LatestCoverageAll 50 states, D.C. and five territories now on the ledger|NewPuerto Rico's 78 municipios ledgered, municipio by municipio|FeatureAssessment appeal workspace — build a filing package from your own evidence|FeatureLiving reports — versioned, re-runnable, exportable|DevelopersMetered REST gateway · issued keys · signed webhooks|Live market readings · refreshed on loadAlbuquerque · NMMedian List$360K+2.5%|Austin · TXMedian List$550K-1.0%|Baltimore · MDMedian List$225K-6.3%|Bernalillo County · NMMedian List$364K+2.7%|Bexar County · TXMedian List$303K+3.7%|Boston · MAMedian List$859K+3.4%|Charlotte · NCMedian List$430K-0.1%|Chicago · ILMedian List$426K+9.3%|Clark County · NVMedian List$447K+0.1%|Columbus · OHMedian List$300K+0.6%|Cook County · ILMedian List$348K+5.1%|Dallas · TXMedian List$449K-0.1%|Davidson County · TNMedian List$481K+0.1%|Denver · COMedian List$569K+1.6%|Detroit · MIMedian List$105K-2.8%|Duval County · FLMedian List$297K-2.3%|El Paso · TXMedian List$260K+3.7%|Fort Worth · TXMedian List$332K-2.1%|Franklin County · OHMedian List$320K+3.2%|Fresno · CAMedian List$406K-2.3%|Harris County · TXMedian List$327K+0.6%|Houston · TXMedian List$340K+0.6%|Indianapolis · INMedian List$260K+2.3%|Jackson County · MOMedian List$275K+7.0%|Jacksonville · FLMedian List$309K-2.1%|Jefferson County · KYMedian List$248K-4.3%|Kansas City · MOMedian List$240K+4.3%|King County · WAMedian List$860K-4.2%|Las Vegas · NVMedian List$440K-1.1%|Los Angeles · CAMedian List$950K-0.5%|Louisville · KYMedian List$275K0.0%|Maricopa County · AZMedian List$458K-0.4%|Marion County · INMedian List$259K+3.7%|Mecklenburg County · NCMedian List$407K-5.3%|Memphis · TNMedian List$202K+2.5%|Mesa · AZMedian List$450K-3.1%|Milwaukee · WIMedian List$243K+5.7%|Multnomah County · ORMedian List$518K-1.2%|Nashville · TNMedian List$480K+1.0%|New York · NYMedian List$899K+0.5%|Oklahoma City · OKMedian List$275K-0.6%|Oklahoma County · OKMedian List$259K-0.7%|Philadelphia · PAMedian List$249K+0.3%|Phoenix · AZMedian List$480K0.0%|Pima County · AZMedian List$373K+0.9%|Portland · ORMedian List$640K-6.0%|Sacramento · CAMedian List$510K+4.0%|San Antonio · TXMedian List$236K-1.2%|San Diego · CAMedian List$994K+4.2%|San Francisco · CAMedian List$1.4M+1.7%|San Jose · CAMedian List$1.3M-11.9%|Santa Clara County · CAMedian List$1.3M+0.1%|Seattle · WAMedian List$874K-2.8%|Shelby County · TNMedian List$259K-2.4%|Suffolk County · MAMedian List$857K+7.3%|Tarrant County · TXMedian List$385K-1.2%|Travis County · TXMedian List$523K-0.3%|Tucson · AZMedian List$316K+2.7%|Wayne County · MIMedian List$229K+6.7%|LatestCoverageAll 50 states, D.C. and five territories now on the ledger|NewPuerto Rico's 78 municipios ledgered, municipio by municipio|FeatureAssessment appeal workspace — build a filing package from your own evidence|FeatureLiving reports — versioned, re-runnable, exportable|DevelopersMetered REST gateway · issued keys · signed webhooks|Live market readings · refreshed on loadAlbuquerque · NMMedian List$360K+2.5%|Austin · TXMedian List$550K-1.0%|Baltimore · MDMedian List$225K-6.3%|Bernalillo County · NMMedian List$364K+2.7%|Bexar County · TXMedian List$303K+3.7%|Boston · MAMedian List$859K+3.4%|Charlotte · NCMedian List$430K-0.1%|Chicago · ILMedian List$426K+9.3%|Clark County · NVMedian List$447K+0.1%|Columbus · OHMedian List$300K+0.6%|Cook County · ILMedian List$348K+5.1%|Dallas · TXMedian List$449K-0.1%|Davidson County · TNMedian List$481K+0.1%|Denver · COMedian List$569K+1.6%|Detroit · MIMedian List$105K-2.8%|Duval County · FLMedian List$297K-2.3%|El Paso · TXMedian List$260K+3.7%|Fort Worth · TXMedian List$332K-2.1%|Franklin County · OHMedian List$320K+3.2%|Fresno · CAMedian List$406K-2.3%|Harris County · TXMedian List$327K+0.6%|Houston · TXMedian List$340K+0.6%|Indianapolis · INMedian List$260K+2.3%|Jackson County · MOMedian List$275K+7.0%|Jacksonville · FLMedian List$309K-2.1%|Jefferson County · KYMedian List$248K-4.3%|Kansas City · MOMedian List$240K+4.3%|King County · WAMedian List$860K-4.2%|Las Vegas · NVMedian List$440K-1.1%|Los Angeles · CAMedian List$950K-0.5%|Louisville · KYMedian List$275K0.0%|Maricopa County · AZMedian List$458K-0.4%|Marion County · INMedian List$259K+3.7%|Mecklenburg County · NCMedian List$407K-5.3%|Memphis · TNMedian List$202K+2.5%|Mesa · AZMedian List$450K-3.1%|Milwaukee · WIMedian List$243K+5.7%|Multnomah County · ORMedian List$518K-1.2%|Nashville · TNMedian List$480K+1.0%|New York · NYMedian List$899K+0.5%|Oklahoma City · OKMedian List$275K-0.6%|Oklahoma County · OKMedian List$259K-0.7%|Philadelphia · PAMedian List$249K+0.3%|Phoenix · AZMedian List$480K0.0%|Pima County · AZMedian List$373K+0.9%|Portland · ORMedian List$640K-6.0%|Sacramento · CAMedian List$510K+4.0%|San Antonio · TXMedian List$236K-1.2%|San Diego · CAMedian List$994K+4.2%|San Francisco · CAMedian List$1.4M+1.7%|San Jose · CAMedian List$1.3M-11.9%|Santa Clara County · CAMedian List$1.3M+0.1%|Seattle · WAMedian List$874K-2.8%|Shelby County · TNMedian List$259K-2.4%|Suffolk County · MAMedian List$857K+7.3%|Tarrant County · TXMedian List$385K-1.2%|Travis County · TXMedian List$523K-0.3%|Tucson · AZMedian List$316K+2.7%|Wayne County · MIMedian List$229K+6.7%|
Property-class scope

The story of this market

The typical home in Minnesota sells for about $375,000, or $215 per square foot.

Prices are up +2.8% from a year ago, so sellers still have some momentum. Homes take about 48 days to sell. Last year 988 of 1432 neighborhoods saw prices rise, so the story isn't the same street to street. HUD's fair market rent for a two-bedroom is $1,048 a month.

HUD sets the fair market rent for a 2-bedroom at $1,048 a month.

Monthly price momentum

Home values since 2015

+1.5%

MN · past 12 months

MN 191.3USA 208.1
20152017201920212023202595125155213.5

Freddie Mac House Price Index, single-family homes, monthly through 2026-08. Each line starts at 100 in January 2015, so a reading of 180 means prices are up 80% since then.

Rent benchmark

Fair market rent by size

$1,404

3-bed / month

$770
Studio
$846
1 bed
$1,048
2 bed
$1,404
3 bed
$1,635
4 bed
Gross rental yield · 3-bed rent × 12 ÷ $375,0004.5%

HUD Fair Market Rents, fiscal 2027, median across 87 counties. A typical rent for a modest unit, used to set housing-voucher payments.

Natural hazard exposure

Most exposed counties

65.6

median county score

  1. 1Lincoln County90.7
  2. 2Carlton County87.6
  3. 3Morrison County83.8
  4. 4Pennington County83.6
  5. 5Watonwan County83.6
  6. 6Sibley County83.5

FEMA National Risk Index, averaged across each county's census tracts. 100 is the most exposed in the nation.

Mortgage activity

Home lending in this state

83.6%

2018 approval rate

YearApplicationsLoans madeApprovalInvestor shareMedian home value
201826519215363783.6%5.2%$235,000

CFPB Home Mortgage Disclosure Act records: every mortgage application reported by lenders for homes in this state. Approval rate is approved ÷ decided (withdrawn and incomplete files excluded). Investor share and home value are the median census tract.

State intel report · monthly refresh cycle
Track this state

Minnesota

refreshed Oct 11, 2026, 5:31 PM3 refresh cycles retainednext refresh due Oct 26, 2026
Market sentiment: cautiously optimistic

The Minnesota housing market is showing signs of stabilization as inventory levels rise and mortgage rates moderate. While affordability remains a significant constraint for many buyers, the increase in supply is helping to balance the market and provide more options. Overall, the market is transitioning toward a more sustainable pace of growth.

Key-figure check: median price corroborated by the published ten-year series (2025) (within 12.5%).

Latest readings
Median sale price
$375,000
Corroborated · 1 anchor · 5% off nearest
Median price / sq ft
$215
Median days on market
48
Active listings
18,852
Listings with price cuts
28.5%
Median price change YoY
+2.8%
Closed sales (monthly)
6,500
Months of supply
3.5
Sale-to-list ratio
98.5%
Median asking rent
$1,280/mo
Population
5,762,759
Median household income
$84,319
Avg effective property tax rate
1.05%
State Market ScoreZIP-SCORE-1.3 · 4/4 sections graded
72
Composite · average of graded sections
Computed only from this report's published readings — sections without data are excluded, never estimated.
57
Growth/100

Median prices moved up 1.4% year over year.

90
Liquidity/100

Homes spend a median of 36 days on market with 0.0 months of supply — a fast-moving market.

50
Momentum/100

0% of listings have cut prices · homes sell at 11.03% of asking — demand is holding steady.

89
Safety & stability/100

72 foreclosure-ledger notices — 0.1 per 10,000 residents · unemployment 3.2% · poverty 9.5% — a stable, low-distress profile.

Federal real-property footprintGSA REXUS · state granular
Federal buildings & leases
101
Usable area
2,591k sq ft
Mean building size
25,654 sq ft

Owned and leased federal assets with active or excess status, per the General Services Administration's Real Estate Across the United States inventory (read 2026-09-25). A federal footprint read on this state — not a market valuation, and never an attribute of any individual property or tenant.

Deterministic roll-up
87 of 87 counties contributed
Median sale price
$390,455
Median price / sq ft
$211
Median days on market
35.74
Active listings
351,381.1
Listings with price cuts
0.08%
Median price change YoY
+1.4%
Closed sales (monthly)
19,655
Months of supply
0.04
Sale-to-list ratio
11.03%
Median asking rent
$1,764/mo
Population
5,791,232
Median household income
$84,944
Distress filings (ledger)
72

Deterministic aggregate of 87 researched counties — sales_count-weighted (population fallback); per point, children lacking the value or its weight are excluded. Tax rates, sentiment and context notes are tier-native and never roll.

State signal roll-up· Minnesotacomposite +18 · positive
Overall composite
+18
positive
State sentiment read
—
0 favorable · 0 neutral · 0 caution · 0 adverse
Coverage
1 of 87 counties scored
detector suites exist per county
Reading tallies
0 adverse · 0 caution
1 favorable · 0 severe-heat
Strongest county movers
Population-weighted composite of 1 scored Minnesota county (87 statewide) — each county already severity-weighted and heat-scaled by the current signal strategy; counties without a researched population weight equally. Recomputed 9/18/2026 by the county detector cycle.
Median home value · ten-year trajectory & projection

Minnesota — researched statewide history with a deterministic 1 / 3 / 5-year projection

2016201720182019202020212022202320242025202620282030$210,000$280,000$350,000$420,000$490,000

Solid: researched ten-year history · dotted: 1 / 3 / 5-year projection extended from the historical 5.8%/yr trend — a deterministic estimate, not a published forecast or guarantee.

State spotlight · the factual leaderscomputed only from researched reports' published readings
Hottest city
St. Cloud
heat 75/100
median $275,000
+7.2% YoY
35 days on market
27% of listings cut
Hottest county
Marshall County
heat 87/100
median $197,500
+9% YoY
44 days on market
0% of listings cut
Hottest ZIP
ZIP 55771
heat 95/100
median $392,000
+42.3% YoY
21 days on market
0% of listings cut
Most discounted
Ramsey County
33% of listings cut price
median $353,000
-0.6% YoY
38 days on market
33% of listings cut
Fastest mover
Carver County
9 median days on market
median $500,000
-9.9% YoY
9 days on market
0% of listings cut
Distress spotlight
Lake County
8 verified ledger filing(s)
7.4 filings per 10,000 residents
county-record verified foreclosure postings
What's hot · what's notheat 0-100 · price direction, pace, negotiation strength, discount pressure
Hot · rising demand

highest heat scores

1Marshall Countycounty+9% YoY87
2Murray Countycounty+30.7% YoY82
3Kanabec Countycounty+6.5% YoY80
4Faribault Countycounty+6.6% YoY80
5St. Louis Countycounty+9% YoY80
Not · cooling demand

lowest heat scores

1Clearwater Countycounty-61% YoY38
2Pipestone Countycounty-37.1% YoY38
3Cass Countycounty+1.1% YoY39
4Aitkin Countycounty-9.3% YoY40
5Goodhue Countycounty-11% YoY41
Major amenities · Minnesota
Theme, amusement & water parks
13 · statewide
Stadiums, arenas & amphitheaters
15 · statewide
Top attractions & landmarks
14 · statewide
Museums & history
20+ · statewide
National & state parks
20+ · statewide
Beaches, lakes & marinas
13 · statewide
Golf resorts & championship courses
14 · statewide
Zoos & aquariums
18 · statewide
Shopping destinations
19 · statewide

Theme parks, venues, golf, airports, museums, water and shopping across the area from Google Maps, ranked by popularity within the radius shown.

Amenities & attractions3 retained amenities · 1 development on the horizon

The amenity base that shapes daily life and property demand in this state — what residents actually live with, and what the pipeline is adding.

Inside this state
Voyageurs National Park
National Park

A premier destination for water-based recreation, including boating, fishing, and canoeing in a pristine northern wilderness.

Mall of America
Shopping/Entertainment

One of the largest shopping and entertainment complexes in the world, serving as a major economic and tourism anchor.

U.S. Bank Stadium
Sports Venue

A state-of-the-art multi-purpose stadium in Minneapolis that hosts major professional sports and large-scale entertainment events.

On the horizon · announced & under construction
Twin Cities Transit ExpansionInfrastructureUnder ConstructionOngoing expansion of light rail and bus rapid transit lines to improve regional connectivity.
Area context
Crime & safety

Crime trends in Minnesota vary by region, with urban centers like Minneapolis and St. Paul experiencing higher rates of property and violent crime compared to rural areas. Statewide, law enforcement agencies report fluctuations in crime rates that generally align with national trends.

Schools & education

Minnesota consistently ranks among the top states for public education, with high graduation rates and strong performance in national assessments. The state's school quality is generally characterized as high, though disparities exist between urban and rural districts.

Environmental & hazard

Minnesota faces risks primarily from severe weather, including winter storms, tornadoes, and occasional flooding in river basins. Insurance markets are generally stable, though premiums for homeowners have seen upward pressure due to increased frequency of severe convective storms.

Growth & development

Minnesota's economy is anchored by a diverse mix of Fortune 500 companies in sectors like healthcare, retail, and finance, including UnitedHealth Group and Target. Infrastructure development is focused on transit expansion in the Twin Cities and ongoing investments in regional broadband connectivity.

Taxation

Composed from the ARED governance burden registry — tier-native tax structure (state + county + city + special districts), never averaged. State (Minnesota) — Condominium Unit Taxation: Each unit constitutes a separate parcel for tax purposes. If a declaration is recorded at least 30 days before a tax installment is due, the taxing authority must split the taxes among the units. State (Minnesota) — Minnesota General Property Tax Classification System: Property tax is calculated by applying a class rate to the parcel's estimated market value to determine tax capacity, then multiplying by the local tax rate. For residential homesteads (Class 1a), the rate is 1.00% for the first $500,000 of market value and 1.

Economy & employers

Minnesota maintains a robust and diversified economy with a strong presence in healthcare, manufacturing, and retail. The state's GDP growth is supported by a highly educated workforce and a stable business environment.

Transportation & infrastructure

The state is served by a comprehensive network of interstate highways and the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport, which acts as a major regional hub. Public transit is concentrated in the Twin Cities metro area, with ongoing efforts to expand light rail and bus services.

Insurance & hazard market

The property insurance market in Minnesota is competitive but has faced challenges from rising claims related to severe weather events. Premiums have trended upward as insurers adjust to increased risk profiles.

Migration & population flows

Minnesota has experienced modest net domestic migration, with recent trends showing a slight shift as residents seek more affordable housing options in surrounding regions.

Foreclosure doctrine

Minnesota primarily utilizes a non-judicial foreclosure process, which allows for a streamlined timeline for lenders. Homeowners are granted a statutory redemption period following the foreclosure sale.

Disclosure doctrine

Minnesota law requires sellers to provide a written disclosure statement regarding the condition of the property, including known material defects. Sellers must provide this disclosure before the purchase agreement is signed.

Discovery profileACS 2020-2024 5-year estimates
Census profile · Minnesota
Population
5,762,759
Median age
38.5 yrs
Owner-occupancy
72.2%
Median home value
$329,300
Median gross rent
$1,280
Median household income
$84,319
Median year built
1978
Vacancy rate
6.5%
Renter share
27.8%
Owner cost burden
22%
Renter cost burden
48%
Population change
+0.5%
Net migration
-5,000
Work-from-home share
18.5%
Mean commute
23.5 min
Bachelor's or higher
38.2%
Unemployment
3.2%
Poverty rate
9.5%
Avg household size
2.43
White
78%
Black or African American
7.5%
Hispanic or Latino
7.2%
Asian
5.5%
Other
1.8%

Data retrieved from U.S. Census Bureau QuickFacts and ACS 5-year estimates.

Major employers & industries
UnitedHealth GroupHealthcareMajor global employer headquartered in Minnetonka.
Target CorporationRetailHeadquartered in Minneapolis with a significant regional workforce.
3MManufacturingMajor industrial employer based in Maplewood.
Market & county intel reports · Minnesota
Latest refresh summary

The Minnesota housing market is showing signs of stabilization as inventory levels rise and mortgage rates moderate. While affordability remains a significant constraint for many buyers, the increase in supply is helping to balance the market and provide more options. Overall, the market is transitioning toward a more sustainable pace of growth.

Key-figure check: median price corroborated by the published ten-year series (2025) (within 12.5%).

Sources · 5 cited
Jurisdictional burden contextinherited governance · most-local first
State · Minnesota
Condominium Unit TaxationTaxationConditional

applies when — Parcels designated as condominium units

Each unit constitutes a separate parcel for tax purposes. If a declaration is recorded at least 30 days before a tax installment is due, the taxing authority must split the taxes among the units.

Minnesota Statutes 515A.1-105

Homestead Designation in ForeclosureForeclosure doctrineConditional

applies when — Property containing a homestead subject to foreclosure

The mortgagor has the right to designate a portion of the property as a homestead to be sold and redeemed separately, provided it conforms to local zoning and is compact.

Minnesota Statutes 582.041

Foreclosure by AdvertisementForeclosure doctrineBinds every parcel

Allows non-judicial foreclosure. Requires notice of sale to be mailed to the mortgagor at least 14 days before the sale date and published in a newspaper. Mortgagors have specific redemption rights following the sale.

Minnesota Statutes Chapter 580

Minnesota General Property Tax Classification SystemTaxationBinds every parcel

Property tax is calculated by applying a class rate to the parcel's estimated market value to determine tax capacity, then multiplying by the local tax rate. For residential homesteads (Class 1a), the rate is 1.00% for the first $500,000 of market value and 1.25% for value exceeding $500,000.

2021 Classification Rate Table, Minnesota Department of Revenue

≈ $3,750/yr on a $375,000 median

Federal · United States (federal)
Residential Lead-Based Paint Disclosure Rule (Section 1018)Disclosure & transactionConditional

applies when — The residential property was built prior to 1978.

Sellers and lessors must provide purchasers and lessees with a lead hazard information pamphlet and disclose any known lead-based paint or hazards before becoming obligated under a contract.

Enforced by the EPA and HUD under the Residential Lead-Based Paint Hazard Reduction Act of 1992.

FEMA Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA) Mandatory Flood Insurance PurchaseHazard & insuranceConditional

applies when — The parcel is located within a designated Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA) and the owner receives a mortgage backed by a federally regulated lender or government entity (GSE, FHA, VA, USDA).

Requires the property owner to maintain flood insurance coverage for the duration of the mortgage loan to protect the collateral.

Governed by the Flood Disaster Protection Act of 1973 (FDPA) and the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968.

FEMA Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA) Mandatory Flood Insurance PurchaseHazard & insuranceConditional

applies when — The parcel is located within a Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA) as identified by FEMA Flood Insurance Rate Maps and the loan is secured by a federally regulated or backed lending institution.

Requires the property owner to maintain flood insurance coverage for the duration of the loan. Failure to maintain coverage allows the lender to force-place insurance at the borrower's expense.

Governed by the Flood Disaster Protection Act of 1973 (FDPA) and the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968.

Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA) Foreclosure and Eviction RestraintsForeclosure doctrineConditional

applies when — Parcel encumbered by a mortgage or occupied by a residential tenant where the mortgagor or lessee entered active-duty military service.

Stays non-judicial foreclosure proceedings, property seizure, and eviction for parcels owned or leased by qualifying servicemembers. Foreclosure or distress sales initiated during military service or within one year after service are strictly invalid and void unless conducted pursuant to a valid court order or an express written waiver executed during or after military service.

Servicemembers Civil Relief Act of 2003 (Pub. L. 108-189; 50 U.S.C. § 3953 and 50 U.S.C. § 3955), originally enacted as the Soldiers' and Sailors' Civil Relief Act of 1940; amended by the Military Spouses Residency Relief Act.

Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA) Superfund LiensTaxationConditional

applies when — Parcel where the federal government (EPA) has incurred response costs for cleanup or remediation of hazardous substance releases, and the parcel owner was provided written notice of potential liability.

Establishes a statutory federal lien upon the parcel running in favor of the United States for all unrecovered cleanup costs, damages, and statutory interest incurred by the EPA. Rate and formula: Direct Dollar-for-Dollar Reimbursement (Lien Amount = Incurred Response Costs + Administrative Costs + Statutory Interest under 42 U.S.C. § 9607(a)). Exemptions: Bona Fide Prospective Purchasers (BFPP) and Innocent Landowners under the Small Business Liability Relief and Brownfields Revitalization Act are exempt from personal liability if they perform All Appropriate Inquiries (AAI Phase I ESA) prior to purchase and comply with ongoing continuing obligations, though a 'windfall lien' may still attach to the parcel up to the unearned increase in fair market value attributable to the response action.

CERCLA of 1980, Section 107(l) (42 U.S.C. § 9607(l)) and Section 107(r) (Windfall Liens), as amended by SARA (1986) and the Brownfields Revitalization Act of 2002.

Endangered Species Act Section 9 Parcel Take ProhibitionsLand use & zoningConditional

applies when — Parcel contains designated critical habitat or supports listed threatened or endangered animal species under the Endangered Species Act.

Makes it unlawful to 'take' listed species (including significant habitat modification or degradation that impairs breeding, feeding, or sheltering). Precludes parcel clearing, tree removal, earthmoving, or construction unless the property owner prepares an approved Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP) and secures an Incidental Take Permit under Section 10(a) or receives Section 7 interagency consultation clearance.

Endangered Species Act of 1973, 16 U.S.C. §§ 1538-1539; 50 CFR Parts 17 and 222.

National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA) Section 106 ComplianceLand use & zoningConditional

applies when — Parcel contains a historic property listed on, or eligible for listing on, the National Register of Historic Places, subject to an undertaking involving federal permits, licenses, funding, or loan guarantees (e.g., HUD, USDA, or USACE approvals).

Mandates federal agencies to evaluate the effect of the proposed residential undertaking on historic properties and consult with State Historic Preservation Officers (SHPO) and Tribal Historic Preservation Officers (THPO). Restricts structural alterations, ground disturbance, demolition, or aesthetic elevations that cause adverse effects, often requiring formal Memoranda of Agreement (MOA) and mitigation measures.

National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, recodified at 54 U.S.C. § 306108; implementing regulations at 36 CFR Part 800.

Clean Water Act Section 404 Wetland and Waters RegulationLand use & zoningConditional

applies when — Parcel contains delineated 'waters of the United States' (WOTUS), including jurisdictional wetlands, streams, or navigable waterways.

Prohibits the discharge of dredged or fill material into jurisdictional waters on the parcel without an individual or nationwide permit issued by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE). Restricts residential site grading, bulkheading, retention pond construction, or development footprints, and may require expensive compensatory mitigation or off-site wetland credits to disturb designated acreage.

Federal Water Pollution Control Act Amendments of 1972 (Clean Water Act), 33 U.S.C. § 1344; joint regulations at 33 CFR Parts 320-332 and 40 CFR Part 230.

VA Minimum Property Requirements (MPRs) for Loan GuarantyBuilding & codesConditional

applies when — Parcel securing a residential loan guaranteed under the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Home Loan program.

Imposes mandatory VA Minimum Property Requirements (MPRs) ensuring the residential dwelling is safe, structurally sound, and sanitary. Mandates specific parcel covenants, including permanent year-round vehicular access, dedicated continuous utilities, separation from environmental/industrial hazards (such as high-voltage lines or pipeline easements), and certified termite/wood-destroying insect clearance in designated infestation zones.

Servicemen's Readjustment Act of 1944; 38 U.S.C. Chapter 37; 38 CFR Part 36; VA Pamphlet 26-7 (Lenders Handbook), Chapter 12.

Federal Housing Administration (FHA) Minimum Property Standards & Loan CeilingsBuilding & codesConditional

applies when — Parcel securing a residential purchase or refinance financed through an FHA-insured Title II mortgage.

Binds the parcel to HUD's Minimum Property Standards (MPS) covering basic safety, soundness, and security (e.g., structural integrity, adequate heating, safe potable water, clear drainage, lead-free surfaces). Imposes parcel-level statutory loan limits capping the insurable mortgage amount by county/MSA (ranging from the national 'floor' to the national 'ceiling' based on median county home prices). Non-compliant property deficiencies must be cured as a condition precedent to endorsement.

National Housing Act of 1934; 12 U.S.C. § 1709; 24 CFR Part 200, Subpart S; HUD Handbook 4000.1 (Single Family Housing Policy Handbook), adjusted annually by HUD Mortgagee Letters.

Foreign Investment in Real Property Tax Act (FIRPTA) WithholdingTaxationConditional

applies when — Disposition of a United States Real Property Interest (USRPI) where the transferor (seller) is a foreign person (non-resident alien individual, foreign corporation, foreign partnership, trust, or estate).

Imposes an affirmative withholding tax obligation on the transferee (buyer) to withhold and remit tax on the gross amount realized (gross sales price). The statutory base withholding rate is 15% of the total purchase price (Formula: Tax = Amount Realized × 15%). Exemptions and reductions: (1) 0% withholding applies if the amount realized is $300,000 or less AND the buyer certifies personal residence occupancy for at least 50% of days used over each of the first two 12-month periods; (2) reduced withholding rate of 10% applies if the amount realized exceeds $300,000 but does not exceed $1,000,000 and the buyer meets the personal residence requirement (Formula: Tax = Amount Realized × 10%); (3) withholding can be reduced or eliminated if an IRS Withholding Certificate (Form 8288-B) is obtained or if the seller furnishes a Non-Foreign Status Certification.

Internal Revenue Code Section 1445 (26 U.S.C. § 1445), originally enacted under FIRPTA of 1980; standard rate increased from 10% to 15% under the Protecting Americans from Tax Hikes (PATH) Act of 2015, effective February 16, 2016.

Federal Residential Lead-Based Paint Hazard Reduction Disclosure (Title X)Disclosure & transactionConditional

applies when — Residential 'target housing' constructed prior to 1978 offered for sale or lease (excluding zero-bedroom dwellings, housing for the elderly or persons with disabilities unless a child under 6 resides there, and certified lead-free properties).

Requires sellers and landlords to disclose known lead-based paint and lead-based paint hazards, provide all available evaluation reports/records, provide the EPA-approved informational pamphlet 'Protect Your Family From Lead in Your Home', and grant prospective buyers a 10-day inspection period (subject to mutual written waiver). Parties must execute a formal disclosure attachment; failure exposes non-compliant parties to statutory civil penalties and treble damages.

Residential Lead-Based Paint Hazard Reduction Act of 1992 (Title X of Pub. L. 102-550; 42 U.S.C. § 4852d); joint HUD/EPA regulations at 24 CFR Part 35, Subpart A and 40 CFR Part 745, Subpart F.

Fair Housing Act Parcel Design, Construction, and Accessibility StandardsBuilding & codesConditional

applies when — The parcel contains covered multifamily residential dwellings designed and constructed for first occupancy after March 13, 1991 (defined as all dwelling units in buildings with 4 or more units with an elevator, or ground floor dwelling units in buildings with 4 or more units without an elevator).

Imposes mandatory physical structural criteria on the parcel improvements: (1) accessible building entrance on an accessible route, (2) accessible public and common use areas, (3) usable doors for wheelchairs, (4) accessible routes into and through each dwelling unit, (5) light switches, electrical outlets, and environmental controls in accessible locations, (6) reinforced bathroom walls for grab bar installation, and (7) usable kitchens and bathrooms permitting wheelchair maneuvering. Non-conforming improvements require mandatory structural retrofits and subject developers/owners to federal civil actions.

Fair Housing Amendments Act of 1988 (42 U.S.C. 3604(f)(3)(C)); HUD regulations at 24 CFR 100.205.

Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA) Mortgage Foreclosure MoratoriumForeclosure doctrineConditional

applies when — The parcel secures a residential mortgage originated before the property owner entered active military service, where the debt is enforced during or within one year after active military service.

Restricts lender foreclosure rights by nullifying any non-judicial foreclosure, sale, or seizure of the residential parcel without a court order or valid written waiver executed by the servicemember during or after active duty. Courts are empowered to stay foreclosure proceedings or adjust loan payments. Foreclosing without a court order constitutes a federal criminal misdemeanor and exposes the lender to civil damages.

50 U.S.C. 3953; codified originally as the Soldiers' and Sailors' Civil Relief Act of 1940, modernized under the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act of 2003 (Pub. L. 108-189).

Federal General Tax Lien EncumbranceTaxationConditional

applies when — The residential parcel is owned by a person or entity that has neglected or refused to pay any assessed federal tax liability (income, gift, estate, or payroll tax) after formal demand.

Under IRC § 6321, a statutory lien arises automatically as of the date of assessment and attaches to all real property owned or acquired by the taxpayer. Upon the IRS filing a Notice of Federal Tax Lien (NFTL) in local county land records under IRC § 6323, it perfects priority against subsequent purchasers, mortgagees, and judgment lien creditors. Rate and computation: The lien secures 100% of the underlying unpaid tax assessment, plus compounding interest under IRC § 6621 (the federal short-term rate plus 3 percentage points) and statutory late-payment penalties under IRC § 6651 (0.5% per month, up to a maximum cap of 25%). No parcel-level homestead exemption exists under federal law against an IRC § 7403 judicial foreclosure or tax collection lien.

Internal Revenue Code (IRC) §§ 6321, 6322, 6323.

EPA Lead Renovation, Repair, and Painting (RRP) RuleBuilding & codesConditional

applies when — The parcel is improved with target residential housing built before 1978 undergoing renovation, repair, or painting activities for compensation that disturb more than 6 sq. ft. of interior painted surface or 20 sq. ft. of exterior painted surface.

Legally prohibits uncertified contractors from performing qualifying physical alterations on the home. Contractors must be EPA-certified and adhere to specific lead-safe containment, containment plastic barriers, HEPA vacuuming, and cleaning verification protocols. Imposes strict recordkeeping burdens and exposes property alterations to federal administrative stop-work orders and civil fines for uncontained lead dust contamination.

Promulgated under TSCA § 402(c)(3) (15 U.S.C. 2682); codified at 40 CFR Part 745, Subpart E; fully effective April 22, 2010.

Clean Water Act Section 404 Waters of the United States (WOTUS) PermittingLand use & zoningConditional

applies when — The parcel contains wetlands, streams, or waterways that meet the definition of 'Waters of the United States' (WOTUS) as delineated under the Clean Water Act.

Prohibits the discharge of dredged or fill material into jurisdictional wetlands or waters without a permit issued by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE). Restricts residential site grading, driveway installation, structural foundation expansion, or shoreline bulkheading; unauthorized fill mandates compulsory site restoration and subjects parcel owners to civil penalties exceeding $50,000 per day under 33 U.S.C. 1319.

Federal Water Pollution Control Act (Clean Water Act), 33 U.S.C. 1344; current delineation criteria governed in accordance with Sackett v. EPA (2023) and conforming federal rulemaking (40 CFR Part 120 / 33 CFR Part 328).

Federal Historic Preservation Review Encumbrance (Section 106)Land use & zoningConditional

applies when — The residential parcel is listed in or eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places, or lies within an eligible historic district, and involves an action subject to federal agency funding, permitting, licensing, or mortgage assistance (e.g., HUD/FHA, VA, USDA, or USACE permits).

Federal agencies must assess adverse effects on historic resources prior to approving loans, grants, or permits. Parcel alterations, demolitions, or rehabilitation programs that receive federal assistance are subjected to binding Section 106 consultation with the State Historic Preservation Officer (SHPO) and must adhere to the Secretary of the Interior's Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties, restricting unapproved structural modifications or exterior elevation changes.

National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 (54 U.S.C. 306108, formerly 16 U.S.C. 470f); regulations codified at 36 CFR Part 800.

FHA / HUD Single-Family Property Standards and County Loan LimitsLending & financingConditional

applies when — The parcel is being purchased or refinanced using FHA-insured Title II financing under the National Housing Act.

Restricts financing eligibility based on parcel and structural criteria: (1) County Loan Limits cap the maximum insurable mortgage balance per parcel based on local median housing costs (ranging from a federal statutory floor of 65% of the national conforming limit up to a statutory ceiling of 150%). (2) Imposes mandatory HUD Minimum Property Standards (MPS; HUD Handbook 4000.1 / 24 CFR Part 200) requiring mandatory appraisal repair escrows or seller cures for deficiencies regarding structural soundness, safety, soil stability, drainage, well/septic separation buffers, and lead paint encapsulation before loan endorsement.

National Housing Act of 1934, as amended (12 U.S.C. 1709); annual loan limit updates promulgated under the Housing and Economic Recovery Act of 2008 (HERA).

Foreign Investment in Real Property Tax Act (FIRPTA) Tax WithholdingTaxationConditional

applies when — The parcel constitutes a U.S. Real Property Interest (USRPI) transferred or disposed of by a 'foreign person' (non-resident alien individual, foreign corporation, foreign partnership, or foreign trust/estate).

Imposes an absolute statutory obligation on the transferee/buyer to withhold gross tax from the total amount realized (purchase price) upon disposition and remit it to the IRS within 20 days using Forms 8288 and 8288-A. Rate structure and formula: Base statutory withholding rate is 15% of the gross sales price. Residential personal residence exemption computation: (1) If the gross sales price does not exceed $300,000 AND the buyer (or family member) intends to use the parcel as a personal residence for at least 50% of days used during each of the first two 12-month periods, the withholding rate is 0%. (2) If the gross sales price exceeds $300,000 but does not exceed $1,000,000 and meets the same personal residence test, the withholding rate is reduced to 10% of the gross sales price. (3) For all sales exceeding $1,000,000, or where the buyer does not satisfy the personal residence requir

Internal Revenue Code (IRC) § 1445; enacted via the Foreign Investment in Real Property Tax Act of 1980, with standard rate increased from 10% to 15% pursuant to the PATH Act of 2015.

Residential Lead-Based Paint Hazard Reduction Act (Title X) DisclosureDisclosure & transactionConditional

applies when — The parcel is improved with 'target housing,' defined as any residential dwelling constructed prior to 1978, except housing for the elderly or persons with disabilities (unless a child under age 6 resides or is expected to reside there) or 0-bedroom dwellings.

Before a purchaser or lessee becomes obligated under any contract to buy or lease, the seller or landlord must: (1) provide an EPA-approved lead hazard information pamphlet ('Protect Your Family From Lead In Your Home'), (2) disclose any known lead-based paint or hazards and provide all available records/evaluations, (3) attach a federal Lead Warning Statement and disclosure certification to the contract, and (4) afford buyers a mandatory 10-day mutual inspection period (waivable in writing) to conduct a risk assessment. Failure to comply exposes violators to civil liability, statutory treble damages, and administrative penalties up to statutory maximums per violation.

Enacted under Title X of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1992 (42 U.S.C. 4852d), implemented jointly by EPA and HUD at 40 CFR Part 745 / 24 CFR Part 35.

FEMA Special Flood Hazard Area — NFIP Mandatory Purchase RequirementHazard & insuranceConditional

applies when — Parcel contains improved real estate or a manufactured home situated within a FEMA-designated Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA, such as Zones A or V / 100-year floodplain) in an NFIP-participating community, where financing is secured via a federally regulated, supervised, or insured lender (including GSEs, FHA, VA, USDA).

Mandates borrower to purchase and maintain flood insurance coverage (via NFIP or qualifying private flood insurance policy) for the term of the mortgage up to the lesser of the outstanding principal loan balance, the maximum NFIP statutory limit ($250,000 for residential 1-4 units), or the insurable value of the property. Lenders must escrow flood insurance premiums unless specific small-lender exceptions apply.

Established under the Flood Disaster Protection Act of 1973 (42 U.S.C. § 4012a) and National Flood Insurance Act of 1968, amended by the Biggert-Waters Flood Insurance Reform Act of 2012; private flood insurance acceptance regulations updated at 24 CFR Part 203 (FHA, 2022).

Governance registry — every jurisdiction re-researches on a rolling 90-day cycle. Property reports compose these inherited burdens into a per-parcel ledger with conditional determinations. Informational only — not legal advice.