news | January 20, 2026

Can a cousin be a non-occupant co-borrower?

All of the above can all be non-occupant co-borrowers since they are related by blood, marriage, law. Things can get tricky when getting into cousins, aunts, uncles, first and second cousins, and other distant relatives.

Can you have a non-occupant co-borrower on an investment property?

No, non-occupant co-signers and non-occupant co-borrowers are not permitted.

Can you have a non-occupant co-borrower on a FHA loan?

Both FHA and Conventional loans allow for non-occupant co-borrowers. There are no limits on the number of co-borrowers that can be added to the main borrower on FHA loans. Adding co-borrowers are common for self-employed borrowers and 1099 wage earners where they write a lot of deductions from their income tax returns.

Can you do a non-occupying co-borrower on a conventional loan?

A non-occupying co-borrower is allowed for conventional loans as well. As with FHA, the lender will use the lesser of the borrower’s credit scores to determine approval. There are requirements a co-borrower on a conventional loan needs to meet. Be a relative or friend.

What does non borrower mean?

A person who is an owner but does not have an obligation to repay the loan is sometimes referred to as a “non-obligor” or “non-borrower.” One easy solution would be to have the additional name(s) added to the deed after closing.

Can a non borrower be on a mortgage?

A person who is an owner but does not have an obligation to repay the loan is sometimes referred to as a “non-obligor” or “non-borrower.” Usually, the lender’s only requirement is that the non-obligor owner must sign the mortgage and a few ancillary documents at closing.

Does a non-occupant co-borrower need to be a relative?

A non-occupying co-borrower is beneficial from an income or credit perspective. Some lenders who allow non-occupant co-borrowers, such as Fannie Mae (HomeReady) and Freddie Mac and some conventional home lenders, require a non-occupant borrower to be a relative of the person who will be residing in the home.

Can you do a non-occupant co-borrower on a conventional loan?

A non-occupying co-borrower is allowed for conventional loans as well. As with FHA, the lender will use the lesser of the borrower’s credit scores to determine approval. There are requirements a co-borrower on a conventional loan needs to meet.

Who can be a non-occupant co borrower?

The non-occupant co-borrower must be a relative (parent, grandparent, child, sibling, aunt/uncle, spouse/domestic partner, or in-laws) If a non-occupant co-borrower is not related to the primary borrower by blood, marriage, or law, then a 25% down payment is required. The co-borrower’s name must be on the title.

Can a friend be a non occupying co-borrower?

FHA non-occupant co-borrower loans allow close friends and family members to purchase homes for each other at the same low FHA mortgage rates as are available for other FHA loans.

Who can be a non-occupant co-borrower?

Can a non-occupying co-borrower live in the home?

After the loan is approved and all documents are signed the non-occupying co-borrower will not live in the home Although the non-occupying co-borrower does not live in the home the person is liable for the mortgage equally with the main borrower.

Who is a non occupying co borrower on a FHA loan?

It is called the non-occupying co-borrower. FHA will allow the non-occupying borrower to be either a relative or a close friend. However, it is highly recommended that the borrower is a relative. If there is no direct blood relationship then FHA may require an extensive explanation of the relationship between the buyer and the co-borrower.

Why do people ask for a relative to be a co borrower?

Another reason why people ask for a relative to help as a co-borrower is to help overcome slight credit deficiencies. With the changes in mortgage lending rules, a lot of people have a decent credit score and other qualifying factors that will allow them to buy an automobile or get a credit card.

Do you have to be related to a HUD co-borrower?

However, under HUD Guidelines, co-borrowers needs to be related by law, blood, marriage. Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac allow co-borrowers but do not have to be related by law, marriage, blood.