Buy a Home With Bitcoin: Coinbase, Fannie Mae Bring Crypto Mortgages to Mainstream Buyers

Bitcoin Magazine Buy a Home With Bitcoin: Coinbase, Fannie Mae Bring Crypto Mortgages to Mainstream Buyers Coinbase is partnering with Better Home & Finance to roll out crypto-backed mortgages backed by Fannie Mae, marking a step toward integrating digital assets into traditional housing finance. The new offering allows qualified borrowers to pledge Bitcoin or USDC as collateral for a down payment without selling their holdings, avoiding potential capital gains taxes while maintaining exposure to their assets. Structured as conforming loans, the mortgages carry the same standards and protections as traditional Fannie Mae-backed loans. Better originates and services the loans, while Coinbase provides custody and infrastructure for the pledged bitcoin or crypto. The product targets a long-standing barrier in the housing market: the upfront cost of a down payment. According to Better, roughly 41% of American families fail to purchase homes due to insufficient liquid cash, even when they hold other forms of wealth. “For decades, the path to homeownership has required Americans to sell assets, liquidate investments, or withdraw retirement savings,” said Better CEO Vishal Garg. “This partnership introduces a new pathway for millions of Americans who hold digital assets.” BREAKING: $4 trillion Federal National Mortgage Association to accept bitcoin-backed mortgages for the first time — WSJ pic.twitter.com/XYl2PMjJOi— Bitcoin Magazine (@BitcoinMagazine) March 26, 2026 The companies estimate that around 52 million Americans — roughly 20% of adults—have owned digital assets, according to a company press release. By allowing borrowers to pledge crypto instead of cash, the product aims to unlock that balance sheet for housing access. Wall Street Journal reporting helped with the coverage of this news. Bitcoin-backed mortgages Unlike traditional crypto-backed lending, the mortgages are designed to minimize volatility risk for borrowers. The loans do not include margin calls o...