Non-US Persons and US Real Estate Investments

Since 2008, the US real estate market has been depressed.  Consequently, there is no shortage of people promoting the virtues of investing in US real estate. The Canadian real estate market has not had a correction (yet). This makes it appear that US real estate prices are low.

“Buy low, sell high” seems like a great idea.

That said:

An investment in US real estate will get you entangled in the US tax system.

You can’t have U.S. assets without having some involvement with the IRS.

Furthermore, when you die your U.S. assets will be subject to U.S. estate taxes.

The world is a big place.

Consider this before investing in US real estate.