Non-Warrantable Condo Loans for Investors

A condo is "non-warrantable" when its project fails one or more agency tests — active litigation, a single owner controlling more than 10% of units, more than 35% commercial space, low HOA reserves, or the project being a hotel/condotel. Specialty investor lenders write loans against these projects every day with adjusted LTV and pricing.

Highlights

  • Litigation projects accepted (case-by-case)
  • Single-entity / sponsor concentration over 10% allowed
  • Commercial space up to 50–60% in some programs
  • Short-term rental projects financeable
  • HOA budget review still required but standards are looser

Who it's for

Investors targeting urban core condos, mixed-use buildings, resort-area units, and recently converted projects that fall outside agency guidelines.

Frequently asked questions

What makes a condo non-warrantable?

Common triggers: pending litigation involving the HOA, more than 10% of units owned by a single entity, more than 35% commercial use, less than 10% of HOA dues going to reserves, daily-stay rental programs, ineligible insurance coverage, or excessive delinquent HOA dues.

How is a non-warrantable condo loan priced?

Expect 0.25–1.0% above a comparable warrantable condo DSCR rate. Pricing depends on the specific warrantability issue and how many issues stack.

What LTV can I get on a non-warrantable condo?

Most programs cap at 75% LTV on purchase, 70% on rate-term refi, 65–70% on cash-out. A few aggressive lenders go to 80% with 740+ FICO and strong DSCR.

Will my lender review the HOA?

Yes. Even non-warrantable programs require a condo questionnaire, HOA budget, master insurance, and litigation disclosure. The bar is just lower than agency.

Got a non-warrantable condo scenario?

Tell us the deal - we'll match you with the right lender and come back with current pricing.