Can Crypto Help You Buy a Home? Here’s What Experts Say
As we navigate the digital era, homebuying decisions are expanding beyond traditional financial considerations. One modern factor gaining traction — and sparking questions — is cryptocurrency. While digital assets like Bitcoin and Ethereum have seen tremendous popularity, they’re also known for their unpredictable swings in value. So, how do these assets impact your chances of getting a mortgage?
Experts Weigh In on Crypto’s Role in Mortgage Approval
GOBankingRates consulted industry professionals to explore how cryptocurrencies might affect home loan qualifications. Here’s what they had to say:
Crypto Could Support Mortgage Applications
Jess Houlgrave, CEO of Reown — a firm specializing in digital wallet infrastructure — believes this evolution is a milestone.
“This shift lays the foundation for mainstream financial institutions to recognize crypto assets,” she said. “For the first time, digital holdings like Bitcoin or stablecoins could potentially strengthen your mortgage application. It’s not just about legitimacy — it’s about integrating crypto into the lending infrastructure.”
Houlgrave also emphasized that if government-backed mortgage giants begin acknowledging crypto assets, it would compel the broader mortgage ecosystem to develop tools and procedures for digital asset evaluation.
Regulatory Landscape Still Murky
Despite growing acceptance, many questions remain unanswered when it comes to using cryptocurrency in mortgage applications. Guidelines are still being developed, making the process uncertain for both borrowers and lenders.
“We don’t yet have clear direction on how lenders should treat crypto,” explained Jennifer Beeston, a mortgage lending and housing expert. “Will all digital currencies be evaluated equally? Until standards are in place, the risk is hard to gauge. That’s what organizations like Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac are working to solve — how to do this safely without excluding people from homeownership.”
Unlocking New Opportunities for Buyers
Joe Lackner, founder of Coin Interest Rate, sees crypto as a gateway to homeownership for many Americans who previously lacked the means to qualify.
“Roughly 21% of U.S. adults — around 55 million people — hold some form of cryptocurrency, and nearly 10% have portfolios exceeding $100,000,” Lackner said. “Historically, these digital assets needed to be liquidated — sometimes at inopportune times, triggering steep tax bills — to count toward mortgage eligibility.”
He highlighted stablecoins like USDC and USDT as potentially ideal options. “Because they’re far less volatile than assets like Bitcoin or Ethereum, they make more stable financial documentation when applying for a loan. That reduces the risk of falling short due to sudden market dips.”
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