Mortgage Navigator • Conventional • Property & Appraisal

Leasehold estates

You can finance a home on leased land with conventional financing when the lease structure and market support the collateral.

Fannie allows leasehold mortgages

Fannie purchases eligible loans secured by leasehold estates in markets where this ownership form has demonstrated market acceptance.

Eligible property types

Fannie's current leasehold framework can include one- to four-unit properties, condos, co-ops, PUD units and certain manufactured homes in approved projects.

The ground lease must work

Lease term, assignment, lender protections, renewal or purchase options, marketability and appraisal treatment all matter. The lease cannot undermine the mortgage's collateral position.

Current Fannie update: the leasehold-estate section was updated August 5, 2026, so older lender checklists may not reflect current guide language.

Official guide baseline

Fannie Mae Selling Guide · Freddie Mac Seller/Servicer Guide

Property eligibility, valuation method, appraisal findings, AUS messages and lender overlays all matter. The appraisal supports collateral eligibility; it does not replace underwriting.