Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac implemented significant changes to condo lending in 2026, and the impact on Hamilton County's condo market is real. The key changes include higher reserve requirements for condo associations, the end of streamlined review processes, new insurance coverage caps, and stricter criteria for determining whether a condo qualifies as warrantable.

For buyers, the practical impact is straightforward: fewer condos will qualify for conventional financing with low down payments. Condos flagged as non-warrantable now require minimum 30% down payments, significantly raising the bar for entry. The streamlined review process that previously allowed some condos to bypass full project review has been eliminated entirely.

For condo owners, the changes may affect future resale value. Condos in associations with low reserves, high investor concentration, or insufficient insurance coverage will be harder for buyers to finance, potentially narrowing the buyer pool. I advise all my condo clients to check their association's financial health before listing or making an offer.

If you are shopping for a condo in Hamilton County, getting pre-underwritten by a lender before you start touring is essential. You need to know not just what you can afford, but which communities will qualify for financing. I help my clients navigate these requirements every day.

• Higher reserve requirements for condo associations
• End of streamlined review: all condos under full project review
• Non-warrantable condos: 30% minimum down payment
• New insurance coverage caps affect affordability
• Contact: 317-777-9146 or https://bit.ly/Schedule_A_Chat

Read the full article here: https://everythinghamiltoncounty.com/blog/new-2026-condo-lending-rules-hamilton-county/

Have questions? I am always available for a confidential conversation at 317-777-9146 or you can book a free consultation at https://bit.ly/Schedule_A_Chat.