Last year saw a record-setting shift in the housing market as real estate investors unloaded homes at a pace we haven’t seen in over two decades. According to the 2025 Investor Report released by Realtor.com, nearly 11% of all U.S. home sales in 2024 came from investors—the highest level since this data began in 2001. Unlike during the pandemic boom, this uptick wasn’t about cashing in on appreciation. It was about cutting losses in a softer market with declining rents.
Missouri was at the epicenter of this trend, tying with Oklahoma for the highest percentage of investor sales at 16.7%. Missouri also led the nation in investor purchases, with 21.2% of homes sold going to investors. This kind of two-sided investor activity highlights the attractiveness of Missouri’s market—relatively affordable prices combined with rental rates that still outperform the national median. Here in the St. Louis metro area, investor activity remained strong, while cities like Kansas City also drew heavy investor attention. While these purchases can add to rental inventory, they also make it more difficult for first-time and budget-conscious buyers to compete in the lower-priced segment. If you’re trying to navigate this challenging landscape, it helps to have an experienced pro by your side. If you’re not already working with someone, I’d suggest checking out MORE, REALTORS®.
