BlackRock and Housing: Setting the Record Straight

Recently, BlackRock has been the subject of speculation, misperception, and even mistaken identity in media reports and on social media regarding our role in the U.S. housing market.

We want to make perfectly clear: BlackRock is not buying individual houses in the U.S.

A number of other large asset managers and private equity firms are very active today in purchasing single-family residences. BlackRock is sometimes confused with them.

As a fiduciary asset manager, we invest and manage capital on behalf of our clients in a vast array of public and private U.S. real estate markets – but buying individual homes is not one of them.

Below are facts on how we DO participate in the U.S. real estate market.

Providing capital for mortgages to help American families buy new homes

BlackRock is a significant investor in mortgage securities, helping make capital available to individuals and families seeking to purchase homes.

Providing capital for new housing construction

BlackRock is invested in several programs that are providing financing to build new homes and add to U.S. housing supply.

Most recently, we began investing in new construction, purpose-built for-rent housing developments that add supply to the market and address the increasing demand we see for this property type. Our focus is on building single-family rental housing that can be managed and operated similar to multifamily properties with dedicated property management, leasing and amenities.

Other U.S. real estate investments

Additionally, BlackRock invests in multifamily properties, apartment complexes, and other residential real estate.

Bottom Line: BlackRock is an active investor in the U.S. real estate market, but we are not among the institutional investors buying single-family homes.