Growing Concern: Americans Attribute High Housing Costs to Real Estate Investors Amid Trump's Planned Regulations

The Rising Tide of Housing Prices: The Role of Investors

As the housing market continues to experience unprecedented price increases, a recent report has emerged that highlights a significant public sentiment: 73% of Americans believe that real estate investors are the culprits behind the lack of affordable housing in the United States. This finding comes on the heels of anticipated restrictions from former President Trump on institutional investments in single-family homes, as the administration seeks to address the widening gap in home affordability.

Public Sentiment on Housing Affordability

According to the report released by Clever Offers, a platform aimed at aiding home sellers, a staggering 79% of Americans support the regulation of the housing market. This marks a critical juncture in public opinion, indicating a growing discontent with how real estate investors have purportedly influenced pricing structures. Interestingly, although more than half of the respondents (54%) express dissatisfaction with Trump's administration's handling of the housing crisis, the call for tighter regulations on investors has emerged as a priority. A considerable 12% of Americans cited the need for stricter regulations as one of their top desired changes in the real estate market.

Around 62% of real estate investors have admitted their role in driving home prices upwards, particularly in markets popular with first-time buyers. Consequently, it’s no surprise that many Gen Z buyers—approximately 11%—have identified these investors as the primary factor contributing to the affordability crisis.

The Dynamic Between Sellers and Investors

The public's trust in real estate investors continues to dwindle. Recent statistics reveal that 44% of home sellers would actively avoid selling their property to investors, an increase from 38% just two years prior. This skepticism extends further, with 32% of sellers viewing real estate investors as untrustworthy. Such sentiments have implications for the entire industry, posing questions about the future of investment in residential real estate.

Moreover, cash-buying companies, which offer rapid home sales for cash, also face scrutiny with 60% of Americans branding these firms as scams. Notably, nearly 38% of people consider cash-buying companies the least favorable option for selling a home. A troubling trend is observed, as 27% of sellers who sold to a cash buyer and 25% who used an iBuyer express regret about their decisions, reflecting a broader concern over the safeguarding of sellers' interests in the current market.

Investors: A Double-Edged Sword

While investors are often viewed as providing liquidity to the housing market, the majority perspective among the public increasingly suggests that their activities contribute to unmanageable increases in home prices. According to the research, initial home buyers frequently report feeling priced out of the market as investors target competitive pricing segments, particularly starter homes.

The statistics paint a concerning picture. The majority of Americans are re-evaluating their priorities in the housing market landscape and understanding the landscape requires examining the roles both investors and regulations play. In addressing the challenges, it is crucial to balance the interests of current homeowners, prospective buyers, and the strategic investments that can contribute to economic resilience.

A Call for Change

The reported sentiment points towards a desire for policy reforms aimed at addressing the balance of power between investors and traditional buyers. With the 2026 political landscape evolving, the forthcoming actions by the Trump administration could drastically reshape how real estate investments operate, potentially steering the focus towards more equitable homeownership opportunities. As new proposals are anticipated, the dialogue surrounding housing affordability and the accountability of real estate investors will be at the forefront of national discussions.

With ongoing shifts in both public opinion and market dynamics, the future of the real estate industry hangs in the balance. How regulations adapt to address these concerns remains to be seen, but public awareness and advocacy for sustainable affordability in the housing market are imperative to ensuring resilience in this crucial economic sector.