- Small investors (fewer than 10 properties) bought 59.2% of all homes acquired by investors in 2024 — a record share.
- Large investors (50+ homes) scaled back, with acquisitions dropping 8.7% to their lowest level since 2018.
- Investor sellers accounted for 10.8% of all home sales — the highest level ever recorded.
- Cash sales among investors declined for the second straight year, signaling a broader shift in financing strategy.
Small Investors Take the Lead
According to GlobeSt, in 2024, small investors bought 361,900 homes — a 3.7% increase from 2023. They made up nearly 60% of all investor deals, the highest share ever. Large investors pulled back, buying just 132,500 homes — their lowest total since 2018.
Investors Selling More Homes
Investor-owned properties made up 10.8% of all home sales last year, up from 10.1% in 2023. Buyers with investor profiles accounted for 13% of all purchases. That rise is tied more to fewer total home sales than a jump in investor demand.
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Shift in Financing Strategy
Investors leaned less on cash. Among small investors, cash deals fell from 65.6% to 62%. For large investors, the share dropped from 73.2% to 68.9%. Even with the decline, investors still used cash at almost twice the rate of other buyers.
Where Investors Are Active
Missouri, Oklahoma, and Kansas were top states for investor buyers. Georgia led in investor selling. In metros, Springfield (MO), Memphis (TN), and Wichita (KS) had the highest share of investor buyers. Memphis, Oklahoma City, and Springfield led for investor sellers.
Why It Matters
With more investors selling and fewer buying, first-time buyers face less competition. Net investor buying hit a five-year low, easing one of the biggest hurdles for entry-level home seekers.
What’s Next
The housing market is still settling after the pandemic boom. More supply, slower price growth, and lower rents may encourage a broader mix of buyers in 2025. Small investors, not institutions, may continue to shape the market.
