By Power+
Desert Mountain draws buyers from across the globe — Canadians escaping winter, Europeans seeking a dollar-denominated investment, Latin American families looking for a US base with privacy and prestige. What they all find when they arrive is a community that operates at a scale and level of finish most private clubs in the world cannot match: 8,300 acres of high Sonoran Desert, seven Jack Nicklaus Signature golf courses, 33 individually gated villages, and a lifestyle that runs year-round. If you are considering Desert Mountain as an international buyer, here is what we think you need to know before you start the process.
Key Takeaways
- Desert Mountain spans over 8,300 acres in North Scottsdale, offering a private, gated lifestyle that draws buyers from Canada, Europe, Latin America, and beyond.
- The community's year-round climate, world-class golf, and resort-style amenities make it one of Arizona's most compelling destinations for second-home and full-time international buyers.
- Foreign nationals can purchase property in the US without restrictions, and cash purchases, specialized foreign national financing, and remote closings all make the process more accessible than many buyers expect.
- Understanding FIRPTA, Arizona's low property tax rate, and HOA considerations are essential steps for international buyers purchasing in Desert Mountain.
- We bring decades of on-the-ground expertise in Desert Mountain real estate, and we work with buyers from across the globe through every step of the transaction.
Why Desert Mountain Attracts International Buyers
Desert Mountain is not a typical gated community. At over 8,300 acres set in the high Sonoran Desert north of Scottsdale, it operates more like a private resort town — one where residents own the real estate, hold membership in the club, and share access to seven Jack Nicklaus Signature golf courses, multiple clubhouses, a full spa and fitness facility, tennis and pickleball courts, and more than 20 miles of private hiking trails. For buyers accustomed to resort communities in Europe or exclusive private clubs in Canada, Desert Mountain occupies a familiar category but at a scale and price point that most international markets cannot match.
Arizona ranked as the fourth most popular US destination for foreign buyers in the 2024 NAR report, accounting for approximately 5 percent of all international real estate transactions in the country. Canadians represent the largest group, drawn by the warm winters, direct flights, and the straightforward process of purchasing US property without visa restrictions. But buyers from the UK, Germany, Mexico, and Colombia have all found Desert Mountain's combination of privacy, community, and climate to be a strong fit for second homes and seasonal residences.
The elevation matters here in a way that surprises first-time visitors. Desert Mountain sits at elevations ranging from roughly 2,580 to 4,800 feet, which keeps summer temperatures noticeably cooler than central Scottsdale. For buyers from northern climates who plan to use the property during winter months, that elevation also means crisper nights, cleaner air, and a landscape that looks nothing like the flat desert floor most people picture when they think of Arizona.
The Lock-and-Leave Advantage
One of the most practical reasons international buyers choose Desert Mountain is the range of lock-and-leave properties across the community's 33 individually gated villages. Villages like the Apache Cottages and Sonoran Cottages offer smaller attached homes that are maintained by the HOA, meaning owners can return to Canada or Europe at the end of the season without worrying about exterior upkeep or landscaping. This structure appeals directly to buyers who want to own in the US but cannot be present year-round to manage a property.
For buyers who want more space, custom estates and golf-front homes in villages like Saguaro Forest and Painted Sky offer the full private compound experience — infinity pools, expansive covered patios, and sweeping views of the McDowell Mountains or the Tonto National Forest. These homes are also designed for remote management, with smart home systems and property management services readily available within the community.
Golf, Trails, and Year-Round Activities
The golf at Desert Mountain is the primary draw for a significant portion of international buyers, and the courses here are legitimate world-class venues. Seven Jack Nicklaus Signature courses wind through the terrain at different elevations, offering a genuinely different experience on each round. The Jim Flick Golf Performance Center adds a professional development component that serious golfers from anywhere in the world find appealing.
Beyond golf, the community's private trail system provides access to some of the most dramatic high desert terrain in the Scottsdale area, with views extending across the Valley of the Sun, the Continental Mountains, and the Tonto National Forest. Buyers who come for golf often stay for the trails. The Sonoran Clubhouse anchors the wellness side of life at Desert Mountain, with a full-service spa, fitness center, yoga and Pilates classes, multiple pools, and nine tennis courts. Private dining venues across the community round out a lifestyle that requires very little reason to leave the property.
What International Buyers Need to Know About the Purchase Process
Buying property in the US as a foreign national is more accessible than most international buyers anticipate. There are no federal restrictions on non-US citizens purchasing real estate in Arizona. The key practical considerations are financing, taxes, and closing logistics.
Financing Options for Foreign Nationals
Many international buyers complete Desert Mountain purchases in cash, which simplifies the transaction considerably and is particularly common among buyers from countries where US real estate is seen as a stable dollar-denominated asset. For buyers who prefer financing, specialized foreign national mortgage programs are available that qualify applicants using international income, global credit history, or liquid assets rather than requiring US credit scores or tax returns. Loan-to-value ratios for these programs typically run between 70 and 80 percent, with fixed-rate terms available up to 30 years. Pre-approval through a lender experienced in international transactions strengthens any offer in a competitive market like Desert Mountain.
FIRPTA and Arizona Property Taxes
International buyers should be aware of FIRPTA — the Foreign Investment in Real Property Tax Act — which requires buyers to withhold a percentage of the purchase price from the seller's proceeds when a foreign national sells US real estate. This affects the eventual resale process and is worth consulting with a cross-border tax professional before purchase. On the buy side, Arizona's property tax rate is among the lowest in the country at an average effective rate of approximately 0.56 percent, which supports stronger long-term returns and lower carrying costs compared to most other US luxury markets.
Remote Closings
Most international buyers complete their Desert Mountain transactions remotely. Electronic signing platforms and title company escrow services make it possible to close a US real estate transaction without setting foot in Arizona, though most buyers do visit the property at least once before finalizing an offer. Transactions typically close in 30 to 45 days when financing is pre-arranged.
The Desert Mountain Membership
Ownership at Desert Mountain comes with access to a club membership, which is one of the community's defining features. The club provides access to all seven golf courses, dining venues, fitness and spa facilities, trails, and social programming. For international buyers evaluating the full cost of ownership, understanding the membership structure and associated dues is an important part of the financial picture — and something we walk every buyer through in detail.
Find Your Desert Mountain Home With Power+
We have been selling Desert Mountain exclusively since 1995, and with more than 500 homes and lots sold since 2011, we know this community at a level that no generalist Scottsdale agent can replicate. International buyers benefit from our familiarity with every village, every view corridor, and every property type — from lock-and-leave cottages to multi-acre custom estates. Reach out to us to learn more about how we help international buyers purchase in Desert Mountain.
