Affordable housing—or, more accurately, the lack thereof—has been a critical problem facing the U.S. residential market. Three new developments on this front—a new securitization endeavor, a newly announced privately funding effort and a controversy over a New York City development—show a housing segment that is a state of tumult and flux.
On the securitization side, Freddie Mac’s multifamily division has launched an initiative to purchase and securitize small multifamily loans of $1 million to $5 million, with properties housing at least five apartment units.
“We believe our initiative will increase liquidity in the small multifamily loan space and provide stability and facilitate private capital investment in this somewhat fragmented and underserved market segment,” said David Brickman, executive vice president of Freddie Mac.