Tap to get financing
Multifamily Loans
Property Types
MultifamilySenior HousingStudent HousingAffordable HousingMobile Home Park
Loan Options
Fannie MaeFreddie MacFHA/HUD Multifamily LoansConstruction LoansRefinanceBridge LoansCMBSFind Lenders with Janover Pro
Resources
BlogLoan DocsForms and TemplatesRatesMultifamily Calculators
For Brokers About Us
(561) 556-5777
Get financing →
Multifamily Finance Blog
4 min read
by Jeff Hamann

The Best 3 Multifamily Loans for Affordable Housing in 2025

Discover the three best multifamily financing options for affordable housing in 2025, including the HUD 223(f), Fannie Mae Standard FHA Risk Sharing Execution, and USDA 538 loans.

In this article:
  1. 1. HUD 223(f) Loans
  2. 2. Fannie Mae Standard FHA Risk Sharing Execution Loans
  3. 3. USDA 538 Loans
  4. Which Do I Choose?
  5. Get Financing
Start Your Application and Unlock the Power of Choice Experience expert guidance, competitive options, and unparalleled industry expertise.
Click Here to Get Quotes →
$5.6M offered by a Bank$1.2M offered by a Bank$2M offered by an Agency$1.4M offered by a Credit UnionClick Here to Get Quotes!

Most of the discussion around affordable housing in the industry is that we need more of it. We know that, but it’s worth looking outside the development space to see how much upside affordable housing can have as an investment — and how to finance them.

The fact is, affordable housing properties offer good, consistent returns — even in an economic downturn. Demand is always strong, thanks to the undersupply, and many of the purported downsides, from lower rent collections to burdensome administrative requirements, are overblown.

That’s not to say they’re for everyone.

Owning or operating an affordable housing property can be a completely different experience compared to other housing sectors. And, yes, there are things like regular housing inspections to deal with.

If you’re considering getting into the affordable housing investment space, you must know your financing options. Affordable housing multifamily loans are one clear way to make your property turn a strong, consistent profit.

This article explores the best three multifamily financing options for affordable housing in 2025.

1. HUD 223(f) Loans

This loan program is designed to help finance the acquisition or refinancing of multifamily properties. The HUD 223(f) loan is backed by the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) and offers a highly competitive, fixed interest rate and up to a 35-year repayment term. This loan isn't exclusively for affordable housing properties — in fact, they're extremely useful for virtually any market-rate asset — but affordable housing investors can take advantage of even better terms.

One key benefit of the 223(f) loan is that it can cover up to 87% of the project cost, plus loan terms are all fully amortizing.

The loan is non-recourse, which means that the borrower is not personally liable for repayment. This can be especially beneficial for affordable housing investors without the same level of financial resources as larger investors. Overall, the HUD 223(f) loan is a great option for developers looking to acquire or refinance multifamily properties, and can offer competitive interest rates and flexible repayment terms.

2. Fannie Mae Standard FHA Risk Sharing Execution Loans

This loan program is a collaboration between Fannie Mae and the FHA. It’s designed specifically for the financing of affordable housing properties. The loan offers a fixed interest rate and up to a 35-year repayment term, and it can offer loan-to-value ratios of up to 80% for acquisitions and 90% for properties yet to be constructed. 

One key benefit of this loan program is that it is structured as a risk-sharing arrangement between Fannie Mae and the FHA, which can help reduce the risk for lenders. This translates into better terms for borrowers. 

Furthermore, the loan program offers flexible underwriting requirements and streamlined processing, which can help make financing more accessible to affordable housing investors and developers.

3. USDA 538 Loans

This loan program is designed to help finance the construction or rehabilitation of affordable multifamily properties in rural areas. The loan is backed by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), and offers a fixed interest rate and up to a 40-year repayment term. 

One key benefit of the USDA 538 loan is that it can offer LTVs up to 90% for any for-profit investors — or up to 97% for a nonprofit. For development, LTCs are capped lower, at 70%. This plays a large role in making affordable housing investment more financially viable in the rural areas these loans focus on.

Additionally, the loan program offers streamlined underwriting requirements and reduced fees, which can help make financing more affordable for developers. Overall, the USDA 538 loan is a great option for developers looking to finance affordable multifamily properties in rural areas, thanks to competitive terms and reduced fees.

Which Do I Choose?

As you’ve seen, not every loan works for every type of property. A USDA 538 loan can’t fund an affordable housing project in a city, for example, and a HUD 223(f) loan won’t typically do much for a development.

We can provide you with the best options for your specific needs. Just fill in the form below — it only takes a minute — and we’ll be in touch with free quotes in no time.

In this article:
  1. 1. HUD 223(f) Loans
  2. 2. Fannie Mae Standard FHA Risk Sharing Execution Loans
  3. 3. USDA 538 Loans
  4. Which Do I Choose?
  5. Get Financing

Getting commercial property financing should be easy.⁠ Now it is.

Click below for a free, no obligation quote and to learn more about your loan options.

Get financing →

Janover: Your Partner in Growth

At Janover, we offer a wide range of services tailored to your unique needs. From commercial property loans and LP management to business loans and services for lenders, we're here to help you succeed.

Learn more about Janover →
Commercial Property Loans

Get the best CRE financing on the market.

Explore Financing Options →
LP Management

Syndicate deals on autopilot with Janover Connect.

Discover LP Management →
Business Loans

Match with the right kind of loan, in record time.

Find Business Loans →
For Lenders

Supercharge your loan pipeline. Unlock more deals.

Boost Your Loan Pipeline →
Multifamily Loans

Multifamily Loans is a Janover company. Please visit some of our family of sites at: Multifamily Loans, Commercial Real Estate Loans, SBA7a Loans, HUD Loans, Janover Insurance, Janover Pro, Janover Connect, and Janover Engage.

Janover Tech Inc.

6401 Congress Ave
Ste 250
Boca Raton FL 33487
(561) 556-5777 
hello@multifamily.loans

Multifamily Loans

Beginner's Guide
Multifamily Refinance
Multifamily Mortgage Calculator
Current Rates
Commercial Mortgage Calculator
Commercial Loan Rates
Multifamily Loan Guides per State
For Commercial Mortgage Brokers

Site Information

Privacy Policy
Terms of Use


For Commercial Mortgage Brokers

This website is owned by a company that offers business advice, information and other services related to multifamily, commercial real estate, and business financing. We have no affiliation with any government agency and are not a lender. We are a technology company that uses software and experience to bring lenders and borrowers together. By using this website, you agree to our use of cookies, our Terms of Use and our Privacy Policy. We use cookies to provide you with a great experience and to help our website run effectively.

Freddie Mac® and Optigo® are registered trademarks of Freddie Mac. Fannie Mae® is a registered trademark of Fannie Mae. We are not affiliated with the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), Federal Housing Administration (FHA), Freddie Mac or Fannie Mae.

This website utilizes artificial intelligence technologies to auto-generate responses, which have limitations in accuracy and appropriateness. Users should not rely upon AI-generated content for definitive advice and instead should confirm facts or consult professionals regarding any personal, legal, financial or other matters. The website owner is not responsible for damages allegedly arising from use of this website's AI.

Copyright © 2025 Janover Tech Inc. All rights reserved.

+

Fill out the form below and get the pricing and terms banks can't compete with.