France is looking particularly attractive.
The number of clients buying properties in France increased nine-fold in 2014 from 2013 at USForex, and this year is looking even more promising.
“High-net-worth buyers have been circling around properties in the south of France for the last couple of years,” said Dan Conn, CEO of Christie’s International Real Estate. “It’s an incredible time to buy.”
Related: 5 travel spots that just got cheaper for Americans
Paris is also seeing increased activity: today, 19% of Christie’s buyers in the capital were American, up from 14% in 2010.
Germany has also been drawing in American buyers recently, according to Kumpf, as the number of U.S. buyers who transferred money to purchase property there has doubled in the last year.
Spain and Italy have had a slower economic rebound, which means better discounts and opportunities, according to Conn. For example, Sardinia, an island off the coast of Italy, has experienced little buying activity since the downturn … until now. “You are starting to see emerging interest from U.S. buyers,” Conn said.
Interest in rentals in Italy started to rise last year, and that’s a strong indicator that sales will follow, said Rupert Fawcett, head of Knight Frank’s Italian desk.
Tuscany, Florence, and Lake Como are the hot spots in the country at the moment, he said.
“I am not expecting the flood gates to open, but the tap had very much been switched off over the last four to five years, so to see any American interest coming back is already an increase.”
Paris Apartment Christies $2 million
This two-level, three-bedroom apartment in a 17th century building in Paris is listed for $2,113,858.
Related: One U.S. dollar could soon equal one euro
Spain, which has been a popular market for Europeans looking for a vacation home, is starting to catch the attention of Americans, particularly Barcelona. “It’s a hybrid city and resort,” said Conn. There’s also been discussions of a new luxury waterfront development in the city, which could increase interest.
Read more at?MONEY CNN
