2026 review changes
Freddie Mac retired Streamlined Review for mortgages with application received dates on or after August 3, 2026. Applicable alternatives include an Established Condominium Projects review, Reciprocal Review, or Exempt From Review. Its 2026 changes also expanded small-project exemptions and retired the 50% owner-occupancy requirement for investment properties in established projects; new-project presale requirements remain.
Reserves and the January 2027 change
For application received dates on or after January 4, 2027, the replacement-reserve allocation minimum increases from 10% to 15% of annual budgeted assessment income. The enhanced reserve-study requirements took effect August 3, 2026. Have the lender confirm the applicable budget test and any permitted reserve-study alternative.
Where the lender can investigate
Condo Project Advisor provides project feedback and can support certain project waiver requests. A waiver is specific to the requirement and transaction; it is not a general approval of every loan in the community. Ask whether the issue is a project requirement, a borrower requirement, or an additional lender restriction.
Go to the official sources
These resources explain the program requirements. Lender restrictions and transaction details can also affect the outcome.
Freddie Mac: Bulletin 2026-C Freddie Mac: Condo Project Advisor Freddie Mac: Condominium mortgages