More homebuyers may soon be able to use their cryptocurrency investments—like Bitcoin and Ethereum—when applying for a mortgage, without having to sell those assets. Mortgage lender Newrez is rolling out a new policy that allows eligible crypto holdings to be considered for income and asset verification during the mortgage approval process. This marks a big shift from traditional lending practices, where crypto usually had to be sold before it could count toward a mortgage application.

This change is especially relevant as the global crypto market has grown to over $3 trillion. Around 45% of Millennial and Gen Z investors currently own cryptocurrency, and many of them are future homebuyers. These younger generations are more likely to include digital assets in their investment portfolios, and now lenders like Newrez are beginning to recognize crypto as a legitimate financial resource.

At the same time, large financial institutions are getting more involved in cryptocurrency, backed by progress in government regulations. The Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) announced plans for Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to explore how crypto might be used in single-family home mortgages. This development suggests that crypto may soon play a larger role in mainstream real estate financing.

Supporters of the new approach say crypto can be used as collateral for real estate loans, which could help more people qualify for mortgages—especially those who don’t meet the usual income or credit requirements. However, critics warn that crypto’s price volatility could pose risks. If the value of a digital asset drops suddenly, borrowers might be forced to add more collateral or face loan issues. The evolving rules around crypto also make some lenders cautious.

Despite these concerns, Newrez believes now is the right time to start using crypto in smart and responsible ways within the mortgage industry. This new policy is aimed at helping borrowers keep their investments while still getting access to flexible financing options.

To support this move, Newrez has invested in HomeVision, a mortgage technology company, and is working with them to build an AI-powered platform for underwriting loans. The company claims it’s the first among the top 25 U.S. mortgage lenders to allow crypto assets in the mortgage process without requiring liquidation.

From January through September 2025, Newrez was ranked the fourth-largest mortgage lender in the country, originating $44.5 billion in loans—an 8% increase compared to the previous year. This growth signals a strong interest in modernizing the home lending process and meeting the needs of today’s digitally savvy consumers.

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