The FHA 223(f) Apartment Program is a highly beneficial federal lending initiative for the acquisition or refinancing of existing apartments or housing cooperatives. Understanding this program is crucial for developers, property owners, and real estate professionals involved in the apartment housing sector.

Overview of the FHA 223(f) Program

Administered by: The Federal Housing Administration (FHA), a division of the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).

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Purpose: Facilitates refinancing existing debt or acquiring existing apartment buildings or housing cooperatives.

Key Features of the Program

Loan Structure: Offers a 35-year fully amortized loan (35/35) up to 85% loan-to-value.

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Interest Rates: Competitive rates fixed at 1.25% over 10-year Treasuries.

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Tenant and Rent Flexibility: There are no tenant income requirements or rental rate regulations.

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Minimal Restrictions: Few restrictions and disadvantages, offering a favorable lending environment.

Eligibility and Requirements

Property Age: Eligible buildings must be at least 3 years old.

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Deferred Maintenance: Any deferred maintenance must be addressed, but costs can be covered by loan proceeds.

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Repair Limitations: The cost of repairs cannot exceed 15% of the property's finished value or $6,500 per unit, with a restriction on replacing more than one major building component.

Loan Guarantees and Advantages

Federal Guarantee: A portion of these loans is guaranteed by the federal government, contributing to the favorable interest rates.

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Renovation and Repair Coverage: Allows funding for both acquisition and necessary repairs, subject to appraised value after renovation.

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Cash-out Refinance Limits: Limited to 70% loan-to-value, but can cover existing debt and property repairs up to 85% of the post-renovation appraised value.

Financial Aspects and Underwriting

Loan Fees: Typically range between one to two points, with a common minimum of $30,000 to $40,000.

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Reserves: Include tax and insurance reserves, and funding for major repairs and replacements, with initial holdbacks and monthly contributions.

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Debt Service Coverage Ratio: Underwritten using 85% of the net income, equating to a 1.175 debt service coverage ratio.

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Loan Size Considerations: Most FHA-approved lenders focus on loans over $2 million, although recent initiatives accommodate smaller loans.

Loan Terms and Assumptions

Prepayment: Locked out for the first five years with a declining prepayment penalty thereafter.

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Assumability: The loan is assumable for a 1% fee.

Process and Timeline

Efficient Processing: Despite government involvement, the process typically takes around 90 days to fund.

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Target Properties: Particularly beneficial for lower-quality buildings in lower-income areas or properties needing high leverage.

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The FHA 223(f) Apartment Program is an excellent resource for financing the acquisition or refinancing of apartment properties. It offers competitive rates, high loan-to-value ratios, and the flexibility to cover necessary repairs and improvements. For developers and property owners looking for long-term, stable financing options in the multifamily housing market, this program presents a compelling option, especially for projects that align with its specific criteria and requirements.

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