Fourteen policy changes were announced Tuesday morning by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), continuing its effort to streamline its Federal Housing Administration (FHA) single-family mortgage insurance program.

HUD says this brings the count of actions taken on the FHA single-family program to 150 since the start of the second Trump administration.

The changes “eliminate outdated requirements, reduce administrative burdens and make FHA financing more efficient for homebuyers and lenders,” HUD stated in a press release.

Updated policies range from mortgage origination to servicing and quality control.

HUD pointed to a reduction in quality control costs by streamlining appraisal field review requirements that cost $425 per review. It expects the change “to save industry partners approximately $3.3 million annually while improving alignment with other programs.”

Another action will expand flexibility under FHA’s limited 203(k) rehabilitation program. It increases “the number of contractor draw requests, making it easier to complete home rehabilitation projects,” HUD stated.

HUD Secretary Scott Turner pointed to June being National Homeownership Month, stating “these FHA actions reflect that commitment by eliminating barriers to expand homeownership opportunities.”

“Every unnecessary regulation comes with a cost, and too often homebuyers pay the price,” Turner continued. “If a policy does not protect taxpayers, improve affordability or expand opportunity for Americans, we should rethink it.”

Industry veterans who have reviewed the changes told Scotsman Guide the moves are “innocuous and reasonable.” One former regulatory official noted, “The impact is limited but the direction is good.”

A former HUD official said most of the changes “are not controversial,” adding that lenders and servicers should welcome these adjustments.

The Mortgage Bankers Association commented to Scotsman Guide that it “continues to be supportive of HUD’s efforts to streamline programs, cut red tape, and make homeownership and renting more affordable.”