Can Trump Lower Home Prices by Taking On Wall Street Buyers?

President Donald Trump’s pledge to bar Wall Street investors from buying single-family homes had the feel of a counterpunch on behalf of consumers frustrated by a yearslong housing crisis. But experts immediately questioned whether such a ban would do much to alleviate the high prices and supply shortages in many American communities — or even make them worse.

Trump’s proposal, which was announced via a social media post on Jan. 7 and light on details, aims to boost housing affordability at a time when millions of would-be homebuyers feel shut out of the market. While the idea rattled money managers and real estate companies, it’s unclear how much it would help unlock a frozen housing market.