Investor Selling Hits Record High in 2024
Slice of Real Estate Team
Jun 12, 2025
Key highlights
- Investor sellers reached a record 10.8% of the housing market in 2024.
- Small investors now dominate, accounting for 59.2% of investor purchases.
- All-cash investor purchases fell to their lowest level since 2008.
- Missouri, Oklahoma, and Kansas led in investor buying activity.
- California, Minnesota, and Oregon saw the largest net investor exits.
Notable Quotes
“ Nationwide, investors picked up more homes on net in 2024, as smaller investors were a growing majority of investor buyers. But with investor selling at a new high, the market saw the smallest net investor buying activity in five years, lessening one of the notable headwinds for entry-level buyers who often compete with investors. ”
Danielle Hale, Chief Economist at Realtor.com®
“ In some states like Hawaii, Montana and Washington, D.C., investors are still net buyers, competing with first-time buyers for entry-level housing inventory. This contrasts with markets like California, Minnesota and Oregon, where investors are net sellers, creating opportunities for aspiring homeowners. ”
Hannah Jones, Senior Economic Research Analyst at Realtor.com®
Why This Matters
The record-high level of investor selling reflects a significant shift in the U.S. housing market as it moves beyond the pandemic-driven frenzy. Increased inventory, stabilized home prices, and easing rents are changing investment dynamics. The rising share of small investors signals a democratization of market participation, while the decline in all-cash purchases indicates evolving financing strategies amid tighter economic conditions. For first-time buyers and entry-level homeowners, the reduced net investor demand in some regions may open more opportunities to access housing.
