayment toward the tax you owe, and you file a U.S. return to settle the difference.
  • New York State. Sellers who aren't New York residents generally make an estimated income tax payment on their gain at closing, using Form IT-2663.

Estate planning

Non-resident, non-citizen owners can owe U.S. estate tax on U.S. real estate. The executor must file a U.S. estate tax return when U.S. assets exceed $60,000, far below the exemption available to U.S. citizens. Some tax treaties change this, and the way you hold title, individually, through a company or in a trust, affects it too. Decide on ownership with an international tax advisor before you sign the contract.

Buying from a distance

  • Your attorney can close on your behalf with a power of attorney, so you don't have to fly in for the closing.
  • Open a U.S. bank account early if you can, which makes deposits and closing funds simpler.
  • Prepare translations and notarized copies of documents your lender or building asks for.

Working with Vivikin

Vivikin works with buyers in Mandarin and English, focuses the search on homes that suit owners who live abroad, and coordinates with your attorney, lender and tax advisor so each step is clear before you commit.

Questions people ask

Do I need a Social Security number to buy a home in New York?

No. You can buy without one. You'll need a U.S. taxpayer identification number later if you rent the property out or sell it.

Can a foreigner get a mortgage in New York?

Yes, from lenders that offer foreign national loans. Expect a larger down payment, a higher rate and more paperwork than a standard loan.

Can I buy a co-op if I live outside the U.S.?

It's rare. Co-op boards usually require U.S. income and assets, and many prefer buyers who will live in the apartment.

What is FIRPTA withholding?

A prepayment of tax that the buyer withholds from a foreign seller's proceeds under the Foreign Investment in Real Property Tax Act, generally 15% of the price. The seller recovers any excess by filing a U.S. tax return.

Sources

  1. IRS, FIRPTA withholding
  2. National Association of REALTORS®, FIRPTA changes you need to know
  3. IRS, Some nonresidents with U.S. assets must file estate tax returns
  4. NY Department of Taxation and Finance, nonresident income tax forms (IT-2663)
  5. Hauseit, NYC co-op financial requirements

This guide is general information about New York real estate as of October 30, 2026. It isn't legal, tax or financial advice. Rates, programs and rules change, so confirm the details of your purchase or sale with your attorney, lender or tax advisor.