Canadians have wintered in Florida for decades. Many of them own homes in Florida and other sunny states, spending six months there and moving back to Canada for the warmer months. But now a lot of Canadian Snowbirds are selling their US home. What’s driving this trend, and where are these warmth-loving folks looking for new vacation homes?
Why Canadian Snowbirds Are Selling Their US Homes
The Snowbird Population is Aging
Statistics Canada projects that by 2030, nearly one-quarter of Canada’s population will be 65 or older. Canada’s original Snowbirds are getting older as well. It’s becoming more of a burden for them to switch homes every six months, especially if they’ve been driving back and forth. Maintenance on two homes also gets more difficult in the senior years.
Climate Concerns Are Driving Some Sales
Climate risk is increasingly influencing real estate decisions across North America, and Snowbirds are no exception. According to data from the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Florida has experienced a sharp rise in severe weather events over the past decade, including stronger hurricanes, flooding, and coastal erosion.
These conditions have increased long-term risk and uncertainty for part-time homeowners, particularly those who are not present year-round to manage storm preparation and recovery. For many Canadian Snowbirds, growing exposure to climate-related damage has become a key factor in deciding whether continued ownership still makes sense.
Insurance and Cost Pressures
Climate-related risk has also driven insurance costs significantly higher. According to the Insurance Bureau of Canada and reporting from the Florida Office of Insurance Regulation, home insurance premiums in Florida have risen dramatically in recent years, with some homeowners seeing increases of 40 percent or more, even in non-coastal areas. Several large insurers have reduced their presence or exited the Florida market entirely, making coverage harder to obtain and more expensive.
Rising insurance costs are often passed on to homeowners through increased HOA fees, particularly in condominium and planned communities. Industry reporting shows HOA fees are trending upward, with the median monthly fee rising from $108 in 2019 to $135 in 2025; evidence that many communities are seeing significant annual increases. For Snowbirds on fixed incomes, these compounding costs can quickly turn a winter retreat into a financial strain.
Exchange rates aren’t helping either; a monthly expense of $3,000 USD translates to $4,200 CAD, which could be used for a vacation home in Canada or other expenses. Many of the Canadian Snowbirds selling their Florida home are on a fixed income, and an extra $4,200 a month comes in very handy.
General maintenance and upkeep are other rising costs, and some of it has to be done even during the summer, when the homeowners aren’t there. Snowbirds need someone to check on the property and take in the mail, and some utilities have to be kept running all year long.
Political and Residency Concerns
Residency and border regulations have also become more complex for Canadian Snowbirds. Guidance from U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the Department of Homeland Security has increased scrutiny around length of stay, visitor intent, and documentation requirements for foreign property owners. Canadians staying for extended periods must ensure compliance with registration and reporting obligations, and even minor errors can lead to complications at the border.
Beyond administrative concerns, broader political and policy changes have contributed to a sense of uncertainty for some Snowbirds. Public opinion research from Canadian polling firms and U.S. immigration advocacy organizations shows that perceptions of welcome, stability, and personal comfort increasingly influence long-term travel and housing decisions. For Canadians seeking a relaxing winter lifestyle, uncertainty alone can be enough to prompt a move elsewhere.
Where Are Snowbirds Choosing to Go?
If Canadian Snowbirds are selling their US home, where are they going instead?
Buying in Canada
Some Canadian Snowbirds are choosing to reinvest closer to home. Data from Statistics Canada and the Canadian Real Estate Association shows sustained interest in recreational and secondary properties within Canada, particularly in regions offering mild winters, coastal access, or established retirement communities. Condominiums in Victoria, British Columbia, seasonal homes in Quebec, and waterfront properties in Atlantic Canada are increasingly attractive alternatives for former Snowbirds who want simpler logistics while keeping lifestyle amenities close by.
Exploring New Areas
Canadian Snowbirds have always looked to the US as their default, but now they’re considering locales in Mexico, including places like Puerto Vallarta, Cabo San Lucas, and the Mayan Riviera. There is no shortage of other destinations in the Caribbean that support the Snowbird lifestyle and offer stimulating cultural experiences.
Still other Snowbirds are venturing to Portugal, Spain, Malta, Cyprus, and other parts of Europe. Affordability, sunshine, culture, food, golf, and diverse expat communities are big draws for Canadians selling their Florida home.
Renting Instead of Buying
Not all Snowbirds who sold are planning to buy another property. Instead, they are choosing to rent a home when they want to escape the winter. This gives them more flexibility in location, property type, and the experiences they want to have. Renting instead of owning also means less maintenance work, fewer tax implications, and less hassle overall.
Other US Locations
Some Canadian Snowbirds are selling their Florida home but buying elsewhere in America. The most popular locations for these moves are Arizona, Texas, and Nevada, where the weather is drier, and storms aren’t as damaging, but residents can still enjoy warm temperatures and beautiful natural spaces.
Who’s Staying in Florida
Despite the trend of Canadian Snowbirds selling their Florida home, there are families choosing to keep their winter getaway. These homeowners are more likely to be high-net-worth Canadians who aren’t as affected by rising costs. These buyers enjoy the luxury lifestyle of places like Jupiter, Palm Beach, and Miami Beach, where they may have an established network of friends and club memberships.
The story of why Canadian Snowbirds are selling US homes is complex and has many different drivers. Whether the trend will last remains to be seen. In the meantime, there are many excellent properties to choose from on both sides of the border. If you’re looking, connect with a real estate agent in the area you’re interested in for the best insights and advice.
