Wondering if You Should Move Out of the US? Here's What Financial Experts Say About Your Home

The question of whether you should move out of the US as an expat often hinges on one critical asset: your home. According to a recent HireAHelper survey, roughly 1 in 10 Americans have contemplated relocating abroad, though fewer than 0.5% actually make the leap. If you’re among those seriously considering this move, one of the most pressing decisions you’ll face is whether to keep your American property or sell it before you go. The answer isn’t straightforward—it depends entirely on your financial situation, risk tolerance, and long-term plans.

When Keeping Your U.S. Property Actually Makes Financial Sense

If the numbers work in your favor, retaining your home can be a powerful wealth-building strategy. The most compelling reason to keep your property is straightforward mathematics: if rental income consistently covers your mortgage and related homeownership expenses, you’ve essentially found a financial tool that generates passive income while you’re overseas.

“If renting out the property can easily cover the mortgage, that could be a great financial tool, especially if you plan on returning at some point,” explains Cody Horvat, a licensed real estate broker at The Scott Group (a Compass division). “You continue growing equity in the home while it appreciates in value, and you make extra income simultaneously.”

Even when rent doesn’t completely cover all costs, offsetting most expenses might still pencil out over time. This is particularly appealing if you envision moving back eventually—maintaining the property allows you to preserve that equity rather than starting fresh with a new purchase down the road. Additionally, if you’re thinking about leaving an inheritance or believe in long-term U.S. real estate appreciation, holding onto your property aligns with that goal.

“America has arguably been the best country to build your wealth as a homeowner,” Horvat notes. “Even with challenges ahead, this country consistently finds ways to recover. I’d recommend holding onto U.S. real estate when possible.”

However, don’t overlook the fine print. Beyond the mortgage, factor in maintenance buffers. Rental properties experience wear and tear that empty homes don’t. “Renters will cause normal degradation, and you may need to replace mechanicals or appliances sooner,” Horvat cautions. “Homeowners need to weigh these costs carefully.”

Why Some Expats Choose to Sell Before Relocating Abroad

On the flip side, the burden of long-distance property ownership can quickly outweigh the benefits. Even mortgage-free homes come with substantial costs—property taxes, insurance, maintenance, and potential vacancy periods all remain your responsibility.

“Homeowners leaving for an extended period should seriously consider selling if they can’t comfortably cover the expenses of renting it out,” advises Gabe Abshire, founder and CEO of Move Concierge. “If you can’t find tenants, you’re still responsible for maintenance and taxes without any rental income to offset these costs.”

Managing a property from another time zone introduces logistical complexity that many underestimate. “Being a landlord is challenging enough locally; managing from overseas multiplies that difficulty,” Abshire explains. Property management companies can help, but they add another layer of expense and don’t guarantee tenancy.

The vacancy risk is perhaps the most sobering consideration. “If your home sits unoccupied for an extended period, you absorb the entire cost burden,” Abshire warns. “Ensure you have sufficient reserves to cover all expenses if you want to keep your American home.”

The Hidden Costs of Being a Landlord From Overseas

Beyond standard costs, unexpected headaches plague absent landlords. Squatters represent a genuine threat if your property sits vacant. “If a home remains unoccupied for more than a few weeks, install a security system with cameras,” Horvat recommends. “Depending on local laws, squatters can establish legal residence in as little as one month. Eviction then requires court proceedings that can stretch beyond six months.”

These legal and security complications can rapidly transform your investment into a liability. Time zone differences, inability to respond to emergencies quickly, and the challenge of vetting tenants from abroad all compound the difficulties of remote landlording.

Making Your Final Decision: A Practical Framework

Ultimately, deciding whether to keep or sell comes down to running detailed financial projections specific to your situation. Calculate the total annual cost of ownership—mortgage, taxes, insurance, maintenance reserves, property management fees. Compare this to realistic rental income in your area. Factor in vacancy rates and unexpected expenses.

Then ask yourself: Do I have adequate capital reserves if the property sits empty? Am I comfortable managing a property from abroad, or would I need to hire a management company? Do I plan to return within a reasonable timeframe? Is building additional equity worth the ongoing stress and risk?

For some, the math clearly favors selling—eliminating uncertainty and ongoing costs. For others, the long-term wealth-building potential of U.S. real estate, combined with a solid rental plan, makes keeping the property the right call when you move out of the US. The key is making an informed decision based on your unique circumstances rather than assuming one strategy works for everyone.