Wealthy Americans abandoning America and seeking new opportunities... in a Scottish castle
In the six months since Donald Trump's election, there has been a surge in interest from American buyers looking to purchase Scottish castles. Christina Hendricks, an American actress, recently hinted at her intention to join this trend, expressing her love for Scotland and its historical appeal.
The allure of Scottish castles for wealthy Americans can be attributed to several factors. Some may seek political stability and safety, as the U.S. political climate following Trump's election has caused uncertainty among some individuals. The historical prestige and luxury appeal of Scottish castles make them attractive as status symbols and private retreats.
Moreover, buying property abroad, especially unique real estate like castles, helps diversify investment portfolios and hedge against economic or political risks in one's home country. Owning a castle in Scotland offers privacy, exclusivity, and access to scenic landscapes, which may be appealing for wealthy buyers seeking escapes from U.S. social or political tensions.
Top-end estate agents have reported a spike in interest from the US, pushing prices for Scottish castles to historic highs. For instance, Glenborrodale Castle, a 16-bedroom sandstone castle in the West Highlands, sold this year for more than £200,000 above the asking price. Other castles currently on the market include the ruins of Armadale Castle on the Isle of Skye, priced at offers over £995,000, and Cakemuir Castle in Tynehead, Midlothian, available for offers over £2.9 million.
Cameron Ewer, head of residential property for Savills estate agency, confirmed the increase in international buyers in the marketplace. In just the past few weeks, three magnificent piles have gone 'under offer' in Scotland, including Plane Castle, Keillour Castle, and Cramond Tower.
The trend of wealthy Americans buying Scottish castles is not a new phenomenon, but it has gained momentum since Trump's election. More than 1,900 US residents applied for a British passport during the first quarter of 2025, the most since the Home Office began keeping records in 2004.
While these reasons align with observed patterns of wealthy individuals purchasing luxury properties internationally during times of political change, no explicit data from recent sources confirm a direct causal link post-Trump election. However, the surge in interest and sales of Scottish castles suggests that this trend is worth further investigation.
- The surge in American buyers looking to purchase Scottish castles can be attributed to factors such as political stability, historical prestige, and luxury appeal, serving as status symbols and private retreats.
- Buying property abroad, including unique real estate like castles, helps diversify investment portfolios, hedging against economic or political risks in one's home country.
- For wealthy buyers, owning a castle in Scotland offers privacy, exclusivity, and access to scenic landscapes, providing escapes from U.S. social or political tensions.
- The allure of Scottish castles for wealthy Americans has led to a spike in interest from the US, pushing prices for Scottish castles to historic highs.
- Top-end estate agents have reported a significant increase in international buyers, with three magnificent piles recently going 'under offer' in Scotland alone.
- The trend of wealthy Americans buying Scottish castles is not a new phenomenon, but it has gained momentum since Trump's election, with more than 1,900 US residents applying for a British passport during the first quarter of 2025.
- While no explicit data from recent sources confirm a direct causal link post-Trump election, the surge in interest and sales of Scottish castles suggests that further investigation into this trend is worthwhile.
