Assemblyman Brian Maher (R,C–Walden) is voicing support for recent federal action aimed at limiting large institutional investors from purchasing single-family homes, while calling for similar protections to be considered in New York state.

Earlier this year, the White House announced an executive order to restrict large Wall Street-backed firms from competing with individual homebuyers, prioritizing families and first-time buyers in the housing market.

The policy directs federal agencies to limit government-backed financing and programs that facilitate bulk purchases of homes by institutional investors, while also increasing oversight of anti-competitive, large-scale acquisitions.

Maher said the move highlights a growing concern that corporate investors are pricing families out of the housing market and turning neighborhoods into investment portfolios rather than communities.

“Assemblyman Brian Maher believes that homeownership should be within reach for hardworking families, not large corporations with unlimited resources,” said Meghan Hurlburt, chief of staff to Assemblyman Maher. “When Wall Street firms can outbid first-time buyers, it drives up prices and makes it harder for families to put down roots in their own communities.”

According to federal officials, institutional investors have increasingly purchased single-family homes in recent years, reducing the supply of available housing and contributing to rising costs in many markets.

Maher said New York must take a closer look at how similar trends may be impacting local communities, particularly as affordability remains a top concern for residents across the Hudson Valley.

“The housing crisis we are facing isn’t just about supply—it’s about affordability and fairness,” Hurlburt added. “We should be exploring policies that prioritize homeownership opportunities for families and prevent large-scale corporate ownership from distorting the market.”

As we tackle the housing crisis, Assemblyman Maher would like to acknowledge and encourage local investors who work to improve housing stock by purchasing homes, fixing them, and then selling them.While these transactions can take place using corporations, some with substantial assets, those investors should sell these homes within four years.This would allow for housing stock to be improved while giving a flexible time frame in the event of economic downturn or supply chain issues related to capital improvements.We want to put an end to corporations buying up single family homes and then letting them sit vacant or simply renting them out to local families.

Maher’s office said he will continue working with colleagues to evaluate potential state-level solutions that protect homebuyers, support local communities and ensure New Yorkers have a fair opportunity to achieve homeownership.