Articles

Five Advantages of FHA Multifamily Construction Loans

In the last three years, multifamily construction has reached levels not seen since the 1980s, supported, in part, by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD) Federal Housing Administration (FHA) loans. If you are exploring the acquisition, refinancing, rehabilitation, or new construction of conventional multifamily, affordable housing, seniors housing, or a healthcare facility, consider FHA multifamily construction loans, a stable financing option with excellent terms and many other attractive advantages.

Articles

Where are Single-Family Rental (SFR) Rents Rising the Fastest?

While the single-family rental (SFR) sector’s rent growth averages have retreated from record highs, structural tailwinds are keeping price growth positive — both nationally and in major SFR markets. In this research brief, Chandan Economics and Arbor Realty Trust analyze DBRS Morningstar data, which covers the top 20 MSAs by SFR activity, to discover the metropolitan areas where SFR rent growth is the hottest right now.

Articles

Fannie Mae Small Loans Cap Raised to $9 Million

Fannie Mae recently announced that its Small Loan cap has increased from $6 million to $9 million for all loans committed as of August 22, 2023. Multifamily borrowers and lenders have praised the change to the Fannie Mae Small Loans program, which will encourage greater investment in a rapidly growing sector where demand remains high despite market volatility.

Articles

The Top Five Emerging Metros for Retiree Relocation

As Baby Boomers reach retirement age, their evolving geographic preferences are strengthening housing markets and local economies in new locations, which feature attractive climates, relative affordability, and ample outdoor activities. With swelling populations of senior citizens, our top five emerging metropolitan areas for retiree relocation are fertile ground for multifamily real estate investment.

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GENERAL: 800.ARBOR.10

FHA®221(d)(4):

NEW CONSTRUCTION AND SUBSTANTIAL REHAB

Arbor provides FHA-insured, long-term, fixed-rate financing for new construction or substantial rehabilitation of multifamily projects nationwide. Applications are typically processed as a two-stage application (preliminary application followed by firm application). HUD-experienced development teams may request “straight to firm” application, saving significant time by eliminating the preliminary application stage.

Loan Term & Amortization Construction loan period (interest-only), followed by 40-year permanent (fully amortizing)
Maximum Loan Amount The lesser of:

  1. 85% of total eligible development costs (for market rate); 87% for LIHTC restricted; 90% for properties with at least 90% rental assistance; development cost includes value of land for new construction and as-is value of property for substantial rehabilitation
  2. FHA mortgage statutory per unit limits adjusted for local high cost factor or
  3. An amount that achieves a minimum debt service coverage: a) 1.176x DSC for market rate properties; b) 1.15x DSC for LIHTC restricted; and c) 1.11x DSC for properties having at least 90% rental assistance
Eligible Properties New construction or substantial rehabilitation of apartment properties
Eligible Borrower Single asset entity (for profit or nonprofit)
Underwriting Occupancy Maximum economic underwriting occupancy of:

  • 93% for market rate properties (i.e., at least 20% market rate units, or LIHTC unit whose rents are < 10% below market rents)
  • 95% for LIHTC restrictions on at least 80% of units at rents at least 10% below market
  • 97% for properties having at least 90% rental assistance, or 90% LIHTC set aside with rents at least 10% below market
Tax & Insurance Escrows Monthly deposits required
Recourse Nonrecourse – construction and permanent
Commercial Space Maximum 25% of gross floor area and maximum 20% of effective gross income; 20% vacancy rate applied
Required Reports Market Study, Appraisal, Architect/Cost Review and Phase I Environmental; CPA reviewed borrower financial or last fiscal year – sub rehab
Prepayment Typically 10% year one, declining 1% per year; other prepayment options available subject to market conditions
Assumable Subject to Arbor and HUD approval and payment of assumption fee
Good Faith Deposit Negotiable based on property type and loan size
Expense Escrow Yes – sufficient to cover Arbor’s expenses and third-party report costs
Origination Fee Negotiable
HUD Application Fee Nonrefundable – 0.3% of the loan amount: 0.15% of the loan amount due to HUD at pre-application submission; 0.15% at firm application
HUD Inspection Fee 0.5% of the mortgage amount for new construction; 0.5% of the cost of repairs for substantial rehab
Legal/Closing Fee Borrower pays Arbor’s counsel fee and miscellaneous closing costs
Rehabilitation Qualifications Repairs must exceed $15,000 per unit (adjusted for local high cost factor) or replacement of two or more major building systems
Davis Bacon Davis Bacon labor standards and wage requirements apply to construction and rehab work
HUD Mortgage Insurance Premium (MIP) Annual MIP Rates

  • Market rate properties: 0.65%
  • Affordable properties: 0.35%
  • Broadly affordable or energy efficient properties: 0.25%

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