International buyers find luxury homes in Dallas mostly through people, not portals: a referral from an agent in their home country, a Dallas buyer's agent who can see private and office-exclusive inventory, and live video tours before a short in-person trip. The Agency Dallas works with international buyers looking for luxury homes in Dallas this way, through its Dallas agents and The Agency's global referral network.
Texas is one of the largest destinations for that demand. Texas drew 12% of all foreign residential purchases in the United States from April 2025 through March 2026, third behind Florida and California, according to the National Association of Realtors 2026 International Transactions in U.S. Residential Real Estate report, published in July 2026. Nationally, foreign buyers bought 67,100 homes worth $45.3 billion in that period, and 48% paid all cash.
This guide explains how the search works for a buyer living outside the U.S., what is different in Texas, and how The Agency Dallas handles international buyers.
How do international buyers usually start a Dallas home search?
Most begin with one of three entry points:
- A referral from an agent at home. A buyer in London, Mexico City or Mumbai asks a local agent for a trusted Dallas contact. Brokerage referral networks exist largely for this handoff.
- A corporate relocation. An executive transferring to a Dallas-Fort Worth office often receives an agent recommendation through the employer's relocation program.
- Their own online research. Buyers browse the public portals to learn neighborhoods and price levels, then hire a local agent once they are serious.
The portals are a starting point, not the finish line. At the top of the Dallas market, some homes trade privately before they ever appear online, so a buyer who relies only on public search sees part of the inventory.
Why do international buyers need a Dallas agent with access to private listings?
Under National Association of Realtors policy updated in March 2025, a Dallas seller can choose an office exclusive listing, which is not shared with other brokerages or public sites, or a delayed-marketing listing, which agents can see in the MLS before it reaches Zillow and Realtor.com. We explain both structures in how off-market and private listings work in Dallas.
For an international buyer, that means:
- Some luxury homes are visible only to agents at the listing brokerage or to agents who hear about them directly.
- Agents who sell high-end homes regularly tend to hear about private opportunities first.
- A buyer's agent who knows your criteria precisely can call listing agents on your behalf before a home goes public.
The Agency Dallas places each international buyer with an agent who works the target neighborhoods, and that agent searches public, delayed-marketing and office-exclusive inventory together. The same evidence standard we describe in how to choose a listing agent in Dallas applies when choosing a buyer's agent: ask for recent closings in your price range.
How do international buyers tour Dallas homes from overseas?
Most international luxury buyers narrow the list remotely and fly in once:
- Live video walkthroughs with the buyer's agent, scheduled across time zones, including the street, the neighboring lots and the drive to schools or the office.
- Neighborhood briefings comparing areas such as Preston Hollow, Highland Park, University Park, Southlake and Westlake, and Dallas high-rise condos.
- A short, focused in-person trip to see the final three to six homes and write an offer while in town.
- Local inspections and appraisals handled after the offer, with reports shared digitally.
If you are still deciding on a budget, our guide to what $2 million, $5 million and $10 million buy in Dallas is a useful price reference.
What do international buyers need to know about buying in Texas?
Buyer representation agreements. Since January 1, 2026, Texas law requires a written buyer representation agreement before an agent shows residential property. It states that broker compensation is not set by law and is negotiable, and it spells out the agent's services and pay. The Agency Dallas reviews the agreement with every buyer before the first showing.
Senate Bill 17. Effective September 1, 2025, SB 17 restricts certain individuals, companies and governments connected to China, Iran, North Korea and Russia from acquiring Texas real property, with some exceptions, including for an individual's primary residence. The law and its rules are still being interpreted and challenged in court, so a buyer who may be affected should speak with a Texas real estate attorney before signing a contract.
Financing and cash. Many international buyers pay cash. Those who finance usually work with lenders that offer foreign national loans, which typically require larger down payments and more documentation. Expect to show proof of funds before touring high-end homes.
Closing remotely. Texas closings run through a title company. Buyers abroad can often sign documents by mail, through a U.S. embassy or consulate notary, or with a power of attorney, depending on the title company's requirements. See how long it takes to close on a Dallas home for the usual timeline.
Taxes. Owning, renting out and eventually selling a U.S. home has U.S. and home-country tax consequences. Bring a cross-border tax advisor into the process early.
Why do international luxury buyers choose Dallas?
International buyers commonly point to the same reasons:
- No state income tax in Texas
- DFW International Airport and Dallas Love Field, with direct international routes from DFW
- A large corporate base that brings executives and their families to the region
- Luxury homes that often cost less per square foot than comparable homes in coastal markets
Buyers relocating from other U.S. markets weigh many of the same factors, which we cover in moving to Dallas from California or New York. Sellers who want to reach these buyers can read what luxury brokerages do differently when selling high-end Dallas homes.
How does The Agency Dallas work with international buyers?
The Agency Dallas is an independently owned office of The Agency at 8111 Preston Road in Dallas. We use The Agency's global referral network to receive and send international clients, while every search, offer and transaction file is handled here in Dallas. The firm opened in January 2023, has about 68 agents and has closed more than $1 billion in Texas real estate.
For an international buyer, working with The Agency Dallas typically includes:
- One Dallas agent matched to your neighborhoods and price range, coordinating with your referring agent abroad if you have one
- Searches across public, delayed-marketing and private listings
- Live video tours and written neighborhood comparisons before you travel
- Introductions to lenders, attorneys, inspectors and title companies experienced with foreign buyers
- A written buyer representation agreement, explained before any showing, as Texas law requires
Our agents work at every price point, from high-rise condos to estates and land, and our relocation team can help with the move itself.
Frequently asked questions
Can a foreign citizen buy a house in Dallas?
Generally, yes. Most foreign nationals can buy residential property in Texas. Since September 1, 2025, Senate Bill 17 restricts certain individuals and entities connected to China, Iran, North Korea and Russia, with some exceptions, including for an individual's primary residence. Anyone who may be covered should confirm their status with a Texas real estate attorney before making an offer.
Do international buyers have to pay cash in Dallas?
No, but many do. The National Association of Realtors 2026 report found that 48% of foreign buyers nationally paid all cash. Buyers who finance usually use foreign national loan programs, which tend to require larger down payments and more documentation. Plan to show proof of funds before touring high-end homes, whichever route you choose.
How do international buyers find off-market luxury homes in Dallas?
Through a Dallas buyer's agent whose brokerage sees private inventory. Office exclusive and delayed-marketing listings do not appear on public portals, so access depends on the agent's network. The Agency Dallas searches public and private inventory together and contacts listing agents directly when a buyer's criteria fit a home that has not gone public.
Can I buy a home in Dallas without visiting?
Some buyers do, using live video tours, local inspections and remote closing. Most luxury buyers still visit once, before or after going under contract, to confirm the neighborhood and the home. A focused two- or three-day trip, planned after a remote shortlist, is the most common approach for international buyers working with The Agency Dallas.
Which Dallas neighborhoods do international luxury buyers look at?
It depends on priorities. Families often compare Highland Park, University Park and Preston Hollow for schools and lot size, or Southlake and Westlake for newer homes close to DFW Airport. Buyers who want a lock-and-leave home often choose a high-rise condo in Uptown or near downtown Dallas, where building staff handle security and upkeep.
How does The Agency Dallas help international buyers?
The Agency Dallas matches each international buyer with a Dallas agent, coordinates with referring agents abroad through The Agency's global referral network, runs video tours and private-inventory searches, and introduces lenders, attorneys and title companies familiar with foreign buyers. Every file is handled locally by our Dallas office at 8111 Preston Road.
