FHFA, Treasury Modify Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac Conservatorship Agreements
The Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) and the U.S. Department of the Treasury on Jan. 3 announced amendments to the Preferred Stock Purchase Agreements that govern the conservatorships of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac (the Enterprises).
The amendments set out a process meant to ensure a smooth transition from conservatorship and reassure stakeholders that the Enterprises’ eventual release from conservatorship will minimize disruption to the housing and financial markets.
The updated agreements between FHFA and Treasury require the Enterprises to meet the capital requirements previously established by FHFA and restore the right of Treasury to consent to the termination of their conservatorships.
Additionally, FHFA and Treasury have agreed that FHFA must seek public input on conservatorship termination options and potential effects of termination on the housing market to present to Treasury before requesting consent.
In a press release, FHFA said that these changes provide Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac with more flexibility to better support access to homeownership and rental housing.
Latest from NAHBNow
Economics
Aug 17, 2026
Affordability Pressures Keep Builder Confidence Low
Builder confidence in the market for newly built single-family homes inched up one point to 35 in August, according to the NAHB/Wells Fargo Housing Market Index (HMI) released today.
Regulations | Environmental Issues
Aug 14, 2026
Administration Acts on 3 Key NAHB Deregulatory Priorities
Two regulations will become effective under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) on Aug. 20, and a third final rule rescinding the ESA’s 45-year-old “harm” regulatory definition becomes effective next month.
Latest Economic News
Economics
Aug 17, 2026
Consumer Credit Slowed in Q2
In the second quarter of 2026, consumer credit growth slowed over the quarter and was lower than a year ago. According to the Federal Reserve’s G.19 Consumer Credit Report, total outstanding U.S. consumer credit reached $5.17 trillion in the second quarter of 2026.
Economics
Aug 17, 2026
Affordability Pressures Keep Builder Confidence Low
Builder sentiment remains muted from economic and geopolitical uncertainty, elevated mortgage rates and rising construction costs.
Economics
Aug 14, 2026
Single-Family Permitting Declines Through June in Contrast to Multifamily
Single-family permitting activity continued to weaken through the first half of 2026, while multifamily permitting remained somewhat stronger compared with the same period last year.