New Report Reveals Growing Corporate Ownership of Residential Land Across the U.S.
New Report Reveals Growing Corporate Ownership of Residential Land Across the U.S.
A recent analysis by the Lincoln Institute of Land Policy and the Center for Geospatial Solutions (CGS) sheds light on the troubling trend of corporate ownership in the residential real estate market across the United States. This study reveals that corporations have acquired a notable share of residential properties, amounting to approximately 8.9% of parcels across 500 counties, suggesting a significant shift in land ownership dynamics that could affect local communities and housing affordability.
Analysis Overview
The report, released in November 2025, provides a detailed examination of the landscape of land ownership, focusing on the implications of corporate control in housing markets. The report analyzed specific counties and identified notable communities where corporate dominance is particularly high. For instance, cities like St. Louis, Missouri, and Harrisonburg, Virginia, see corporate ownership exceeding 20% of residential parcels, highlighting stark disparities between different regions.
Methodology
To create a comprehensive understanding of these ownership patterns, the CGS deployed a proprietary methodology known as Who Owns America® (WHOA). This methodology allows for a thorough, standardized examination of ownership records, making it easier for policymakers and stakeholders to visualize trends and develop informed strategies moving forward. The research meticulously traces ownership across various corporate structures and state lines, resulting in a clearer picture of land control.
Implications of Corporate Control
The report underscores the economic, social, and environmental implications of increased corporate ownership in residential land. The shift toward corporate control is often linked to rising housing costs and accessibility issues for low-income families, compounding existing inequities in urban environments. Furthermore, by mapping out land ownership at the parcel level, the study reveals crucial insights that can help inform actionable policy responses.
Case Studies
The data-driven analysis includes three key case studies in postindustrial cities: St. Louis, Cleveland, and Baltimore. Each of these cities serves as a critical touchpoint to explore the relationship between corporate real estate investment and local community outcomes. The findings illustrate a connection between corporate ownership patterns and community demographics, raising concerns about the overall impacts on local governance and social fabric.
Policy Recommendations
With the disturbing trends highlighted in the report, policymakers are urged to act strategically to preserve affordable housing and local control. The document outlines actionable recommendations for communities, including:
- - Establishing Rental Registries: Maintaining comprehensive databases to track rental properties and trends;
- - Tax Relief Programs: Creating initiatives to offer tax breaks for affordable housing developments;
- - Philanthropic and Municipal Buybacks: Encouraging local governments to purchase land back from corporate entities for community use;
- - Community Land Trusts: Promoting land trust models to manage and maintain community land resources effectively.
These solutions aim not only to combat the rising trend of corporate ownership but to foster resilient communities that prioritize the needs of their residents over corporate interests.
Moving Forward
As corporations continue to increase their stakes in residential properties, the report stresses the necessity of sustained public awareness and policy action. "Policymakers can't protect affordability if they can't see who controls the land beneath our feet," asserted Jeff Allenby, director of innovation at CGS. With the foundations laid by this analysis, local leaders and advocates now have the tools to better understand and respond to the issues posed by corporate landownership.
In conclusion, the Lincoln Institute’s report offers vital insights and a clarion call for action in the face of rapidly shifting land ownership patterns. By acknowledging these trends, communities can enhance their resilience against the external pressures of corporate investment in housing.
For those interested in learning more, the full report is freely available on the Lincoln Institute's website.
Topics General Business）
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