The ‘Trump effect’ isn’t just helping ‘leftish’ politicians get elected in the west, it seems. 

Figures revealed this week from Rightmove show a desire by Americans to flee the Republican’s high tariffs and other ‘draconian’ measures is also affecting the UK property market.

The popular property portal has seen a 20% increase in American interest for UK property since Trump was elected. It’s the highest increase in eight years.

Edinburgh proves most popular for US property buyers

The majority of Americans are looking to buy in Scotland, and the capital city Edinburgh, in particular. Second in popularity is Westminster in London, with Camden third. Scotland’s biggest city in terms of population – Glasgow – is also proving popular, coming in fourth most appealing for US buyers.

The desire for relocation to Scotland may be down to the lower prices (the average property is around £100,000 cheaper north of the border than in the South) or a desire to ‘live where our forebears once did.’

A spokesman for Rightmove says their statistics show that just over one third of American who enquire about property in the UK are looking to relocate to the UK. That’s because they are looking at three or four-bedroom homes. Around 47% of enquiries are for one or two-bedroom properties, which are more suitable for second homes.

“President Trump’s tariff announcements have led to more economic uncertainty globally, and we’re starting to see some of the effects of this on the UK property market,” said Rightmove’s Colleen Babcock.

“Whether it’s because the UK is seen as a more stable investment opportunity, or whether some buyers are considering a permanent move across the Atlantic, we’re seeing an increase in enquiries from the US.”

But the UK isn’t proving popular with billionaires. The Times super-rich list recently reported the biggest fall in billionaires yet – a drop from 165 to 156 over the past 12 months. Last month the Labour party abolished the non-dom tax status for property owners whose permanent home wasn’t in the UK.