Summary:
Section 207/223(f) insures mortgage loans to facilitate the purchase or refinancing of existing multifamily rental housing. These projects may have been financed originally with conventional or FHA insured mortgages. Properties requiring substantial rehabilitation are not eligible for mortgage insurance under this program. HUD permits the completion of non-critical repairs after endorsement for mortgage insurance.

Purpose:
Section 223(f) insures lenders against loss on mortgage defaults. The program allows for long- term mortgages (up to 35 years) that can be financed with Government National Mortgage Association (GNMA) Mortgage-Backed Securities. This eligibility for purchase in the secondary mortgage market improves the availability of loan funds and permits more favorable interest rates.

Type of Assistance:
FHA mortgage insurance for HUD-approved lenders.

Eligible Activities:
The property must contain at least 5 residential units with complete kitchens and baths and have been completed or substantially rehabilitated for at least 3 years prior to the date of the application for mortgage insurance. The program allows for non-critical repairs that must be completed within 12 months of loan closing. Projects requiring substantial rehabilitation are not acceptable under this section and may not involve the replacement of more than one major system. The remaining economic life of the project must be long enough to permit a ten-year mortgage. The mortgage term cannot exceed 35 years or 75 percent of the estimated life of the physical improvements, whichever is less. Davis Bacon prevailing wage requirements do not apply to this program.

The maximum mortgage limitation for a purchase transaction is the lesser of:
(1) 85 percent of HUD appraised value; (2) 85 percent of the acquisition cost;
(3) Section 207 statutory per unit limits, adjusted by the local Field Office high cost percentage for the locality; or (4) a mortgage amount supported by 85 percent of net income.

The maximum mortgage limitation for a refinance transaction is the lesser of:
(1) 85 percent of HUD appraised value; (2) Section 207 statutory per unit limits, adjusted by the local field Office high cost percentage for the locality; (3) the mortgage amount supported by 85 percent of net income; or (4) the greater of the cost to refinance or 80 percent of HUD appraised value.

Eligible Borrowers:
Owners or prospective purchasers of eligible multifamily properties may apply for insured mortgages through HUD-approved lenders.

Eligible Customers:
All persons are eligible to occupy such projects subject to normal occupancy restrictions.

Application:
Section 223(f) is eligible for Multifamily Accelerated Processing (MAP). The sponsor works with the MAP-approved lender who submits required exhibits for Firm Commitment application, including a full underwriting package to the local Multifamily Hub or Program Center for review. The Multifamily Hub or Program Center reviews the application to determine whether the proposed loan is an acceptable risk. Considerations include market need and the capabilities of the borrower. FHA underwriting analysis must determine that there is enough project income to repay the loan, taking into account all necessary project expenses. If the proposed project meets program requirements, the local Multifamily Hub or Program Center issues a commitment to the lender for mortgage insurance.

Applications submitted by non-MAP lenders must be processed by HUD field office staff under Traditional Application Processing (TAP). Under TAP, there are only two processing stages: the conditional commitment stage and the firm commitment stage. The sponsor is required to have a pre-application conference during the conditional commitment stage to determine the appraised value and maximum mortgage amount. At the firm commitment stage the local HUD Multifamily Hub or Program Center determines the amount of the mortgage available to the purchaser or refinancing borrower in the proposed transaction. If the proposal meets FHA program requirements, the local Multifamily Hub or Program Center issues a commitment to the lender for mortgage insurance.

Technical Guidance:
Section 223(f) of the National Housing Act was added by Section 311(a) of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974. Regulations are found at 24 CFR, Part 200. For processing and underwriting instructions refer to HUD Handbook 4565.1- Mortgage Insurance for the Purchase of Existing Multifamily Housing Projects available on HUDclips. Refer to the MAP web site for guidelines and instructions, lender approval requirements, and MAP coordinators. The program is administered by the Office of Multifamily Housing Development.

Program Accomplishments:
In fiscal year 2012, the Department insured mortgages for 644 projects with 91,969 units, totaling $5.6 billion.