Why Housing Feels Expensive (Hint: It’s Not Investors)

The Real Reason Homes Cost So Much — And It’s Not What You Think

Scroll through your feed and you’ll see plenty of finger-pointing about why homes cost so much. And according to a recent national survey, a lot of people believe big investors are to blame.

Nearly half of Americans surveyed (48%) think investors are the top reason housing feels so expensive (see graph below).

But here’s the thing — that theory doesn’t hold up once you look at the data.

The Truth About Investors

Investors do play a role in the housing market, especially in certain neighborhoods or metro areas. But they’re not buying up all the homes like many viral posts suggest.

Nationwide, Realtor.com found that only 2.8% of all home purchases last year were made by big investors — meaning those who own more than 50 properties.

That means roughly 97% of homes were bought and sold by everyday people, not corporate giants.

As Danielle Hale, Chief Economist at Realtor.com, explains:

“Investors do own significant shares of the housing stock in some neighborhoods, but nationwide, the share of investor-owned housing is not a major concern.”

So if it’s not investors, what’s really driving prices up?

What’s Really Behind Today’s Home Prices

The real story behind rising home prices has far less to do with who’s buying and much more to do with what’s missing — enough homes.

Robert Dietz, Chief Economist at the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), sums it up perfectly:

“It’s been popular among some to blame investors, but with housing, the economics of that don’t make a lot of sense. The fundamental driver of housing costs is the shortage itself — it’s driven by the fact that there’s a mismatch between the number of households and the actual size of the housing stock.”

In short, we don’t have enough homes for everyone who wants one.

For over a decade, builders underproduced new homes — especially entry-level ones. And while construction is picking back up, there’s still a long way to go to close that gap.

That shortage, not investor activity, is what’s been pushing prices higher across the country.

Why This Matters for You

It’s easy to get caught up in headlines or social media posts that oversimplify what’s happening in the housing market. But understanding the real issue — the lack of supply — helps you make smarter decisions as a buyer or seller.

If you’re buying, it means patience and persistence matter. More homes are coming, and with that, more options and potentially better prices.

If you’re selling, it means there’s still strong demand for well-priced, well-presented homes — especially in areas where inventory remains tight.

Bottom Line

It’s tempting to blame investors for today’s housing challenges. But the data shows the real issue is much simpler: we just need more homes.

As new listings and new construction continue to rise, buying may start to feel more realistic again.

💬 Curious what the supply looks like in your local market?
Connect with a local real estate agent who can walk you through the latest trends and what they mean for your next move.