Safehold Named 2026 Ivory Prize Finalist for Affordable Housing Innovation [Accessibility Statement] Skip NavigationNEW YORK, Feb. 19, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Safehold Inc. (NYSE: SAFE), the creator and leader of the modern ground lease industry, has been selected as a finalist for the 2026 Ivory Prize for Housing Affordability, which recognizes organizations driving high-impact innovation in the affordable housing market across finance, construction and policy.Continue Reading"We're proud to be part of the so ...

Group 1 - The financial situation of millennials is characterized by significant challenges, including student debt, housing affordability, and limited wealth-building opportunities [1][3][4] - Wealth gains among millennials are concentrated among those who own homes and financial assets, while renters have seen smaller increases in net worth [3][5] - The rising home prices have outpaced income growth, making homeownership unattainable for many millennials, and those who do buy face higher mortgage payments relative to income [5][6] Group 2 - Despite the struggles of many millennials, a portion of the generation has experienced substantial wealth growth due to rising asset prices and market gains [7][8] - A late-2024 analysis indicates that millennials' total net worth has nearly quadrupled since 2019, driven by increases in housing values and financial assets [8] - Millennials' average net worth growth has outpaced that of Gen X and baby boomers, averaging 12.74% in 2024 [8]

Mortgage Rates and Housing Market Overview - Mortgage rates have slightly decreased, with the average rate on a 30-year fixed mortgage falling to 6.09% from 6.11% last week, compared to 6.87% a year ago [1][3] - The average rate on a 15-year fixed mortgage also decreased to 5.44% from 5.5% [3] - Economic growth, a strong labor market, and low mortgage rates have improved housing affordability, leading to increased purchase application activity compared to the previous year [3] Inventory and Home Sales Trends - Existing home sales in the U.S. dropped 8.4% in January to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 3.91 million units, marking the lowest level since December 2023 [7] - Year-over-year, home sales decreased by 4.4%, indicating a decline in market activity [8] - Inventory growth has slowed for nine consecutive months, with total supply remaining about 17.2% below pre-pandemic levels [5] Market Influences and Future Outlook - Mortgage rates are influenced by various factors, including the Federal Reserve's interest rate decisions and the 10-year Treasury yield, which was around 4.1% [4] - While the current mortgage rates have stabilized, a more significant drop is necessary to attract new buyers and sellers to rejuvenate the housing market [5]

Core Insights - A recent survey by Redfin reveals that 64% of single individuals find it challenging to afford their regular rent or mortgage payments, in contrast to 39% of married individuals [1] - The survey highlights the significant impact of rising housing costs on Americans, with mortgage payments increasing due to elevated sale prices and still high mortgage rates, despite a decrease from recent peaks [1] Housing Market Trends - The survey indicates a growing financial strain on single individuals in the housing market, suggesting a potential shift in demand dynamics [1] - The overall increase in housing costs over the past few years has contributed to affordability issues for many Americans, indicating a broader trend affecting the real estate sector [1]

Mortgage rates dipped slightly lower this week, weathering volatility in bond markets. While bond yields sagged early in the week, Wednesday's surprising jobs report sent yields soaring. The news was digested quickly by the Treasury market, and a recovery to previously low levels took just a day. According to Freddie Mac, the average 30-year fixed rate this week was 6.09%, down from 6.11% the previous week. The 52-week low is 6.06%. Meanwhile, the 15-year fixed averaged 5.44%, down from 5.50%. “Bolstered ...

Core Viewpoint - The housing market is expected to see home prices remain flat in 2026, with a 0% growth forecast, as efforts to improve affordability have minimal impact [1] Supply and Demand Dynamics - A slight improvement in demand is anticipated to offset an increase in supply, leading to stable home prices [2] - The Federal Reserve's expected reduction in adjustable-rate mortgages may help buyers, despite the 30-year fixed rate remaining above 6% [2] - Homebuilders are likely to continue offering rate buydowns to reduce mortgage costs and clear unsold inventory [2] Price Trends - Home prices showed a 1.9% increase in November year-over-year, a decline from 4.8% growth in October [3] - Regions with significant supply growth during the pandemic, particularly the West Coast and Sun Belt, are experiencing price declines [4] - Texas home prices have decreased by 2.4% and Florida home prices by 5.1% year-over-year, reflecting market weaknesses [5] Market Supply Analysis - JPMorgan estimates a shortfall of approximately 1.2 million homes in the U.S., although this is lower than the consensus view due to recent supply growth [6] - Historical data indicates that housing completions have generally matched household formation over the past 30 years [6] Policy Impact - President Trump's proposed ban on institutional investors purchasing single-family homes is unlikely to significantly affect the market, as they represent only 1%-3% of transactions [8] - The ban could potentially tighten overall supply by limiting the entry of rental homes into the market [9] - Trump's directive for Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae to purchase up to $200 billion in mortgage-backed securities may only reduce rates by 10-15 basis points, which is minimal compared to the overall $14.5 trillion mortgage market [10] Builder Strategies - Many homebuilders are already offering mortgage rate buydowns of 100 to 200 basis points below prevailing rates, suggesting that further reductions in market rates may not significantly boost demand [11] - Trump's preference for rising home prices indicates a reluctance to implement measures that would lower them, as he believes that increased home values contribute to wealth [12][13]

Mortgage Rates - The average rate on the benchmark 30-year fixed mortgage increased to 6.11% from 6.10% last week, while a year ago it was 6.89% [1][4] - The average rate on a 15-year fixed mortgage rose to 5.5% from 5.49% last week [4] Market Sentiment and Economic Indicators - The recent stability in the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage is seen as a positive sign for buyers and sellers as the spring home sales season approaches [4] - The Federal Reserve's decision to leave interest rates unchanged has contributed to the marginal increase in mortgage rates, with attention on the nomination of Kevin Warsh as the next Fed chairman [5][6] Affordability and Economic Conditions - Home affordability is influenced by low inflation, a stable labor market, and wage growth, which enhances household purchasing power [9] - A credible Federal Reserve that effectively manages price stability and employment is essential for improving housing affordability over time [10]

Core Viewpoint - Lennar is proposing a significant homebuilding plan to address the U.S. home affordability crisis, aiming to build up to 1 million entry-level homes [1]. Group 1: Company Developments - Lennar's stock surged by 7.5% in morning trading following the announcement of the homebuilding plan, settling at nearly a 4% increase by the end of the day [2]. - The proposed home construction plan may utilize a rent-to-own model, where private investors fund the construction and rent the homes to tenants, allowing rent payments to contribute towards a down payment after a specified period [2]. Group 2: Industry Context - The U.S. is facing a housing affordability crisis, exacerbated by government policies limiting new construction and slow wage growth. From 2000 to 2024, house prices have increased significantly, outpacing median income growth [4]. - The Trump administration is seeking ways to enhance housing affordability, although previous efforts have shown limited success. Current mortgage rates remain high, with the 30-year fixed mortgage rate above 6%, compared to 2.8% five years ago [5]. - The housing market has been struggling for years, and a successful plan to improve affordability could benefit the administration in upcoming mid-term elections, making Lennar's proposal potentially viable [6].

Group 1 - A proposal for "Trump homes" could lead to the construction of hundreds of thousands of new homes as part of a rent-to-own program [1] - Homebuilder stocks, including Lennar, Taylor Morrison, KB Home, PulteGroup, and D.R. Horton, experienced gains following reports of the Trump administration's consideration of a housing affordability initiative [1] - Lennar's shares surged over 5% in recent trading, building on a 3% increase from the previous day [1] Group 2 - The Trump administration is exploring various proposals related to housing affordability, including methods to lower mortgage rates and alter typical mortgage structures [1] - One proposal suggests that homebuilders could construct entry-level "Trump homes" backed by private investors, allowing renters to count the first three years of rent payments toward a down payment [1] - Details regarding the potential involvement of federally-backed mortgages remain unclear [1]

Core Viewpoint - The discussion centers around the impact of tariffs on inflation and housing affordability, with conflicting statements from government officials regarding whether tariffs contribute to inflation and the overall economic burden on American consumers [1][2][4]. Tariffs and Inflation - The San Francisco Federal Reserve asserts that tariffs do not cause inflation, contradicting earlier claims made by government officials [2]. - Despite claims that tariffs are not inflationary, there is evidence suggesting that they have raised prices for consumers across various goods [4][7]. Impact on Housing Market - Tariffs imposed on construction materials such as lumber and steel have exacerbated the housing crisis, resulting in an estimated half a million fewer homes being built [7]. - The Trump administration's tariffs on housing production goods have contributed to increased housing costs, making affordability a significant issue for American consumers [6][8]. Government Response - There are calls for government officials to reconsider the imposition of tariffs that negatively impact American consumers and housing affordability [9]. - The discussion highlights a bipartisan approach to addressing the housing crisis, emphasizing the need for more homes to be built rather than fewer due to tariff-related costs [5][6].