4 Ways Investors Can Help Alleviate the Affordable Housing Crisis (& Make Money)

Unless you live under a rock, you know all too well that there is an affordable housing crisis underway. And indications are that it is going to get worse before it gets better. I recently ran across some stats that paint a pretty dismal picture. One study estimates we’ll need an additional 4.6 million new apartment units by 2030. This equates to 325,000 new apartments needed annually to keep up with demand. Unfortunately, the number of new apartments projected to come online is about 70% of what is needed. Add to that an already low supply of affordable units and minimal government incentives, and we’ve got an ever-widening affordability gap.

However, as is often the case, where there are challenges, there are also opportunities. The affordable housing shortage presents not only opportunities for good investments, but also the opportunity to make an impact (that is, investments that will make you money and do good socially and environmentally).

If you have a genuine concern about the affordable housing crisis and want to be a part of the solution, read on. Here are four ideas on ways real estate investors can help alleviate the affordable housing crisis—and make money in the process.

4 Ways Investors Can Help Alleviate the Affordable Housing Crisis

1. Crowdfunding

Real estate crowdfunding is relatively new but gaining in popularity. Most readers of this article are likely to think of direct investment when it comes to real estate—buying a property ourselves to do a fix and flip or long-term rental, or investing in a specific project via private money loans.

But most of us are limited in the number of projects we can invest in at any one time. Crowdfunding expands the reach of individual investors and opens real estate investing to a much broader range of individuals. Some platforms have minimum investments as low as five dollars. With crowdfunding, the investor can often specifically invest in projects that will bring more affordable housing online. So, even though you may not have the funds to fix and flip a new affordable housing project on your own, with crowdfunding you can be one of several investors who help get the project off the ground.

Also, unlike direct investment that involves owning and managing property (and all the headaches that come with), crowdfunding is passive so you put your money to work without the stress and sweat equity that comes with owning property.

2. Investing in Homeownership

Another take on crowdfunding, these funds are made up of pools of distressed mortgages. These funds use investor money to purchase pools of distressed mortgages and then work with homeowners to find solutions that will keep them in their homes.

When you invest, you are helping not only individual homeowners but also the community by positively impacting affordable housing in the neighborhood. You make money by receiving returns from the profits.

3. Tax Reform and the Opportunity Zones Program

You’ve probably heard about Opportunity Zones, but just in case you aren’t up to speed on this program, here is a quick overview. Opportunity Zones are a new economic and community development program established by Congress in the Tax Cut and Jobs Act of 2017. The purpose is to encourage long-term economic development and housing investments in low-income communities nationwide.

The law provides for the creation of “Opportunity Zones,” which use tax incentives to attract long-term investment to neighborhoods that are continuing to grapple with high poverty and lackluster job and business growth. Housing experts and government officials believe investment in Opportunity Zones will help prompt development of affordable housing.

Projects in Opportunity Zones will be eligible for funding through Opportunity Funds. Opportunity Funds are investment vehicles set up specifically for investing in eligible property located in an Opportunity Zone. To obtain the tax break, Opportunity Funds require that the investor use the gain from a prior investment for funding the Opportunity Fund.

Opportunity Funds create benefits for both investor and community. Investors who are socially conscious can put their money into the communities that need it most. Investors also benefit from tax advantages. Opportunity Funds allow investors to defer federal taxes on any recent capital gains until December 31, 2026, reduce that tax payment by up to 15%, and pay as little as zero taxes on potential profits from an Opportunity Fund if the investment is held for 10 years.

You can invest in an Opportunity Zone anywhere in the country, but if you are interested in keeping it local, you can find Opportunity Zones in your area by going to Opportunity Zones Resources and in the Federal Register at IRB Notice 2018-48. In Minnesota, where I live, 128 Census Tracts have been designated as Opportunity Zones.

4. Affordable Housing via Fix and Flips and Long-Term Rentals

There are direct opportunities for real estate agents, investors, and builders to be more socially conscious and to have a positive impact on affordable housing through regular business dealings. With a little forethought and planning, a lot can be done to help reduce expenses when building and rehabbing homes. Homes can be made more energy efficient, safer, and designed to incur less tax. All of these can benefit potential homeowners and make housing more affordable to more people.

What other investments have you come across that could help create more affordable housing?

Comment below!

Note By BiggerPockets: These are opinions written by the author and do not necessarily represent the opinions of BiggerPockets.