Major U.S. mortgage lender Newrez has announced a new policy that lets borrowers use their crypto assets to qualify for a mortgage without selling them. The program is set to start in February 2026 as part of Newrez’s Smart Series products, marking a significant step toward bringing cryptocurrencies into mainstream finance. Homebuyers can now use their crypto holdings for income verification and asset qualification, treating them like traditional wealth.
Traditionally, lenders required borrowers to sell crypto to show proof of funds, which could trigger capital gains taxes and force them to give up potential growth. Newrez’s approach changes that, making eligible crypto holdings directly includable in mortgage applications without liquidation. This allows borrowers to keep their investments while still qualifying for a loan. However, the lender has not disclosed all the technical details yet, but the plan focuses on widely held and verifiable crypto assets. The goal is to simplify the process and give crypto holders more flexibility in home buying.
This policy is a huge milestone in the mainstream adoption of crypto, showing that digital assets are being treated more like traditional wealth rather than just speculative holdings. For buyers, it could make homeownership more accessible, allowing those who hold crypto as long-term investments to use their assets without losing value. For the industry, it demonstrates growing institutional acceptance of cryptocurrencies, and as more lenders explore similar policies, crypto could become a practical financial tool in more areas of life.
Early reactions on X (formerly Twitter) have mostly been positive, with users highlighting that this move transforms crypto from a risky asset into something more functional. Many see it as a smart way to merge digital holdings into real-world financial decisions. Some analysts caution that lenders will still need clear valuation methods and risk management, but the overall sentiment points to growing confidence in crypto’s role in traditional finance.
Newrez’s February rollout will be watched closely by the mortgage industry. If successful, other lenders may follow, further blurring the line between crypto and conventional financial assets. Moreover, this initiative shows that cryptocurrencies are not just for trading or speculation anymore—they are slowly becoming practical tools that can help people achieve big life goals, like buying a home.
