First-Time Buyers vs. Investors: David Still Wins—But Not Everywhere
Investors are grabbing a growing share of America’s starter homes—but first-time buyers still win 69% of the time nationally. Tim Lucas and Craig Berry break down new research from Neighbors Bank showing where first-time buyers thrive, where investors dominate, and why the picture varies so dramatically city by city.
In this episode you’ll learn:
- National breakdown: First-time buyers claim 69% of starter homes; investors take 31%.
- Hotspots for investors: Cities like Miami (57%) see investors buying more than half of all entry-level homes.
- Who owns our neighborhoods: About 1 in 11 U.S. homes is investor-owned, but in places like St. Louis and Harrisonburg, that jumps past 20%.
- Why local laws matter: Cities with tighter rules on short-term rentals or investor limits see more successful first-time buyers.
- The core tension: Large investors provide needed rentals—but also squeeze out aspiring homeowners.
- The path forward: More affordable housing, smart ownership policies, and balancing investor participation without letting them dominate.
