Real estate investors accounted for a record-high 33% of all single-family home purchases in the U.S. during the second quarter of 2025, according to the latest Investor Pulse™ Report from BatchData. This marks the highest share in five years and reflects a growing trend of investor activity in the housing market, particularly from “mom-and-pop” buyers who now own over 90% of all investor-held homes. In contrast, large institutional investors have been net sellers for six straight quarters. Despite this national trend, Missouri’s investor footprint remains relatively modest, coming in just under the national average, based on visual analysis of the Q2 2025 U.S. investor ownership map.
Missouri does not appear in the top tier of investor ownership by percentage, like Montana or Maine (both at 31%), but certain metro areas including St. Louis have seen steady growth in investor interest. The report notes that investors across the country are gravitating toward lower-priced properties, with the average investor purchase price coming in at $455,481, compared to a national average of $512,800. This value-driven approach likely aligns with many St. Louis-area purchases, where property values tend to be more affordable than coastal or high-demand urban markets.
Institutional investors, though representing just 2% of all investor-owned homes nationally, continue to play a strategic role. One such institutional buyer is Truehold, which has become a recognizable name in the St. Louis area. Since launching in 2021, Truehold has acquired approximately 1,000 homes locally, and I’m proud to say our firm,
MORE, REALTORS®, has had the opportunity to represent Truehold in their St. Louis acquisitions. Our work with them highlights the importance of strong local representation in today’s competitive investment environment.
While investor activity nationwide continues to rise, Missouri’s role in this movement is nuanced. The state’s relative affordability and stable rental market make it attractive to smaller investors looking for long-term value, and the presence of institutional buyers like Truehold indicates there’s still opportunity at scale for strategic acquisition. As investor activity remains high and traditional sales struggle to gain ground, these purchases are helping provide liquidity and keep inventory moving.
