MetroTex Brings Housing Supply Solutions to Capitol Hill
Housing affordability remains one of the most pressing challenges facing communities across North Texas and the nation. As inventory shortages continue to affect buyers, REALTORS® are increasingly focused on policies that can help expand housing supply and improve access to homeownership.
That was the message MetroTex members brought to Washington, D.C., during the 2026 REALTORS® Legislative Meetings. While meeting with members of Congress and their staff, MetroTex REALTORS® advocated for several pieces of federal legislation designed to increase housing availability, modernize housing policy, and support the real estate professionals who help consumers navigate the housing market.
Among the numerous bills discussed, one stood out as the major focus, the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act.
Addressing Institutional Investor Ownership
A key provision within the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act seeks to limit the ability of large institutional investors to acquire and hold significant numbers of single-family homes.
Over the past decade, institutional investors have become increasingly active participants in residential real estate markets across the country, including portions of North Texas. In some markets, large investment firms have purchased substantial numbers of homes for use as rental properties, competing directly with prospective owner-occupants.
By reducing institutional investor activity in the single-family market, lawmakers hope to create additional opportunities for individual buyers while helping improve housing affordability over the long term.
Additional Housing Supply Reforms
While institutional investor restrictions received significant attention, the ROAD to Housing Act also includes several additional provisions aimed at encouraging housing production.
The legislation would streamline certain federal environmental review processes that can delay housing development projects and add costs to new construction. Supporters believe reducing unnecessary regulatory delays could help bring housing to market more efficiently.
The bill also seeks to modernize HUD policies affecting smaller multifamily developments, potentially making it easier to build duplexes, triplexes, fourplexes, and small apartment communities often referred to as “missing middle” housing.
Another provision promotes manufactured housing as an affordable homeownership option by encouraging the removal of barriers that limit its development and deployment.
Finally, the legislation seeks to improve access to smaller-scale financing, helping facilitate development and rehabilitation projects that often struggle to obtain loans under $100,000.
Together, these reforms are designed to increase housing production and create a wider variety of housing options for consumers.
“America has a shortage of more than 4 million homes, and the solution starts with smart policy,” said MetroTex Chair Franceanna Campagna. “Our meetings on Capitol Hill gave MetroTex a chance to bring that message directly to lawmakers and make the case for concrete legislation that will open the door for more Americans to buy a home.”
Other REALTOR® Priorities
MetroTex members also advocated for several additional federal initiatives supported by the National Association of REALTORS®.
The More Homes on the Market Act would update the federal capital gains exclusion on the sale of a primary residence, which has remained unchanged since 1997. REALTORS® believe modernizing these thresholds could encourage more longtime homeowners to sell, increasing available inventory.
The Revitalizing Downtowns and Main Streets Act would encourage the conversion of underutilized office buildings and commercial properties into housing and mixed-use developments, helping create new housing opportunities while revitalizing existing communities.
MetroTex members also supported the Association Health Plans Act, which would expand access to affordable health insurance options for REALTORS® and other independent contractors.
REALTORS® as Housing Advocates
The Capitol Hill meetings reinforced the important role REALTORS® play in shaping housing policy at every level of government. Because REALTORS® work directly with buyers and sellers every day, they often see firsthand how inventory shortages, affordability challenges, and housing regulations impact consumers.
“REALTORS® are on the front lines of the housing market every day, and we see firsthand how the shortage affects families and communities,” Campagna said. “The lawmakers we met with were receptive to our ideas and understand that investing in housing supply and supporting the professionals who help people buy and sell homes is good for the economy and good for America.” As North Texas continues to grow, policies that increase housing supply and improve affordability will remain critical to the region’s long-term success. Through advocacy efforts in Washington and at home, MetroTex remains committed to advancing solutions that support homeownership, strengthen communities, and ensure the housing market works for everyone.