US tycoons escaping Trump rush to acquire discounted luxury homes in London

Wealthy Americans Seek London Luxury Amid Political Unrest

Affluent individuals from the United States, unsettled by Donald Trump’s leadership, are increasingly purchasing high-end London properties at reduced prices, often from departing non-domiciled owners.

According to Beauchamp Estates’ latest report on billionaire property buyers in London, Americans accounted for 20% of luxury home transactions in the city last year. This trend is expected to persist into 2026, with American interest remaining strong.

Beauchamp Estates founder Gary Hersham shared with The Telegraph that Americans have become the most committed buyers in the market for homes valued above £15 million, many motivated by dissatisfaction with Trump’s presidency.

“It’s influencing how Americans think,” Hersham explained. “A significant number are considering leaving the US for life in England.”

Notable figures among these so-called ‘Trump exiles’ include television personality Ellen DeGeneres, who has expressed plans to relocate to the Cotswolds if Trump is re-elected.

Star Wars creator George Lucas also made headlines last year with his £40 million purchase of a mansion in St John’s Wood, fueling speculation about a politically motivated move.

In 2023, 41 London homes priced over £15 million were sold. Beauchamp Estates notes that about 65% of these sales involved non-doms relocating to lower-tax locations such as Dubai and Monaco.

London’s Appeal Grows as Prices Soften

This wave of departures has led to falling prices, making London’s luxury market more attractive to American buyers. Hersham remarked that the quality of properties in London far surpasses what’s available in the US for similar prices, representing a small fraction of these buyers’ wealth. He added, “Americans genuinely appreciate London and see diversifying their assets here as a wise move.”

The difference between average asking and sale prices widened to 7.6% last year, up from 7.1% in 2024 and 5.6% in 2023.

Hersham further noted, “When comparing what’s available in Los Angeles or New York in terms of style and quality, London offers unmatched value.”

Beauchamp Estates forecasts a 2–3% decline in mansion prices this year. Some wealthy buyers remain cautious about investing in London due to recent tax and regulatory changes.

Chancellor Rachel Reeves introduced a mansion tax on properties exceeding £2 million in her November Budget, and has also proposed ending non-dom status.

Middle Eastern Investors Remain Key Players

While Americans leaving Trump’s America are a notable force in London’s luxury property scene, Beauchamp Estates expects buyers from the Middle East to continue dominating the market this year.

Recent high-profile purchases include Abu Dhabi billionaire Hussain Sajwani’s acquisition of a £28 million townhouse overlooking Hyde Park in the spring of last year.