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.
Most Investors Are Small, Not Mega Investors
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.
Investor Home Purchases Are Dropping
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.
Bottom Line
While investors play a role in the real estate market, they are not buying up all the available homes. The perception that investors dominate the housing market often comes from headlines highlighting large institutional buyers, but the reality is more nuanced. Most home purchases are still made by individual buyers looking for primary residences.
Investors typically focus on properties that offer strong rental potential or opportunities for renovation and resale. They are more active in certain markets where demand for rentals is high, but they are not outbidding everyday buyers on every home. Additionally, rising interest rates and shifting market conditions have made it more challenging for investors to acquire properties in bulk.
For prospective homebuyers, this means that while competition exists, homeownership is still within reach. Strategies such as securing mortgage pre-approval, working with a knowledgeable real estate agent, and being flexible with home preferences can help buyers successfully navigate the market. Sellers, on the other hand, may find benefits in both investor and traditional homebuyer offers, depending on their priorities.
The key takeaway? Investors are a factor in the housing market, but they are not the sole reason for rising prices or housing shortages. If you’re considering buying or selling, understanding current market trends and working with real estate professionals can help you make informed decisions. Let’s connect today!
How does knowing investors are buying fewer homes change the way you see your chances in today’s market?
