Investors, from small firms to larger corporations, have bought a significant share of Philadelphia homes over the past six years. Most of these properties are being rented rather than flipped, intensifying competition for local buyers. Neighborhoods with lower prices and historically Black and Hispanic populations have been most affected, causing homeownership challenges for first-time and lower-income residents.
• Investors purchased roughly one-quarter of Philadelphia single-family homes between 2017 and 2022
• Median home price rose 52 percent to $380,000 during this period while inventory halved
• Large corporate investors are more likely to file evictions, though they also fund significant property renovations
• Concentration is highest in economically challenged neighborhoods such as Brewerytown, Tioga, and Harrowgate
Philadelphia’s housing market faces a delicate balance between investor-driven renovations and maintaining accessibility for local residents. Policy measures and tenant protections may shape the city’s residential landscape in the coming years.
By: Snejana Farberov | Realtor.com | November 12, 2025
