President Donald Trump has taken a bold step to address the housing crunch by targeting Wall Street’s grip on single-family homes.

On Tuesday, Trump signed an executive order aimed at restricting large institutional investors from purchasing single-family homes that could be bought by owner-occupants, with the White House stating the policy seeks to support first-time buyers and keep starter homes available for families rather than corporate landlords.

The directive, titled “Stopping Wall Street from Competing with Main Street Homebuyers,” instructs multiple federal agencies, including the USDA, HUD, and the Department of Veterans Affairs, to issue guidance within 60 days to halt support for such institutional purchases through loans, insurance, or other mechanisms.

Trump Targets Wall Street Housing Dominance

Supporters of the move contend that this order is a long-overdue push to level the playing field for everyday families struggling to enter the housing market, Newsmax reported.

Trump himself noted in the order that homeownership has become “increasingly out of reach” due to economic pressures, a sentiment that rings true for many Americans watching their dreams of owning a home slip away. Let’s be honest—when families are priced out by hedge funds with deep pockets, something’s got to give.

The White House fact sheet emphasizes the goal of ensuring “large institutional investors do not buy single-family homes that could otherwise be purchased by families,” a clear jab at corporate overreach in what should be a personal milestone. If Wall Street wants to play landlord, they can stick to high-rises, not suburban cul-de-sacs.

Agencies Tasked with Swift Action

Under the order, the Treasury secretary has just 30 days to define what counts as a “large institutional investor” and a “single-family home,” setting the scope for how far these restrictions will reach. That’s a tight timeline, but it signals urgency in tackling this issue.

Several agencies are also directed to promote sales to owner-occupants through policies like first-look opportunities and disclosure rules, while discouraging federal asset sales to big investors. It’s a practical nudge—put families first, not portfolios.

There are exceptions, though, including for build-to-rent communities designed specifically as rental projects, which the order describes as “narrowly tailored exceptions.” Fair enough, but let’s hope these loopholes don’t become highways for clever corporate workarounds.

Housing Affordability Takes Center Stage

The White House has made housing affordability a key focus early in the term, especially as mortgage rates, recently at their lowest in over three years according to Freddie Mac, continue to shape buyer behavior. When rates drop, demand spikes—yet families still lose out to cash-heavy investors.

Trade reports citing BatchData’s “Investor Pulse” indicate that investors snapped up about a third of single-family homes in the third quarter of 2025, the highest share in five years, even if total transactions dipped. That’s a staggering slice of the pie, and it’s no wonder families feel squeezed out of their own neighborhoods.

Additional measures in the order target potential foul play, with antitrust enforcers like the attorney general and FTC chair tasked with scrutinizing large acquisitions for anticompetitive effects in local markets. Coordinated strategies to manipulate vacancies or pricing won’t be tolerated, and that’s a welcome shot across the bow for any bad actors.

Transparency and Accountability Mandated

HUD is also directed to demand transparency from owners and managers of single-family rentals in federal housing programs, requiring disclosure of ownership details to identify institutional ties. It’s a smart move—let’s shine a light on who’s really pulling the strings in these deals.

Finally, the order pushes for legislative recommendations to cement these restrictions into law, a signal that this isn’t just a temporary fix but a long-term fight for the American homeowner. If Congress can get on board, this could be a game-changer for housing equity—without the progressive fluff that often muddies these debates.