hold on there's just too much going on in Congress lmao...
Bans large investment funds, insurance companies, and REITs from buying homes.
Senators Hawley (R-MO) and Merkley (D-OR) introduced this bill.
Introduced in the Senate, no vote yet.
This bill proposes to amend the Sherman Act, a key antitrust law, to prohibit certain large entities like real estate investment trusts, insurance companies, and investment funds with over $150 million in assets from purchasing residential real estate. Senators Josh Hawley (R-MO) and Jeff Merkley (D-OR) introduced the bill, which has been referred to the Senate Committee on the Judiciary. As it has just been introduced, no votes have been taken, and it has a long path ahead to become law.
Introduced Feb 26, 2026
This bill has been introduced in the Senate and assigned to the Committee on the Judiciary. Before it can move forward, the committee must review it and vote to send it to the full Senate. If it passes the Senate, it would then need to pass the House of Representatives and be signed by the President to become law.
The bill would restrict certain large entities from purchasing residential properties like single-family homes, condominiums, townhouses, and land zoned for these uses. It would also direct the Department of Justice's Antitrust Division to prioritize investigating anti-competitive effects and enforcing antitrust laws against coordinated practices by these large entities in local housing markets. This aims to reduce competition from institutional investors, potentially making it easier for individuals and families to buy homes and creating more opportunities for homebuilders and developers to sell directly to them.
Supporters Say
Supporters believe limiting corporate home purchases will make housing more accessible and affordable for families.
Critics Say
The bill text does not detail specific criticisms or opposing viewpoints.
The core argument in favor of this bill is that large institutional buyers drive up housing costs and make it harder for average Americans to afford homes. By amending the Sherman Act to treat these purchases as a 'restraint of trade,' the bill aims to restore balance to the housing market. Since the bill text does not include a summary of criticisms or arguments against it, potential opposing viewpoints are not detailed within the legislation itself.