Why Homebuyers Are Turning to Florida and Puerto Rico in 2026
Miami, Wednesday, 16 September 2026.
Sun Belt demand remains strong, but Puerto Rico climbed to fifth place in housing searches as buyers rush to secure a zero-percent tax incentive before the year-end deadline.
Houzeo Report Highlights Sun Belt Dominance
Florida continues to lead the United States in residential search activity, according to Houzeo’s 2026 Home Buyer Report released on September 15, 2026 [1]. The data, which analyzed 1,537 buyer actions from over 900 users, indicates that Sun Belt states dominate search activity, with Florida, Texas, and North Carolina ranking as the top three destinations [1]. This surge underscores sustained demographic and capital shifts toward the Sun Belt and tax-advantaged territories, signaling ongoing migration trends that impact regional housing markets and local economic development strategies across the Southeast [1]. While Florida maintains its position at the forefront, Puerto Rico has unexpectedly emerged as a top hotspot for prospective buyers, ranking number seven nationally in overall search data [1].
Migration Trends and Population Growth
The housing search data mirrors broader population growth trends observed by the U.S. Census Bureau during the 2024–2025 period [1]. Opendoor’s 2026 migration analysis estimates that Texas, Florida, and North Carolina gained a combined 400,000 net domestic migrants in 2025, with Georgia securing an additional 48,000 net domestic migrants during the same period [1]. In terms of specific city-level interest, San Antonio, Texas, is the most-searched city in the Houzeo dataset with 11 searches, while North Carolina search activity showed a decentralized pattern spreading across Raleigh, Southport, Thomasville, Mills River, and Black Mountain rather than concentrating in Charlotte [1]. These figures illustrate a dispersal of interest beyond major metropolitan hubs into surrounding regions.
Puerto Rico Tax Incentives Drive Interest
Puerto Rico accelerated to number five in search rankings during the most recent quarter from July 1, 2026, to September 14, 2026, driven largely by tax policy changes [1]. A 2026 amendment to Puerto Rico’s Act 60 Individual Resident Investor program extends the initiative through 2055, creating a urgent timeline for potential applicants [1]. Applicants submitting by December 31, 2026, may retain 0% treatment on qualifying passive income, while those applying on or after January 1, 2027, face a 4% preferential rate [1]. This deadline has catalyzed interest from buyers looking to secure long-term tax advantages before the preferential treatment adjusts in the coming year.
Affordability Remains Primary Motivation
Broader economic pressures continue to influence relocation decisions, with affordability cited as the primary reason for moving by 45% of interstate movers in the NAR’s 2025 Profile [1]. This represents a significant increase from the 38% reported in 2022, highlighting a 18.421 percent rise in buyers prioritizing cost of living considerations [1]. Houzeo currently manages over 1.7 million active nationwide listings and offers an online platform for browsing homes, booking tours, and submitting offers, facilitating these moves through digital channels [1]. The full Houzeo 2026 Home Buyer Report, utilizing 21 industry sources, is accessible for further detailed analysis of these market shifts [1].