Safehold Named 2026 Ivory Prize Finalist for Affordable Housing Innovation

Safehold Inc. (NYSE: SAFE), the pioneer of the modern ground lease industry, has been named a finalist for the prestigious 2026 Ivory Prize for Housing Affordability. This award recognizes organizations that are spearheading impactful innovations aimed at improving affordable housing across finance, construction, and policy sectors. Steve Wylder, Safehold's Head of Investments, expressed the company's commitment to tackling the critical issues surrounding housing affordability, particularly in the face of rising interest rates and construction costs that challenge developers.

The Ivory Prize honors innovative, viable, and scalable solutions designed to enhance housing affordability in the U.S. Chad Reed, Vice President of Programs and Strategy at Ivory Innovations, highlighted the diverse challenges contributing to the housing crisis and emphasized the importance of showcasing successful strategies that can be replicated on a larger scale. Safehold's ground lease capital model has proved instrumental in bridging capital structure gaps, thereby facilitating the advancement of affordable housing projects.

In response to the growing demand for affordable housing, Safehold established a dedicated Affordable Housing team in 2025, emphasizing its strategy to significantly increase investments in this vital sector. The company's business model allows property owners to unlock the value of the land beneath their buildings, thereby providing a method to achieve higher returns with reduced risk. As a Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT), Safehold aims to deliver safe, growing income and long-term capital appreciation to its shareholders.

For further information about Safehold and its initiatives in affordable housing, please visit their dedicated site at www.safeholdaffordablehousing.com or their main website at www.safeholdinc.com.

Safehold Inc. (NYSE: SAFE) has positioned itself uniquely within the real estate landscape, particularly as a finalist for the 2026 Ivory Prize for Housing Affordability. This recognition underscores Safehold's critical role in addressing the growing demand for affordable housing—a market challenge exacerbated by rising interest rates and escalating construction costs. Given its innovative approach to ground leases, Safehold has the potential to be a key player in advancing affordable housing solutions.

Investors should consider Safehold's business model, which enables real estate developers to leverage ground lease capital to finance affordable housing projects. This approach not only mitigates financial risk but also facilitates the acceleration of project timelines, placing Safehold in a favorable position amongst its peers in the housing sector.

The establishment of a dedicated Affordable Housing team by Safehold in 2025 is a strategic move aimed at enhancing its investments in this sector. With housing affordability being a fragmented challenge, Safehold’s innovative financing mechanisms provide a scalable solution, making it a compelling choice for socially-conscious investors. The positive reception from the Ivory Prize underscores the firm’s forward-thinking strategy and operational resilience.

As Safehold continues to grow its footprint in the affordable housing market, potential investors should closely monitor any developments regarding state and federal policies that favor innovative housing solutions. Additionally, the company’s tax structure as a Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT) offers the benefit of regular income distributions, aligning with long-term investment strategies focused on stability and growth.

In conclusion, Safehold represents a promising investment opportunity amidst the ongoing affordable housing crisis, reflecting a blend of innovation, strategic focus, and potential for long-term appreciation.