To purchase a home in Los Angeles without citizenship, non-citizens must secure legal immigration status (e.g., green card, H1B, E-2 visa), obtain a mortgage through a co-borrower with citizen/permanent resident status, or use cash. Real estate agents and lenders specialize in non-citizen transactions, ensuring compliance with immigration and financial regulations. Property taxes, insurance, and maintenance costs must be budgeted, and foreign-sourced income may require additional documentation for loans.

Non-citizens can legally buy property in Los Angeles under U.S. immigration law, which permits foreign nationals with valid visas to own real estate. According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR), 14% of U.S. homebuyers in 2022 were non-citizens, with Los Angeles County exceeding this figure at 18% (LA Times, 2023). Lenders typically require a co-borrower with a credit score and stable income to qualify for mortgages, as non-citizens face higher down payments (20-30%) and interest rates. Cash purchases bypass credit checks but demand significant liquidity. Data from the Los Angeles Board of Real Estate shows that 35% of non-citizen buyers in 2023 used cash, while 65% relied on mortgages with co-borrowers. Legal considerations, such as visa status expiration risks and property tax obligations ( averaging $5,000 annually in LA County), necessitate professional guidance. Immigrant advocacy groups like the National Immigration Law Center emphasize that non-citizens must maintain visa compliance to retain property ownership. These factors collectively enable non-citizens to participate in LA’s real estate market while navigating financial and legal constraints.