FHFA Issues Policy Statement on Fair Lending
The Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) today issued a policy statement on fair lending that communicates FHFA’s fair lending expectations for Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac and the Federal Home Loan Banks and outlines FHFA’s fair lending oversight and enforcement to ensure compliance with the law.
“FHFA is committed to fair mortgage lending because it ensures that all Americans have access to safe, decent and affordable housing,” Acting FHFA Director Sandra L. Thompson said in a news release.
FHFA is inviting comments on the application of the policy statement within 60 days of its publication in the Federal Register. The agency has also issued Orders on Fair Lending Reporting to Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac that require the two government-sponsored enterprises to submit quarterly reports to FHFA with fair lending information and data to improve the agency’s fair lending supervision and monitoring capabilities.
Latest from NAHBNow
Feb 05, 2026
NAHB’s Monthly Update Highlights Housing Priorities and Industry OutlookTo help members articulate key housing priorities, NAHB’s Monthly Update provides the latest messaging framework for the Federation. See the current advocacy updates and more.
Feb 04, 2026
Do Buyers Still Want Pools?After a rapid expansion of residential swimming pool and spa construction following the pandemic, permit levels in the latest monthly index for December fell to their lowest level since 2020.
Latest Economic News
Feb 04, 2026
Mortgage Rates Declined Despite Higher Treasury YieldsLong-term mortgage rates continued to decline in January. According to Freddie Mac, the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage averaged 6.10% last month, 9 basis points (bps) lower than December. Meanwhile, the 15-year rate declined 4 bps to 5.44%. Compared to a year ago, the 30-year rate is lower by 86 bps. The 15-year rate is also lower by 72 bps.
Feb 03, 2026
Homeownership Rate Inches Up to 65.7%The latest homeownership rate rose to 65.7% in the last quarter of 2025, according to the Census’s Housing Vacancy Survey (HVS). While this was a modest quarterly increase, the broader picture continues to reflect significant affordability challenges. With mortgage interest rates remaining elevated, and housing supply still tight, housing affordability is at a multidecade low.
Feb 02, 2026
U.S. Population Growth Slows in 2025According to the U.S. Census Bureau’s latest estimates, the U.S. resident population grew by 1,781,060 to a total population of 341,784,857. The population grew at a rate of 0.5%, a sharp decline from the near 1.0% growth in 2024.