“Hilarious” Numerous Canadian “snowbirds” in the United States are contemplating the possibility of relocating to Canada permanently.

The number of Canadian “snowbirds” who intend to sell their second residences in sunny Florida and Arizona has increased this spring. A significant number of these individuals have been deterred by the sudden chill that has enveloped relations between their homeland and the United States.

Real estate agents report that the number of Canadians who are cashing out is increasing, which is further contributing to the softening of property prices in warm-weather states that have long been a magnet for retirees and vacationers from Canada’s cold and snowy climate.

According to data from the National Association of Realtors, Canadians spent nearly $6 billion on U.S. real estate from April 2023 to March 2024, which accounted for 13% of all foreign transactions. This amount was more than any other nationality. The top markets were Florida, Arizona, and Hawaii, with nearly half of the properties purchased by Canadians being for vacation purposes.

Tracy and Dale McMullen, who had owned the vacation residence in Buckeye, Arizona for five years, sold it last week. The Alberta residents, who typically spend four to five months in Arizona annually, have stated that they have no intention of returning.

Dale referred to U.S. President Donald Trump, who was inaugurated for the second time in January, and stated, “We decided to sell the property after the current POTUS took office.”
“It was time to depart.” We were apprehensive about the potential consequences of his actions on our country and on us as individuals. We no longer experienced a sense of security or welcomed.
The Trump administration’s actions and words have caused a sting in the hearts of Canadians, as it has imposed significant trade tariffs on its northern neighbour, thereby jeopardising Canada’s export-dependent economy. Trump’s repeated recommendation that Canada become a U.S. state and his disparaging allusions to the former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau as “governor” have caused Canadians to feel irritated and have inflicted insults on their national pride.
Consequently, numerous Canadians are cancelling their travel plans to U.S. destinations and boycotting U.S.-made products, including bourbon and produce.

Florida was severely affected.
The property market in Florida, one of the closest warm-weather states to Ontario and Quebec, Canada’s most populous provinces, is adversely affected by the unexpected negative sentiments that many Canadians are experiencing towards the United States.

“South Florida’s residential market has been dependent on the annual influx of Canadian snowbirds for decades, who either own property and pay property tax or rent for the winter months, resulting in a boost to the economy,” stated Ermengarde Jabir, a director of economic research at Moody’s Analytics.

According to Andrea Hartmann, managing partner of the Sandy Hartmann Group, a real estate firm in the Tampa Bay area, the first quarter is typically the peak purchasing season for condominiums in the region, which coincides with the peak period when many snowbirds are in town.
“We have not received a single offer from a Canadian buyer since the beginning of the year, and we typically receive offers from Canadian buyers,” she stated.
The housing market in Florida is currently experiencing significant fluctuations. In recent years, prospective purchasers have encountered a series of devastating hurricanes, concerns regarding climate change, and increasing insurance premiums.

According to Optimal Blue, a mortgage technology and data company, the number of purchasers securing rates ahead of purchases, or mortgage lock volume for second homes, decreased by 25% on a year-over-year basis in the first quarter of 2025 in the Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater region.
Southwest Coast Realty in Naples, which has specialised in assisting Canadians in purchasing properties in Florida for approximately two decades, is owned by Ken O’Brian. “Now, with the political issue, the cost of maintaining a place here in Florida, and the insurance, a lot of them decided to sell and go,” he stated.
Donny B., a native of Ontario who is seeking to sell his two investment properties in Florida, stated, “There is no longer any incentive to travel to the United States.” He, like numerous snowbirds interviewed for this article, declined to disclose his surname, citing concerns regarding potential retaliation.
In light of the current political climate, the exchange rate, and his ambiguity regarding whether Floridians would continue to welcome Canadians, he stated that he had made the decision to sell.
“I was apprehensive when I arrived here on Wednesday.” I am wondering, “Will individuals become enraged with me?”
An exodus has also been observed in other states. According to Fatima Malik, a global real estate advisor at Engel & Volkers Beverly Hills, agents in Los Angeles and Palm Springs, California, are collaborating with Canadian sellers who are discreetly preparing to sell their second homes.
“While some are waiting to see how the situation unfolds, others have already shifted their focus to regions such as Portugal, Mexico, and certain regions of France,” she continued.