#United States #New York #affordable housing #Safehold #Ivory Prize

Safehold Named Finalist for the 2026 Ivory Prize

In an exciting announcement for the real estate sector, Safehold Inc., recognized for its pioneering efforts in the modern ground lease industry, has been named a finalist for the prestigious 2026 Ivory Prize for Housing Affordability. This award honors organizations that exemplify significant innovation in the realm of affordable housing, addressing crucial challenges related to finance, construction, and policy.

Bridging Capital Gaps

Steve Wylder, the Head of Investments at Safehold, expressed pride in their selection, highlighting the company's commitment to tackling the profound unmet demand for affordable housing solutions. The rise in interest rates and escalating construction costs have created a challenging environment for developers. Safehold's unique ground lease capital approach has been instrumental in alleviating these pressures, allowing projects to advance where they might otherwise stall. This innovative financing model is pivotal in bridging crucial gaps in the capital structure, thereby enabling developers to pursue impactful projects.

The Ivory Prize is awarded annually, celebrating groundbreaking, scalable solutions aimed at improving housing affordability in the United States. Chad Reed, the Vice President of Programs and Strategy at Ivory Innovations, stated, "There is no silver bullet for our nation's housing crisis, but this year's finalists are delivering proven solutions to the diverse set of challenges that keep costs high." The existence of the Ivory Prize underscores the importance of recognizing and sharing successful strategies within a sector that can frequently be fragmented and risk-averse.

Expanding Investment in Affordable Housing

In a proactive move, Safehold established a dedicated Affordable Housing team in 2025 with a clear mission: to amplify their investments in this critical sector. This initiative aims to contribute significantly to the national effort of addressing housing shortages and affordability, ensuring that more families have access to safe and comfortable housing options.

The recognition as a finalist for the Ivory Prize is not just a testament to Safehold's innovative approach but also a reflection of their strategic vision that prioritizes sustainable development and responsible investment. As the company continues to lead in redefining real estate ownership through its modern ground lease framework, it is poised to inspire and influence the industry's approach to affordable housing going forward.

Safehold, listed on the NYSE under the symbol SAFE, is committed to revolutionizing real estate ownership by unlocking the value of the land beneath buildings. Established in 2017, the company continues to assist owners in various property types—including multifamily, affordable housing, office space, and more—helping them to achieve higher returns while mitigating risks.

To learn more about Safehold and its innovative solutions for affordable housing, interested parties can visit their dedicated site at Safehold Affordable Housing.

Conclusion

The recognition of Safehold as a finalist for the 2026 Ivory Prize affirms the company’s trajectory towards tackling critical housing affordability challenges. With its innovative financing solutions and a dedicated approach to expanding investments in the sector, Safehold is not just fulfilling a corporate responsibility—it's reshaping the landscape of affordable housing in the United States.