Brits are the third largest group of overseas buyers in the US, with Florida being foreigners’ favourite state. As the dollar starts to weaken, could you be tempted to buy there?

Only the Chinese and Canadians account for more foreign property purchases in the US than British people, according to a recent survey by the National Association of Realtors (NAR).

The NAR’s 2017 ‘Profile of International Activity in U.S. Residential Real Estate’ revealed that British people spent $9.5 billion on American real estate in the year ending March 2017, more than the previous 12 months.

Overall, foreign purchases in the US were worth a staggering $153 billion for the same period, representing a 49 per cent year-on-year rise. Leaving no doubt as to where overseas purchasers like to buy, 22 per cent of all sales were in Florida. The next most popular states were in California and Texas, both with 12 per cent, followed by New Jersey and Arizona, both with four per cent.

Forty-four per cent of foreigners are buying outright with cash, added the survey, with overseas purchasers typically spending just over $300,000, circa £230,000, on their American home. Fluctuations in the exchange rate and the recent strengthening of the pound against the dollar mean that six months ago the same dollar budget would have cost around £240,000.

To show how far your money goes in Florida right now, we’ve picked three properties for sale there. Each is on the market for around $300,000, but will appeal to a different type of buyer.

Disney holiday home for vacation lets
Searching for a Disney home for family holidays that you can rent out to help cover costs? If so, this new three-bedroom, two-bathroom luxury townhome at the Fountains community in ChampionsGate, with its championship golf courses, could be just the ticket. The property comes fully furnished with a high spec kitchen.

The Fountains, which is zoned for short-term rentals, includes a communal pool, clubhouse and fitness centre but owners can also access the facilities and bar/restaurant at the neighbouring Tuscana resort. Shops and amenities at ChampionsGate are a short walk away, while Disney World and Orlando’s other famous theme parks are a short drive away. All this for an asking price of $315,000. For more info, click on the image.

City home or long let
Sarasota on Florida’s Gulf Coast is a colourful coastal city that combines an outdoorsy beach lifestyle with a lively culture and arts scene.

It’s a popular destination for relocating families as well as for older second homeowners, including those from North America, Canada and the UK, where owners might spend six months of the year to avoid the colder months back home. But equally, a well located property could be let long-term as an investment.

An option for either scenario could be this two-bedroom, two-bathroom apartment within a gated community in the city centre. Close to all the action of downtown Sarasota, it’s also within striking distance of famous Siesta Key, regularly voted one of the best beaches in the US, as well as the famous St Armands Circle and Long Boat Key. The property comes with a price-tag of $305,000.

Beachfront condo
Not many destinations can match Florida for luxury condos overlooking the beach and ocean. The state’s Atlantic coastline – a favourite with President Trump, where he has his famous Mar-a-Lago club – has something for everyone, from glitzy Miami to the less developed Palm Bay or vibrant Vero Beach.

Perhaps this two-bedroom, two-bathroom oceanfront apartment in South Palm Beach could be your dream beach home? With access to a communal pool, clubhouse and fitness room, it has an asking price of $285,000.