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US Dollar Fluctuations Affect Real Estate Prices in Global Markets

Photo by Breno Assis on Unsplash

According to the International Monetary Fund (IMF) report, currency fluctuations are a deciding factor in the global real estate market. Property prices could rise or fall due to currency fluctuations, causing unexpected disruptions in the market. Hence, understanding the influence of currency value is the first step to making informed real estate decisions worldwide.

How the US Dollar Affects Global Real Estate Markets

Recent data from the National Association of Realtors (NAR) says foreign investment in US real estate fell by 31% in 2021. One of the factors that contributed to this decline was the relative strength of the US dollar to other currencies.

The US dollar significantly impacts the global real estate market due to its status as the world’s reserve currency. The strength of the US dollar directly influences foreign investors’ demand for US real estate. The U.S. Dollar Index or DXY measures the value of the US dollar against a basket of major currencies, including the euro, Japanese yen, British pound, Canadian dollar, Swedish krona, and Swiss franc. Its function is to provide a real-time indicator of the strength or weakness of the US dollar relative to these currencies, which helps traders, investors, and analysts make informed decisions about their investments.

A stronger USD reduces the purchasing power of foreign investors, leading to a decrease in demand and an increase in the price of US real estate and vice versa. In addition to the strength of the USD, other factors, such as political stability and local regulations, also determine the demand for US real estate.

Case Study: The Impact of US Dollar Fluctuations on Real Estate Prices

In 2012, the Argentine government stopped the use of the dollar in the country because of how fluctuations affected the nation. This policy increased the commodity prices in the nation, including that of property. This led to realtors refusing to sell to buyers without the US dollar as they preferred it to the peso.

Also, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), which has a strong real estate market, is heavily influenced by foreign investment. Since the UAE dirham is pegged to the USD, fluctuations in the dollar have affected real estate demand in the nation. This decline in demand caused a 12% drop in property prices in Dubai between 2014 and 2015.

Following the Brexit vote in 2016, the USD surged against the Pound, causing a decline in demand from foreign investors. Also, in 2017, foreign investment in London real estate fell by 37%, and property prices dropped by 15%.

Tips for Real Estate Investment in a Volatile Currency Market

The global foreign exchange market averages a daily turnover of $6.6 trillion, and the US dollar accounts for over 85% of all currency trades. Also, the UK housing market is currently impacted by currency fluctuations. Hence, investors, financial strategists, and analysts must keep tabs on currency fluctuations using the DXY.

The tips below will help you to navigate currency fluctuations in real estate:

  • Keep an eye on the exchange rates.
  • Work with a currency exchange provider to secure a favourable rate.
  • Work with an experienced real estate agent or financial advisor.
  • Diversify your investments in different locations and currencies.
  • Keep an enduring perspective, as real estate investment is a long-term strategy.
  • Hedge your currency risk by investing in a currency-hedged fund. You can also use derivatives such as forward contracts.
  • Monitor economic indicators such as inflation, interest, and GDP growth rates in countries you want to invest.
  • Stay updated with news and events that may affect currency markets, from political tensions and trade deals to central bank policies.

Fluctuations in the US dollar value significantly impact the global real estate market, causing a decline in demand and an increase in prices. Investors should stay informed on currency fluctuations, work with experts, diversify investments, and monitor economic indicators to navigate the volatile currency market.

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