Newrez Expands Access to Homeownership With Crypto-Backed Mortgages

Newrez will begin recognizing crypto assets in the mortgage underwriting process in February 2026, making it the first top-25 U.S. lender to offer this feature. Borrowers can now use crypto for asset verification and income estimation without liquidation, addressing liquidity constraints for digital asset holders. The global crypto market now exceeds $3 trillion, with 45% of Gen Z and millennial investors owning crypto, many of whom are entering prime homebuying years according to recent data.

Mortgage lending is undergoing a quiet but significant transformation as digital assets like Bitcoin and Ethereum gain traction as legitimate forms of wealth. Newrez, one of the top five mortgage lenders in the U.S., is leading the charge by integrating eligible crypto assets into its mortgage underwriting process. Starting in February, consumers can now use their digital assets for asset verification and income estimation without having to sell their holdings—a first for a major lender among the top 25 in the country. This move not only expands access to homeownership for a growing demographic of crypto-owning borrowers but also reflects a broader shift in how financial institutions view digital assets. With the global crypto market surpassing $3 trillion and nearly half of young investors holding crypto, the implications for the mortgage industry are clear: digital assets are no longer just speculative investments—they're now part of the mainstream financial ecosystem.

How Does Newrez's Crypto-Backed Mortgage Work?

The core innovation lies in allowing borrowers to qualify for mortgages using their digital assets without the need to convert them into cash. For years, investors who held crypto faced a common problem: their wealth was tied up in assets that couldn't be used to secure a home loan. Now, through Newrez's Smart Series product suite, borrowers can use their crypto holdings for asset verification and income estimation, just like traditional assets such as stocks or bonds. This means that a borrower with $100,000 in Bitcoin, for example, could qualify for a mortgage without having to sell that Bitcoin for fiat currency, preserving their investment while gaining access to homeownership. This approach also aligns with recent regulatory shifts, including guidance from the government-backed mortgage giants Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, which are now encouraged to recognize crypto assets in their loan calculations. The move signals a maturing market for digital assets and a growing acceptance of crypto as a legitimate financial asset class.

Why Is This a Game-Changer for Younger Investors?

Newrez's decision comes at a time when younger investors—particularly Gen Z and Millennials—are reshaping the mortgage market. These demographics are not only more likely to hold crypto assets but are also entering their peak homebuying years. According to Newrez, 45% of Gen Z and Millennial investors own crypto, many of whom previously struggled to qualify for traditional mortgages due to liquidity constraints or the need to sell assets to meet down payment requirements. By removing that barrier, Newrez is opening a new pathway to homeownership for a segment of the population that is both asset-rich and tech-savvy. For mortgage originators, this also means new opportunities to serve a previously underserved market—borrowers who want to leverage their digital assets but have been excluded from traditional financing options. As the crypto market continues to grow, the ability to use those assets for real-world financial goals like homeownership will only become more important.

What This Means for the Mortgage Industry and Beyond

Newrez's move is more than just a product update—it's a sign of how the mortgage industry is adapting to the digital age. For years, mortgage underwriting has relied on traditional forms of wealth like bank accounts, stocks, and real estate. Now, with crypto entering the equation, the rules of engagement are changing. Lenders who fail to adapt risk being left behind in a market where younger borrowers increasingly expect flexibility and innovation. At the same time, this shift raises questions about how digital assets will be valued, how volatility is factored into loan-to-value ratios, and how lenders will ensure compliance with evolving regulations. These are still unanswered questions, but Newrez's approach provides a framework for how lenders can begin to incorporate crypto into their underwriting models without compromising risk management. For investors, the key takeaway is this: as crypto becomes more integrated into everyday finance, its influence on major economic decisions—like buying a home—will only grow. That means the companies that lead this transition—like Newrez—stand to gain a significant edge in the mortgage market of the future.