Trump moves to ban large investors from buying single-family homes

President Trump said he is taking steps to ban large institutional investors from buying single-family homes and will ask Congress to codify the change; it is unclear whether the administration can implement such a ban without congressional approval.

President Trump announced steps to ban large institutional investors from purchasing single-family homes and said he will call on Congress to codify that change. The administration framed the move as part of efforts to address housing affordability and said more housing plans are coming in the weeks ahead. Observers and housing experts have previously noted investor activity as one factor in local markets. Key facts: - The president said he is "immediately taking steps to ban large institutional investors from buying more single-family homes" and will ask Congress to codify the change. - Officials stated it is unclear whether the administration can implement such a ban without congressional approval. - Institutional and other investors bought a substantial share of single-family homes in recent years; at the 2022 peak they purchased more than one in every four single-family homes sold. - A 2024 Government Accountability Office analysis reported that large institutions owned large shares of rental homes in some cities, and several states have previously proposed restrictions on investor purchases. Summary: The announcement frames a federal response to concerns about housing affordability and investor purchases. The administration plans to seek congressional action and to roll out additional housing proposals in coming weeks. Whether the ban can be carried out without congressional approval is currently unclear.