Condominium Policy/Approval Process: FHA, Fannie Mae/Freddie Mac

Condominiums offer an affordable option and are the first step to homeownership for many home buyers. In many areas across the country, the real estate crisis left the condominium market devastated. Today, the condo market isn't stabilizing as quickly as other types of housing, resulting in significant losses for current condo homeowners and tighter underwriting guidelines for potential buyers. In order for the housing economy to stabilize, it is important that there be a healthy condo market.

NAR has urged the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) and the GSEs (Fannie Mae/Freddie Mac) to develop policies that will give current homeowners and potential buyers of condos access to more flexible and affordable financing opportunities and a wider choice of approved condo developments. For example, NAR has been particularly vocal about changing the minimum owner-occupancy rates currently required by FHA and the GSEs, which can pose a roadblock to both buyers, sellers and lenders.

Latest News:

New FHA Condominium Rules Matrix (PDF: 645KB) (July 1)
Coalition Letter Asks FHA to Improve Condominium Rules (May 6)
HUD Issues Waiver of Legal Restrictions on Conveyance (March 18)
FHA Condominium Recertification Requirements (December 8)
Condo Financing and GSE Policy - How It Impacts Your Market (October 14)
Read summary > (PDF: 255K)   Read GSEs and FHA Condo Rule > (PDF: 440K)