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
Safety
Jul 01, 2025
Use NAHB Resources to Protect Workers from Heat and UV ExposureAs NAHB celebrates UV Safety Awareness Month in July, it is important for home builders and general contractors to educate workers about the potential risks associated with UV radiation, and have plans and resources in place to keep them safe on the jobsite.
Advocacy
Jul 01, 2025
Senate Passes Tax Bill With Many Wins for NAHB MembersThe Senate today passed the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (H.R. 1) — sweeping tax and domestic policy legislation that includes several important housing and business provisions that will benefit small businesses, real estate and our members. Most notably, NAHB was able to secure key wins regarding state and local tax deductions for individuals and pass-through businesses.
Latest Economic News
Economics
Jul 01, 2025
May Private Residential Construction Spending DipsPrivate residential construction spending fell by 0.5% in May, marking the fifth straight month of decreases. This drop was primarily driven by reduced spending on single-family construction. Compared to a year ago, total spending was down 6.7%, as the housing sector continues to navigate the economic uncertainty stemming from ongoing tariff concerns and elevated mortgage rates.
Economics
Jul 01, 2025
Flat Job Openings for ConstructionThe count of open, unfilled positions in the construction industry held steady amid a slowdown for housing, per the May Bureau of Labor Statistics Job Openings and Labor Turnover Survey (JOLTS).
Economics
Jun 30, 2025
2024 New Single-Family Starts by Census DivisionDespite persistently high mortgage rates, elevated financing costs for builders, and a shortage of buildable lots, single-family starts rebounded in 2024, following two straight years of declines.