Imagine getting an alert for a brand-new home listing, calling to ask about it, and finding out it’s already under contract. That’s been the reality for Florida buyers for, well, years. On January 7, 2025, President Donald Trump announced he’s taking immediate steps to ban large institutional investors from buying more single-family homes. “People live in homes, not corporations,” he said, calling out the role big investment firms have played in making homeownership harder for everyday Americans.

If you’re planning to buy a home in Florida in 2026, this could be a big deal. Large investors have been scooping up thousands of single-family homes across the state, from Tampa to Jacksonville to Miami. Many of these homes are turned into rentals, which has pushed prices up and made it harder for first-time buyers and families to compete.

How Institutional Investors Impact Florida’s Housing Market

Since 2020, big investment firms have bought up single-family homes in Florida like mad. Those were the days of low interest rates and easy borrowing which made it easier for these investors here and overseas to snatch up Florida properties, often paying above asking price. Today, corporate investors own well over 117,000 homes across the state. That drove up competition and pushed overall home prices higher. Neighborhoods that used to be more affordable for families are now dominated by rental homes owned by large companies. For buyers, this has meant a tougher market and fewer opportunities to get into their first home. Trump’s plan to limit investor purchases could help shift that balance, giving families a better chance to buy a home of their own.

If investor activity as out of the picture, regular buyers could start seeing more opportunities. Homes that might have gone to big investment firms could now be up for grabs for families who actually want to live in them. With fewer investor bids, prices might not climb as quickly, especially in busy Florida markets like Tampa, Jacksonville, Miami, and Fort Lauderdale. It doesn’t mean homes will suddenly be cheap, but first-time buyers could have a better shot at neighborhoods that have been mostly dominated by investors in recent years.

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🏡 Find new homes as soon as they’re listed

🤝 Get help from a local expert anytime

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 700+ 5-star reviews

Even with a potential ban on investor buying, the Florida housing market isn’t going to change overnight. Buyers will still need to be ready to act quickly when they find a home they like. Getting pre-approved for a mortgage, knowing which neighborhoods you can afford, and working with a high-rated agent who understands the local market are all essential. Tools like Vreeland’s pre-approval process can help you move quickly when the right home comes up.

Start Your Homeownership Journey With Us

In 2025, we had the privilege of helping over 500 families find homes they could truly call their own. Trump’s announcement is a reminder that homeownership is about people and families, not corporations. Limiting investor purchases could open new opportunities for buyers in Florida, but success still comes down to preparation, timing, and having the right guidance.

At Vreeland Real Estate, we’re dedicated to helping families navigate the homebuying process. From first-time buyers to growing families, we guide you through every step so you can confidently make one of the biggest decisions of your life. Ready to take the next step? Let’s make your homeownership goals a reality.