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Senate Advances Bipartisan Housing Bill as Investor Cap Sets Up House Clash

House leaders say investor restrictions in the Senate bill may force a conference committee.

Overview

  • The Scott–Warren package cleared another Senate procedural vote after an earlier 89–9 tally, with a final vote expected before the chamber departs Thursday.
  • The bill couples supply-side steps—faster federal reviews, easier office-to-housing conversions, factory-built housing updates, and expanded affordable financing—with a temporary central bank digital currency freeze.
  • Investor rules would bar entities owning more than 350 single-family homes from buying additional ones and impose a seven-year sell requirement on build-to-rent holdings, with carveouts Scott says include relief if a sale fails within 60 days and exemptions for some REITs.
  • Industry groups including the National Association of Home Builders warn the limits could curb build-to-rent investment and reduce new supply, while Sen. Brian Schatz raised concerns the thresholds could unintentionally sweep up a broad range of rental operators.
  • House Republicans signaled the Senate language will not pass as written, with Majority Leader Steve Scalise indicating the bill will likely head to a conference to reconcile differences with the House version that omitted investor restrictions.