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WASHINGTON – May 19, 2011 – The U.S. continues to remain a top destination for foreign buyers as international purchases surged by $16 billion this year – one of the highest increases in recent years – according to the National Association of Realtors®’ 2011 Profile of International Home Buying Activity.

According to the survey, total residential international sales in the U.S. for the year ending March 2011 equaled $82 billion, up from $66 billion in 2010. Total international sales were split evenly between non-resident foreigners and recent immigrants, while combined total domestic and international existing-home sales in the U.S. reached $1.07 trillion.

Florida had 31 percent of total international transactions this year, the most of any state. California had 12 percent, Texas had nine percent, and Arizona rounded out the top four with six percent of international transactions.

“The U.S. has always been a desirable place to own property and a profitable investment,” says NAR President Ron Phipps. “In recent years, we’ve seen more and more foreign buyers coming here to take advantage of low prices and plentiful inventory. In addition to the advantageous market conditions, Realtors in this country have a global perspective and experience in working with clients from different cultures and real estate practices, helping them bring value to their international clients.”