Are Private Equity Firms Really Driving Home Prices?

In this solo episode, Dr. Bob Murphy challenges the populist narrative that private equity ownership of homes is the main driver of rising housing costs. He explains the actual role of speculators in stabilizing markets, compares housing to used car dealerships, and critiques proposals like Henry George’s land tax. Bob also points to zoning restrictions and the Federal Reserve’s balance sheet as the real culprits behind skyrocketing prices.

Show note references:

• The Social Function of Stock Speculators
• Rothbard’s Treatise, Man, Economy, and State
• Bob’s Study Guide to Man, Economy, and State

Robert P. Murphy is a Senior Fellow with the Mises Institute. He is the author of numerous books: Contra Krugman: Smashing the Errors of America’s Most Famous Keynesian; Chaos Theory; Lessons for the Young Economist; Choice: Cooperation, Enterprise, and Human Action; The Politically Incorrect Guide to Capitalism; Understanding Bitcoin (with Silas Barta), among others. He is also host of The Human Action Podcast and The Bob Murphy Show.

Republished from the Mises Institute.