Opinion: Metro Atlanta’s housing affordability
Challenges and collaborative paths forward
Published Nov 12, 2025 | James Magazine Online
Don Balfour
Executive Vice President
Ohio River South
Every day, the dream of a home in metro Atlanta slips further out of reach for thousands of families. The latest Atlanta Regional Commission (ARC) survey confirms what many already feel: housing affordability isn’t just a talking point—it’s the top concern for our neighbors, impacting everything from school choices to economic stability.
Housing affordability significantly impacts families, businesses, and the overall well-being of our community. A staggering 160,000 families are currently cost-burdened, dedicating over 50 percent of income on housing. This leaves them with less money for other essential needs such as food, healthcare, transportation, and education.
My two decades as a state senator have taught me that profound challenges rarely have easy answers. Developing solutions to a complex problem requires understanding the drivers of the issue.
In the ARC survey, respondents pointed to investors that buy and rent homes as a main cause of the affordability issue. While it’s understandable to seek an explanation for metro Atlanta’s housing challenges, it’s important to gain a clearer understanding of the role investors play in the housing market.
Institutional investors, those with 1,000 or more homes, reportedly own a modest share of the single-family rental market in the Atlanta region, according to a 2024 GAO report.
However, when considering the total housing stock, their overall share is quite low. Out of approximately 1.8 million total single-family housing units in the metro area, institutional investors own about 71,832 single-family rentals. This translates to roughly 3.9 percent of all single-family housing units, with some estimates placing this figure slightly higher at 4.4 percent.
This broader perspective suggests that while institutional investors have a presence in the rental sector, the vast majority of the housing stock is largely owned by others, including average homeowners and “mom and pop” landlords. Nevertheless, it’s worth noting that even with a small overall market share, their presence in some areas can still raise concerns; it also means that they can be a force for good in these communities.
Institutional investors play an important role in our housing ecosystem, offering stability during downturns and addressing the demand for rental properties. They also contribute to community improvement by renovating older homes. Their financial resources and expertise enable them to efficiently refurbish properties, often undertaking more extensive repairs than the average homebuyer would consider.
Instead of focusing on who is to blame, let’s focus our energy on addressing the core issue contributing to housing unaffordability: the shortage of housing supply.
Metro Atlanta’s housing affordability crisis is driven in large part by a housing supply deficit estimated at over 100,000 homes—a supply gap comparable to the capacity of Sanford Stadium. This problem is exacerbated by the fact that home prices grew four times faster than wages between 2014 and 2023.
And without decisive intervention, the continued population and economic growth in our region are projected to intensify the existing housing challenge. Moreover, some housing regulations and policies can present barriers to new construction, as developers can face difficulties in securing approvals.
Looking ahead, I believe an effective strategy is to cut red tape and increase the supply of homes that everyday families can afford. This involves federal, state, and local governments collaborating to update zoning laws, expedite permitting, and promote new construction. Strong public-private partnerships are also crucial for pooling resources and expertise.
Governor Kemp’s administration has shown a proactive approach with initiatives like the Rural Workforce Housing Initiative and the approval of $250 million in bonds for the Georgia Housing and Finance Authority, boosting housing loans for low- and middle-income individuals. These innovative strategies deserve wider consideration.
By making it easier to build more homes, we can ease price pressures, expand opportunities, and bring homeownership within reach. A stronger housing market benefits the entire community through a broader tax base, better schools, safer neighborhoods, and improved infrastructure, leading to a more prosperous and resilient region.
Let’s transform metro Atlanta’s housing challenge into an opportunity for all residents. By championing market-friendly changes, supporting innovative initiatives, and fostering genuine collaboration, we can ensure that the dream of homeownership is not just preserved, but expanded for generations to come.
It’s time to start building a better future, together.
Don Balfour was the longest-serving Republican in the Georgia State Senate, representing Gwinnett County for more than 20 years. Balfour is also past President of the National Conference of State Legislatures and currently holds the position of Executive Vice President at Ohio River South.