Relocation Guide for International Buyers & Expats

Relocating to Washington, DC

Updated October 2026

Relocating to Washington, DC from abroad? This guide covers what it is like to live here as an international buyer or expat: the community and neighborhoods international residents may want to consider, where to eat, how the market looks today, and how the buying process works for non-US citizens. Claude Labbe, a REALTOR® with Douglas Elliman Real Estate at 1027 33rd St NW in Georgetown, Washington DC, helps international buyers and expats make these decisions with clarity, discretion, and thoughtful execution.

The Community

Washington DC's International Community

Washington DC is one of the most international cities in the United States. Nearly a quarter of the DC metro population is foreign-born, more than 168 languages are spoken across the region, and 176 embassies call the city home. Whatever your country of origin, you will find a community, a cultural center, and a lifestyle not far from your front door.

Walkability is a big part of the appeal. DC's overall Walk Score is 77, and the neighborhoods international residents favor score far higher: Dupont Circle at 98, Capitol Hill at 88. Daily errands, schools, and restaurants are within easy reach on foot in the city's walkable core.

The region also offers a strong set of international schools, including the Washington International School in Cleveland Park, the British International School of Washington in Georgetown, the Lycee Rochambeau French International School in Bethesda, the German International School in Potomac, and the public charter DC International School.

Embassy Row mansions along Massachusetts Avenue NW in Washington DC on a golden autumn afternoon

These neighborhoods cover the city's NW core plus areas west of Rock Creek Park, where many international residents choose to live.

Dupont Circle & Kalorama

The heart of Embassy Row along Massachusetts Avenue, with historic mansions, global restaurants, and a Walk Score of 98.

Georgetown

Waterfront dining, university energy, high-end shopping, and the British International School of Washington along the Potomac.

Foggy Bottom

Home to the State Department, George Washington University, and the World Bank and IMF. Heavily diplomatic and walkable.

Woodley Park & Cleveland Park

Tree-lined streets near Rock Creek Park, the Smithsonian National Zoo, and top international schools.

Capitol Hill

The political center with the city's largest historic residential district, popular with diplomats and staffers. Walk Score 88.

Adams Morgan

A cosmopolitan crossroads with Central and South American, Caribbean, African, and European communities and diverse dining.

American University Park & Spring Valley

Home to American University, with tree-lined residential streets west of Rock Creek Park.

Chevy Chase

A stately residential NW neighborhood along Connecticut and Wisconsin Avenues, bordering Maryland.

Tenleytown

A walkable NW hub on Wisconsin Avenue with its own Metro station.

Friendship Heights

A shopping-focused neighborhood on the DC line with Maryland, along Wisconsin Avenue.

Beyond the City: Suburban Options in Maryland and Virginia

Different buyers have different needs, and the DMV has a wide range of options to consider. Many international residents choose to live outside DC, in the suburbs of Maryland and Virginia.

Maryland Suburbs

Bethesda and Potomac offer established neighborhoods, strong schools, and Metro access, and Potomac is home to the German International School.

Virginia Suburbs

Arlington, McLean, and Reston sit close to Dulles International Airport, and the Virginia side is home to many foreign employers and a strong tech corridor.

Market Conditions

The DC Market Right Now

$677K

DC Median Home Price

3 months ending Aug 2026, down about 1.8% YoY · Redfin

~57

Median Days on Market

DC homes, 3 months ending Aug 2026 · Redfin

4.8

Months of Supply, DC

A near-balanced market as active listings rise

The Washington DC market is cooling in activity, not in price. Inventory has climbed roughly 33% year over year, and the District now sits near a balanced market with about 4.8 months of supply. Well-priced homes in desirable neighborhoods still draw strong demand, while condos offer more room for negotiation. For a fuller picture, see the DC Metro market report and the October 2026 market update.

It is also worth knowing that the DMV is a secure and proven real estate market that has often avoided the sharp ups and downs felt across the US in recent decades. The region did not appreciate as quickly as most of the US in the 2020s, so it is widely seen as relatively good value against future expectations.

FAQ

Questions International Buyers Ask

Can a foreign national buy property in Washington DC?

Yes. There is no US citizenship, visa, green card, or residency requirement to buy property in Washington DC. Buying property does not grant immigration status or the right to reside in the US, so be clear on your visa situation separately. Cash purchases are the simplest path for non-residents.

Can an expat on a US work visa get a mortgage?

Expats living in the US on work visas with a Social Security Number or ITIN and a US credit file can often use conventional or ITIN mortgage programs. International buyers living abroad typically need foreign national (non-QM) loans, which usually require roughly 25% to 30% down, documentation of foreign income and assets, and often an ITIN for tax reporting. Cash remains the most straightforward route, and Claude can assist in finding lending resources if needed.

How does the closing process work for an international buyer in DC?

DC, Maryland, and Virginia are all attorney states, so a licensed attorney or settlement agent conducts the closing, typically at a title company office in the jurisdiction where the property sits. If you cannot attend in person, the settlement attorney can certainly offer alternative solutions.

What taxes apply when I buy a home in DC?

Standard purchase fees and taxes apply with a purchase, using about 3.5% of the purchase price as a rule of thumb. Property taxes apply to all owners and are set by the town or county of residence, with roughly $500 to $2,000 per month to allocate based on the value of the home. Once the property earns rental income or is sold, US tax rules including FIRPTA withholding can apply. Consult a US tax advisor before buying.

Which neighborhoods are best for international buyers?

Embassy Row anchors like Dupont Circle and Kalorama, Georgetown, Woodley Park and Cleveland Park near the international schools, NW neighborhoods west of Rock Creek Park such as American University Park, Spring Valley, Chevy Chase, Tenleytown, and Friendship Heights, and, for those who prefer the suburbs, Maryland communities like Bethesda and Potomac and Virginia communities like Arlington, McLean, and Reston near Dulles International Airport. Different buyers have different needs, and the DMV has many options to consider.

Is now a good time to buy in Washington DC?

Prices have leveled slightly, inventory has grown, and homes are taking a bit longer to sell, which means more choices and more room to negotiate than in recent years. The DMV has a secure and proven real estate market that has often been steadier than the rest of the US, and the region is seen as relatively good value going forward. If that aligns with your professional and personal choices, now is a good time to buy in the DMV, because it is a choice to live here and become a Washingtonian.

Mortgage Calculator

Estimate Your Monthly Payment

A quick estimate of principal and interest plus property tax and insurance. This is a planning tool, not a lender quote. International buyers should plan for a larger down payment (often 25% to 30%) on foreign national loans.

Estimates use standard amortization and do not include condo fees, HOA dues, mortgage insurance, or the recordation and transfer taxes discussed above. For a precise figure tied to your situation, get a quote from a lender who understands foreign national lending.

Planning a move to Washington?

A conversation now saves time, stress, and money when it matters most.

Schedule a Consultation 703-868-7774 Claude.Labbe@elliman.com