Groups say GSE Reentry Into LIHTC Market Should Not Be Restricted
July 28, 2017
Participants in the low-income housing tax credit program said the re-entry of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac into the market should not be limited to rural communities. The two GSEs were directed to stop investing in the tax credits in 2008 when they were placed under conservatorship. But a final rule issued by the Federal Housing Finance Agency in December, under its duty-to-serve requirement, determined that if the GSEs re-enter the LIHTC market, they should only be able do so in targeted areas. In May, the GSEs released draft proposals on ways to grow financing for specific underserved markets under DTS, which include rural housing, along with manufactured housing and preserving affordable housing for low- and moderate-income, households.