Sell Your U.S. Property Now or Wait?

By Jay Corless, edited by Adrian Leeds

As a group that has spent over two decades guiding North Americans through the exciting (and sometimes overwhelming) journey of moving to France, we hear the same question repeatedly: “Should I sell my U.S. property now or wait until I’m sure to stay in France?”

First off, my crystal ball is pretty clear. Our experience guiding thousands of Americans tells us that they aren’t returning to the U.S. I’m a perfect example. I came on a one-year “test” and never left. That was more than 30 years ago, so I know first-hand how and why there’s little reason to want to leave this amazing country.

In today’s world it’s a particularly pressing dilemma, with a second Trump presidency in full swing and economic indicators giving mixed signals. In addition, many people have the very real desire to shift their lifestyle—or at least their assets—into a more stable, culturally rich, and inspiring environment like France. It’s no wonder this decision keeps people up at night.

Whether you’re seriously considering relocating, investing abroad, or simply diversifying your portfolio, the timing of your property sale matters. It’s not just about the real estate market—it’s also about the broader political and financial landscape, your personal needs, and your long-term vision. In this article, we’ll walk you through the reasons for considering selling now, the arguments for holding on a bit longer, and the tax, currency, and political factors that should inform your decision.

Let’s take a clear-eyed look at your options, so you can make a move that genuinely supports your future.

REASONS TO CONSIDER SELLING NOW

There’s an old real estate saying: “The best time to sell is when someone wants to buy.” The U.S. housing market is still active despite rising mortgage rates and economic uncertainty.

According to Fannie Mae, home prices are projected to grow 3.5% in 2025, albeit more slowly than in past years. But slowing growth is still growth—so if you’re sitting on equity, now could be a prime opportunity to cash out before prices plateau or decline.

Another reason to consider selling now is that the traditional selling season is upon us. Spring and early summer are historically the hottest times to list, with more buyer interest, faster closings, and better offers.

Let’s not ignore the emotional and mental freedom that comes with shedding your U.S. real estate obligations. If your goal is to transition your life—or at least part of your investment portfolio—to France, selling now could help make that dream a reality sooner rather than later.

REASONS TO CONSIDER WAITING

However, patience could have its rewards. If you believe the current political and economic environment is temporary and a change in administration will bring more stability, or even better market conditions, you might ride it out.

There’s also the matter of mortgage rates. Though they’ve dipped slightly, they’re still relatively high by historical standards. If rates decrease further, more buyers will enter the market, potentially driving prices up and making it easier to sell at a premium.

Plus, if your property is generating solid rental income, it might make sense to hold onto it for a bit longer, especially if it’s in a stable or growing market.

TAX AND FINANCIAL CONSIDERATIONS

Before making any decisions, talk to a cross-border tax advisor. (We recommend Jonathan Hadida, Hadida Tax Advisors). Selling your U.S. home while living in France can create a tangled web of tax implications—from capital gains taxes to foreign income reporting.

If your property was your primary residence, you may qualify for the U.S. capital gains exclusion (up to $250,000 for single filers or $500,000 for married couples). But if it’s an investment or rental property, be prepared to face steeper tax consequences, including depreciation recapture.

Also, keep in mind the current state of currency exchange. The U.S. dollar is relatively weak against the euro, which can significantly impact your decision to transfer funds abroad. Selling your U.S. property and converting those dollars into euros means you’ll get less for your money than you might have a year or two ago. If you plan to buy property in France, this could reduce your purchasing power. That said, exchange rates fluctuate, and waiting could work in your favor. It’s one more factor to watch closely as you plan your move.

GLOBAL AND POLITICAL CLIMATE

Let’s face it—the Trump administration’s policies are stirring up uncertainty. Tariffs on construction materials and proposed mass deportations could disrupt the housing supply chain and drive up costs, eventually trickling down to buyers. That might cool the market in some areas, especially in states where building and labor are already expensive.

Then there’s the climate factor—literally. Increasing insurance premiums, especially in high-risk zones like Florida and California, are already pricing out potential buyers. If your property is vulnerable, you may want to act before insurance burdens and climate concerns weigh down property values even further.

And let’s not forget the high cost of property taxes in the U.S.—about 10 times that of France’s! That can add up to a big savings if you sell sooner rather than later.

Meanwhile, France continues to attract global interest, especially from North Americans who are looking for a more stable, culturally rich, and lifestyle-driven environment. If your heart is already in France, the global trends might be nudging you toward the next chapter.

THE BOTTOM LINE

Ultimately, the right decision comes from your personal goals and financial outlook. Ask yourself:

• Do you need the money now, or are you repositioning your assets abroad?
• Is your local market near a peak or expected to be appreciated further?
• Do you want to be tied to U.S. property under a Trump presidency?

If you plan to relocate or reinvest outside the U.S.—particularly in France—and your local real estate market is strong or stable, selling now could be a smart, strategic move. It gives you liquidity, flexibility, and the freedom to move forward with your plans abroad.

On the other hand, if you’re in a high-growth area and holding long-term, it may be worth staying put for a while. Keep a close eye on how federal policies, taxes, and economic shifts under the Trump administration may impact your property’s value moving forward.

Whatever you decide, be thoughtful and informed, and don’t hesitate to contact us if France calls your name. We’re here to help you take the leap with your eyes wide open!

Visit our Services page to contact us and get on our schedule of consultations.

A bientôt,