Bitcoin Homebuying Gets a Boost from New Policy
π Homeownership may soon become more achievable for Americans thanks to a groundbreaking move embracing Bitcoin homebuying as a viable option.
π° A game-changing policy could finally level the playing field for young Americans looking to own a home through Bitcoin. The US Federal Housing Finance Agency has directed Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to count Bitcoin held on US-regulated exchanges as an asset on mortgage applications β a big step forward in Bitcoin homebuying for prospective homeowners.
π With housing prices and interest rates soaring, many renters have felt locked out of the market. Surveys show 86% want to buy a home, yet over half think itβs unlikely theyβll ever afford it. Homebuying with BTC presents a new way forward, as the value of the cryptocurrency has skyrocketed, outpacing inflation and the weakening dollar.
π¦ This policy marks a clear shift in the US governmentβs attitude towards crypto, aligning with its stated goal of making America the βcrypto capital of the world.β William J. Pulte, FHFA director, said the Bitcoin homebuying directive could help first-time buyers by allowing crypto assets to count without needing to convert them to USD upfront.
π The directive applies specifically to Bitcoin stored and evidenced on US-regulated centralized exchanges. While not yet a permanent standard, it signals a welcoming approach to homebuying with Bitcoin that could soon become the norm.
π‘ Bitcoin homebuying is particularly attractive given the cryptocurrencyβs past performance. In 2022, Bitcoin was just $17,000; today, it trades around $107,000, with predictions of $1 million within five years. Savvy investors who bought years ago may already have enough for a home thanks to Bitcoin homebuying gains.
π As a disinflationary asset, Bitcoinβs capped supply of 21 million coins β and its programmed reduction of new supply over time β means it tends to hold value against inflation, making Bitcoin homebuying a smart hedge against rising housing costs.
π§ For those new to crypto, Bitcoin homebuying may sound daunting, but Bitcoin itself is designed to be simple. Itβs the worldβs first decentralized digital currency, secured by blockchain technology and available to anyone without the need for government control. Bitcoin homebuying leverages its global accessibility and security features.
π Bitcoin is also highly divisible β you donβt need to buy a whole coin to get started. The smallest unit, called a βsatoshi,β is just a tiny fraction of one Bitcoin, allowing anyone to start their Bitcoin homebuying journey with only a few dollars invested.
β οΈ However, Bitcoin homebuying is not without risks. Bitcoin remains a volatile asset, with its price able to drop as quickly as it rises. Prospective buyers should weigh this risk before banking their future on Bitcoin homebuying strategies.
π Still, the prospect of using Bitcoin to secure a home mortgage is a testament to how far crypto has come. If this directive becomes permanent, Bitcoin homebuying could become a mainstream way for Americans to achieve their dream of owning a home.
