- In Q1 2025, investors purchased 27% of all U.S. homes sold — a five-year high.
- This marks a sharp increase from the 18.5% average between 2020–2023.
- 265,000 homes were bought by investors in the first quarter alone.
- Sluggish traditional buyer activity, due to high prices and mortgage rates, helped push investor share higher.
- Many investors are paying in cash or leveraging equity, bypassing the high-rate environment.
- Institutional investor activity is shrinking, with mom-and-pop investors (owning 1–5 homes) now representing 85% of investor-owned properties.
- The U.S. housing market continues to underperform, with home sales at their lowest in nearly 30 years.
Why It Matters for Arizona Investors
- Rising investor share confirms that rentals — especially single-family homes — remain in demand.
- Traditional buyers are sidelined, boosting demand for rental housing.
- Landlords with access to cash or low financing have a competitive advantage in this environment.
- Build-to-rent and cash-flow-focused investors are better positioned than ever.