Explore how the Davos 2026 Housing Shift is reclaiming the American Dream. Discover why Realbricks supports the transition of residential homes from corporate portfolios back to families. People live in homes, not corporations.

The 2026 World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, will be remembered for a singular phrase that sent shockwaves through the American residential market: "People live in homes, not corporations." President Trump’s January 2026 address and the accompanying Executive Order represent the most aggressive federal intervention in the housing market in decades.
For investors and future homeowners, the "wait and see" period is over. Here is the definitive breakdown of what was answered at Davos—and what it means for the future of democratizing real estate.
The most significant question heading into Davos was: Which companies are actually banned? * What we know: The Executive Order directs the Treasury and DOJ to target "large institutional investors"—specifically hedge funds and private equity firms that treat American neighborhoods like "trading floors."
Industry insiders were holding their breath regarding new construction. Davos provided a major clarification: The ban does not apply to Build-to-Rent communities.
The administration’s goal is to increase total housing inventory. If a corporation builds a rental community from the ground up, they are adding to the pool. The ban is strictly designed to stop them from "sniping" existing inventory that first-time buyers are traditionally after. This distinction is vital for maintaining a healthy fractional real estate market.
The Davos speech reinforced that detached single-family residential homes are the primary focus of this protection. While multi-family apartments and mixed-use projects remain largely unaffected, the "traditional American house" is now a protected asset class.
For those learning how to build a real estate portfolio, this policy effectively "clears the field" of institutional competition, potentially making it easier for individual-driven platforms to secure high-quality inventory in prime markets like Omaha.
In a surprise move, the President introduced a "fairness" argument regarding tax benefits. Currently, corporations claim depreciation to offset their tax bills on rental properties—a perk individual homeowners traditionally do not receive for their primary residences.
Trump signaled a desire to "level the playing field," hinting at new tax deductions for individual homeowners that mirror corporate benefits. For a deeper dive into how taxes currently work in this space, see our guide on understanding taxes on Realbricks.
Finally, the administration addressed the "affordability gap" by proposing that Americans be allowed to tap into their 401(k) and 529 accounts for home down payments without the standard 10% early-withdrawal penalty. This move aligns with a broader shift toward fractional real estate investment for retirement planning.
The message from Davos was clear: The "Mega-Landlord" era is facing a sunset, while the "Individual Ownership" era is entering a sunrise.
At Realbricks, we believe that 90% of millionaires own real estate for a reason. Whether you are using new tax incentives, tapping into retirement funds, or buying your first "brick" of a single-family home, the goal is the same: putting the power of property back into the hands of the people.
Ready to see how the new rules favor the individual investor? Learn how it works and start building your portfolio today.
Disclaimer: Investing in real estate involves risks, including the potential loss of capital. This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended as investment advice. Investors should perform their own research and consult with financial professionals before making investment decisions.
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