Trump Signs Executive Order Banning Large Institutions from Buying Single-Family Homes

President Donald Trump signed an executive order on Tuesday, January 20, 2026, prohibiting large institutional investors from purchasing single-family homes. The move comes ahead of his appearance at the World Economic Forum in Davos, where he is expected to outline efforts to address housing affordability. The order establishes a multi-phase process: the Treasury Department has one month to define “large institutional investors” and “single-family homes.” Within 60 days, federal agencies will assess how to block insurance, guarantees, securitization, or facilitation of such purchases. The Justice Department and Federal Trade Commission will conduct antitrust reviews of major institutional acquisitions. The administration also plans to prioritize sales to owner-occupants and develop legislative tools. Following the announcement, the S&P 1500 Homebuilding Index fell, with Blackstone Inc. (BX), Toll Brothers (TOL), Invitation Homes (INVH), and PulteGroup (PHM) all posting declines. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent clarified the policy targets only the largest real estate investors, not individual landlords owning five to 12 properties for retirement.