FHA Proposes New Condo Approval Rules

FHA Proposes New Condo Approval Rules

The Federal Housing Administration (FHA) is proposing a new rule for condominium developments that the agency says is intended to be more flexible, less prescriptive and more reflective of market conditions.

The agency is proposing to reinstate spot approvals in unapproved condominium developments and require condo projects to recertify their approval status every three years rather than the current two.

FHA currently stipulates that approved condominium developments have a minimum of 50% of the units occupied by owners. To respond to future market changes, the agency is proposing to establish an allowable range between 25% and 75%.

Regarding commercial/nonresidential space within an approved condominium development, FHA currently requires that this should not exceed 50% of the project’s total floor area. The agency anticipates maintaining this requirement in the near term, but to achieve added flexibility FHA is proposing to establish a range of between 25% and 60% via subsequent notice.

View HUD’s press release and FHA’s proposed rule.

For more information, contact Curtis Milton at 800-368-5242 x8597.