Why Are Home Prices Rising? The Truth About Investors, Inventory, and Buying in San Antonio, Bandera & Helotes

Who’s Really Driving Up Home Prices in Texas?

Scroll through your feed and you’ll probably see lots of debates about why homes are so expensive these days—some folks say big investors are to blame. But is that true? 🤔

The Real Story About Investors

It’s easy to think mega-investors are snapping up all the houses. Nationally, investors purchased about 27% of homes sold in early 2025—a new high for recent years—but the vast majority of those buyers aren’t massive corporations. Most are individuals or “mom-and-pop” investors, and large firms with 1,000+ homes only control about 2.2% of properties nationwide!​

What’s Actually Behind Rising Home Prices?

Housing prices aren’t skyrocketing just because of investor demand. The main challenge is simple: not enough homes are available for sale. Tight inventory, fueled by rising mortgage rates and homeowners staying put, means there just aren’t enough choices for buyers. This shortage, not investor activity, is why prices keep climbing in San Antonio, Bandera, Helotes, and all around the U.S..​

• Local and national buyers are competing for a limited number of homes.

• Institutional investors do target some entry-level homes—but even if they stopped buying, the shortage would continue.​

• Until more homes hit the market or mortgage rates drop, prices are likely to stay high.

The Bottom Line 🏡✨

It’s easy to point fingers at investors for today’s housing market challenges. But the real solution is building more homes and expanding options for buyers and sellers. If you want expert guidance in San Antonio, Bandera, Helotes, or the surrounding areas, connect with Krista Klause—your trusted local realtor! I help first-time buyers, experienced homeowners, and sellers succeed in this busy market every day.