Table of Contents
The ongoing political discord between Canada and the United States has created uncertainty for many Canadian snowbirds. As winter approaches, these seasonal travelers face a tough decision: should they head south to enjoy the warmer climate, or stay away from a country that increasingly feels unwelcoming? This dilemma is particularly significant for Canadians who own approximately $60 billion in real estate in Florida, a popular destination for those looking to escape harsh winters.
Donna Lockhart, a resident of Ennismore, Ontario, decided to sell her condo near Punta Gorda due to rising anti-Canadian sentiment. She cites comments from U.S. political figures, including remarks from former President Donald Trump suggesting Canada is like a 51st state, and disparaging comments made by Florida Governor Ron DeSantis toward Canadian Premier Doug Ford. This shift in rhetoric has made her feel unwelcome in what was once her second home. Lockhart expressed, “As I grow older, I feel more uneasy with the direction the United States is heading. If they don’t want us, then perhaps we shouldn’t be there anymore.”
The challenges of selling property
When Lockhart decided to place her property on the market, she quickly realized she was not alone. Many Canadians are exiting Florida, significantly impacting the local real estate market, particularly in the southwestern region of the state. The demand for homes is dwindling, leaving many sellers in a challenging position. “There aren’t many buyers in sight, and the supply greatly exceeds demand,” she noted, highlighting the current state of the housing market.
Southwest Florida, which stretches from Naples to Tampa Bay along the Gulf Coast, has faced numerous challenges in recent years. Hurricanes have devastated the area, damaging properties and causing insurance costs to rise by as much as 40 percent over three years. The post-pandemic housing market boom has faded, and while construction continues, interest from potential buyers has dwindled. Analysts warn that now is not an optimal time for sellers, especially with an influx of Canadians looking to exit.
The market landscape
In Lockhart’s neighborhood near Charlotte Harbour, over 100 properties are currently available, representing nearly 10 percent of the homes in this scenic boating community. This figure is far above the typical turnover rates seen in the region. One unit similar to hers has been on the market since April of the previous year, illustrating the stagnation in sales. Joel Berner, a senior economist at Realtor.com, stated, “Southwest Florida is experiencing an unprecedented level of inventory. Prices are dropping significantly, and homes are lingering on the market longer than we have seen in years.”
Berner attributes part of this shift to declining interest from Canadian buyers in the U.S. market. Data from Realtor.com indicates a noticeable decrease in Canadian inquiries about purchasing homes in Florida, with two prominent locations, Cape Coral-Fort Myers and North Port-Bradenton-Sarasota, remaining popular among Canadian buyers.
Political concerns and economic impact
The current climate of political tension has also prompted many Canadians, like retiree John Willows from eastern Ontario, to reconsider their travel plans. A boating enthusiast who enjoyed winters in Florida, Willows now finds it difficult to justify a visit. “We’re in a trade war; I need to support my own side. I’ve made the decision to avoid the U.S., and instead, I might choose to travel to Cuba this winter,” he remarked.
A recent survey by Royal LePage indicates that over 54 percent of Canadians who own property in the U.S. are considering selling their homes within the next year, with many citing the current political climate as a reason for their decision. Anne-Elise Cugliari Allegritti, a vice president at Royal LePage, noted, “The overwhelming sentiment reflects concerns about the U.S. political landscape, serving as a temperature check on Canadian perspectives.”
The local reaction
In response to the growing apprehension among Canadian visitors, some Florida politicians are advocating for the return of their northern neighbors. Allen Spence, a Democratic congressional candidate in Sarasota, expressed his frustration about the current situation. “Canadians love visiting here, and it’s disheartening to see their absence. Not everyone supports the narratives promoted by Trump and DeSantis. Many of us are working hard to change that perspective,” he stated.
Canadians contribute significantly to the local economy, estimated at around $600 million annually in property taxes alone. Local businesses that rely on tourist traffic are feeling the effects of the decline in Canadian visitors. Spence emphasized, “The drop in Canadian tourists is affecting us economically, shifting the tax burden from tourists to local residents. It’s not just a financial issue; it’s about maintaining our shared history and familial ties. We must treat our Canadian friends with more respect.”
Donna Lockhart, a resident of Ennismore, Ontario, decided to sell her condo near Punta Gorda due to rising anti-Canadian sentiment. She cites comments from U.S. political figures, including remarks from former President Donald Trump suggesting Canada is like a 51st state, and disparaging comments made by Florida Governor Ron DeSantis toward Canadian Premier Doug Ford. This shift in rhetoric has made her feel unwelcome in what was once her second home. Lockhart expressed, “As I grow older, I feel more uneasy with the direction the United States is heading. If they don’t want us, then perhaps we shouldn’t be there anymore.”0