In 2026, can BTC be used as a mortgage down payment without having to sell?

Crypto World News reports that the U.S. housing system is preparing to recognize Bitcoin as a legitimate asset for the first time, allowing borrowers to apply for mortgages without having to sell their holdings first. This move stems from directives by Federal Housing Finance Agency Director William Pulte, requiring Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to incorporate cryptocurrencies into risk assessments for single-family residential mortgage loans. The new framework is expected to be implemented in 2026, enabling borrowers to retain their Bitcoin while using it as an asset in mortgage applications. This development is described as a potentially revolutionary moment that could change property ownership, but it also comes with conditional restrictions.