Some may believe that investing in overseas real estate and investment immigration are two separate investment fields. In terms of the classification of investors and the purpose of investment needs, they are indeed distinct investment paths; however, upon closer examination, it is not difficult to see that they are inextricably linked. Today, U.S. investment immigration has become the most preferred immigration choice for China's high-net-worth individuals. From the mere dozen Chinese citizens who obtained U.S. green cards in 2004 to the approximately 6900 who received them in 2013, the number of U.S. immigrants has grown exponentially in just a decade. Moreover, today's investors are not only considering immigration for the convenience of obtaining status; many have already begun purchasing U.S. real estate during the immigration process to plan for their future lives and investments. In other words, the U.S. real estate market is benefiting from the investment immigration wave.
According to a report by the Chinese wealth research institution Hurun, 64% of Chinese millionaires have already immigrated or are preparing to do so, while one-third of China's ultra-high-net-worth individuals (billionaires) have already immigrated. The massive demand for housing brought about by the United States becoming the mainstream destination for the Chinese immigration wave is evident. Forbes magazine cited a report in 2013 stating that in the coming years, wealthy Chinese will spend billions of dollars in the U.S. real estate market.
For most parents, paving the way for their children to receive a high-quality education after obtaining U.S. status through investment is their top priority. Therefore, residential properties for personal use and properties in good school districts have become the most favored real estate resources for Chinese immigrant investors. Additionally, Chinese investors believe that after experiencing the worst crisis since the economic recession, U.S. housing prices have remained at a low level. Relatively low property prices have driven Chinese investment in the U.S. residential and commercial real estate markets, setting historical records.
For many Chinese immigrants, obtaining immigration status is only the first step in their future planning. How to reasonably allocate assets through overseas investment and achieve effective value preservation and appreciation is what will truly add value to their future lives.
