economy
Could the ROAD to Housing Act actually lower home prices? Here's what experts say.
Updated on: June 22, 2026 / 6:50 PM EDT / CBS News
TL;DR
- The 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act aims to make home buying more affordable by boosting housing supply.
- It restricts institutional investors from buying single-family homes and removes regulatory barriers to construction.
- The bill establishes a $200 million annual 'Innovation Fund' for localities that increase housing supply.
- It includes a pilot program to convert vacant commercial buildings into affordable housing and supports factory-built homes.
- The median home price in the U.S. has increased significantly, with demand far outstripping supply since the Great Recession.
- The bill proposes capping institutional investors' single-family home purchases at 350 properties.
- While institutional investors own a small percentage of total U.S. housing stock, their ownership is concentrated in certain cities.
- Experts are divided on the bill's effectiveness, with some questioning if it will significantly increase supply or lower prices.