There’s plenty of conversation about why homes feel so expensive. And according to a recent national survey, nearly half of Americans believe big investors are the main reason.

In fact, 48% of Americans surveyed think investors are the top cause of high housing costs (source).

The Truth About Investors

Investors do play a role in the housing market—especially in select neighborhoods—but they’re not the main reason prices feel out of reach.

Nationwide, Realtor.com found only 2.8% of all home purchases last year were made by big investors (defined as those owning 50+ properties). That means about 97% of homes were bought by regular people, not corporations.

“Investors do own significant shares of housing in some neighborhoods, but nationwide, the share of investor-owned housing is not a major concern.”

So if it’s not investors, what’s really driving up home prices in Tampa Bay?

What’s Actually Behind Today’s Home Prices

The bigger issue isn’t *who’s buying*—it’s *what’s missing*: enough homes to meet buyer demand.

“It’s been popular among some to blame investors, but the economics don’t make a lot of sense. The real driver of housing costs is the shortage itself—there are simply more households than available homes.”

In short, the supply of homes for sale hasn’t kept up with demand for years. That imbalance has fueled higher prices everywhere, including here in Tampa Bay, Hillsborough County, and surrounding areas.

What This Means for Tampa Bay Buyers

The good news? Inventory is finally improving. More listings are hitting the market this fall, and that shift could create better opportunities for first-time and move-up buyers alike.

If you’ve been waiting for the right moment to buy, now’s the time to get prepared so you can act quickly as new homes appear.

Bottom Line

It’s easy to believe big investors caused today’s housing challenges—but the real issue is the shortage of homes. As new inventory arrives, buying may start to feel more realistic again across Tampa Bay.

Let’s connect to talk about what’s happening in our local market and find your best next step.