Are Investors Actually Buying Up All the Homes?
Are you trying to buy a home but you feel like you’re up against deep-pocketed Wall Street investors snatching up everything in sight? Many people believe mega investors are driving up prices and buying up all the homes for sale, and that’s making it hard for regular buyers like you to compete.
But here’s the truth. Investor purchases are actually on the decline, and the big players aren’t nearly as active as you might think. Let’s dive into the facts and put this myth to rest.
A common misconception is that massive institutional investors are dominating the market. In reality, that’s not the case. The Mortgage Reports explains:
“On average, small investors account for around 18% of the market, while mega investors represent only about 1%.”
Most real estate investors are mom-and-pop investors who own just a few properties — not large corporations buying up entire neighborhoods. They’re people like your neighbors who have another home they’re renting out or a vacation getaway.
But what about the big investors you hear about in the news? Lately, those institutional investors – the ones that make headlines – have pulled back and aren’t buying as many homes.
According to John Burns Research and Consulting (JBREC), at their all-time peak in Q2 2022, institutional investors (those owning 1,000+ single-family homes) only made up 2.4% of home sales. And that number has only come down since then. By Q3 2024, that number had fallen to just 0.3% (see graph below):
That’s a major shift, and it means far fewer investors are competing in the market now than just a few years ago.
Investors are clearly more reluctant to buy in today’s market, but why? The answer is largely because higher mortgage rates and home prices have made it less attractive for them.
The idea that Wall Street investors are buying up all the homes and making it impossible for you to compete is a myth. While some investors are still in the market, they’re not nearly as active as they were in past years.
Big institutional investors aren’t buying up all the homes – if anything they’re buying less than they have been. Let’s connect and talk about what’s happening in our local market. There could be more opportunities than you think.
How does knowing investors are buying fewer homes change the way you see your chances in today’s market?
The information contained, and the opinions expressed, in this article are not intended to be construed as investment advice. The Home Run Team, Ltd. does not guarantee or warrant the accuracy or completeness of the information or opinions contained herein. Nothing herein should be construed as investment advice. You should always conduct your own research and due diligence and obtain professional advice before making any investment decision. The Home Run Team, Ltd. will not be liable for any loss or damage caused by your reliance on the information or opinions contained herein.
Mortgage rates have been volatile recently, but there is ways that you can control it. Here's how.
You can control your credit score, loan type, and loan term. That way, you can get the best rate possible in today’s market.
Spring time is the best time of the year for sellers. So, don't waste anytime - list your house ASAP.
If you're a seller, there's a lot of things you need to focus on, but one thing must be right to be successful: the asking price.
In the past, spring has been the best time to sell. And it isn't any different this year.
The best time to get serious about buying is before you’re ready to buy. Here’s why.
Before you hit pause on your plans to buy or sell a home, take a deep breath. The truth is: the housing market isn’t crashing. It's actually shifting in your favor.
When buying a home, you should look to get any advantage you can. Here's how a tax refund can help.
If you’re getting a tax refund this year, you can use it to your advantage. Here's how.
We're here to help people live wealthier lives and enjoy more freedom by educating and guiding them through their lifelong real estate journey. Whether you're buying a home, looking to sell or relocate, or are an investor, we can help you. No agents will work harder for you, because to us, going to bat for you, isn't work. That's just what you do when you're a team.