hold on there's just too much going on in Congress lmao...
Taxes large investment firms buying and holding single-family homes.
Senators Merkley (D-OR) and Hawley (R-MO)
Introduced in the Senate, currently in committee
This bill targets large investment firms (defined as those managing $50M+ from investors) by imposing a 15% excise tax on single-family home purchases, adding a 5% corporate surtax, and removing certain tax deductions for these properties. Senators Jeff Merkley (D-OR) and Josh Hawley (R-MO) introduced it. It has been referred to the Senate Committee on Finance for review.
Introduced Feb 26, 2026
This bill was introduced in the Senate by Senators Merkley and Hawley and has been referred to the Committee on Finance. For it to become law, it would need to pass through this committee, be voted on and passed by the full Senate, then pass the House of Representatives, and finally be signed by the President.
If this bill becomes law, large investment firms that buy and rent out single-family homes could face significantly higher costs due to new taxes and loss of deductions. This might discourage them from purchasing such properties, potentially leading to fewer institutional buyers competing with individual families for homes. The goal is to make the housing market more accessible to individual homeowners.
Supporters Say
They believe taxing large corporate landlords will reduce competition, making homes more affordable for individual buyers.
Critics Say
Might argue it interferes with free markets or could have unintended consequences on housing supply or rental prices.
Proponents argue that institutional investors are driving up housing prices and making it difficult for first-time homebuyers to compete, and this bill aims to level the playing field. Opponents might raise concerns about government intervention in real estate markets or argue that the tax could be passed on to renters, or reduce the availability of rental units.