Wall Street property buyers prepare a counterproposal following Trump’s warning

Wall Street Homebuyers Respond to Trump’s Housing Market Proposal

Photographer: Zak Bennett/Bloomberg

After President Donald Trump’s recent comments targeting institutional homebuyers, major players on Wall Street are developing their own strategies to address concerns about being excluded from the housing market.

Stephen Scherr, Co-President of Pretium, shared in a Bloomberg Television interview that industry leaders are already discussing potential solutions. “If the administration were to meet with us, we could collaborate on a comprehensive proposal,” Scherr explained, noting that internal conversations are underway.

Trending Stories from Bloomberg

Although single-family rental firms have faced political scrutiny for years, Trump’s recent social media call to prohibit institutional home purchases caught many in the sector off guard.

Subsequent statements from Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent indicated that the administration may focus on limiting future acquisitions by large companies, rather than requiring firms such as Invitation Homes Inc. or Blackstone’s Tricon Residential to sell their existing properties.

Scherr, whose firm is a leading owner of single-family rental properties, suggested that expanding rent-to-own initiatives could help more individuals build credit and save for homeownership.

Stephen Scherr, Co-President of Pretium, discusses with Tim Stenovec and Emily Graffeo how housing affordability is emerging as a key issue for the Trump administration in 2026. Source: Bloomberg

He described a model where a portion of rent payments is set aside to help tenants accumulate a down payment. “Picture a system where rent contributes to a deposit account for a future home purchase,” Scherr said.

Scherr also proposed that both banks and government-backed organizations could participate in these efforts. “Imagine mortgage rates in the 1% to 2% range,” he suggested. “We could also partner with homebuilders to create smaller, more affordable homes.”

Having previously served as CFO at Goldman Sachs, Scherr emphasized that companies like Pretium are already working to lower housing costs by investing in new rental developments, particularly in areas facing the most severe shortages.

“The president has brought a vital issue to the forefront,” Scherr remarked. “There’s a real chance to craft a significant housing bill, and we’re ready to contribute.”

Reporting contributed by Sridhar Natarajan, Tim Stenovec, and Emily Graffeo.

Popular Reads from Bloomberg Businessweek

©2026 Bloomberg L.P.