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 | Advocacy | Membership
May 01, 2026
Podcast: What War and Fed Changes Mean for Housing Market and EconomyOn the latest episode of NAHB’s podcast, Housing Developments, CEO Jim Tobin and COO Paul Lopez are joined by Chief Economist Dr. Robert Dietz to discuss the latest economic news and what it means for housing.
Codes and Standards
May 01, 2026
Rescinded Energy Code Mandate Major Win for NAHB and Housing AffordabilityHUD and the Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced this week that they are rescinding a requirement that imposed the 2021 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) and ASHRAE 90.1-2019 as the minimum energy-efficiency standards for certain single-family and multifamily housing programs.
Latest Economic News
Economics
Apr 30, 2026
U.S. Economy Rebounded in the First Quarter of 2026Real GDP growth accelerated in the first quarter of 2026, rebounding from a weak finish at the end of 2025, as government spending recovered following a disruptive shutdown.
Economics
Apr 29, 2026
Powell’s Chair Ends but He Keeps His Board SeatThe April meeting of the Fed’s monetary policy committee featured a lot of institutional news for a month in which the Fed kept monetary policy unchanged. The outlook for the economy and monetary policy remains unclear due to geopolitical turbulence and domestic policy uncertainty.
Economics
Apr 29, 2026
Home Building Shows Signs of Stabilization with Monthly Gain in StartsHousing construction activity strengthened in March, with a notable rebound in both single-family and multifamily starts, signaling improved builder activity despite ongoing headwinds from financing costs and affordability constraints. While the monthly gain points to renewed momentum, year-to-date trends remain mixed, particularly in the single-family sector, and permit activity suggests some caution moving forward.