Do the 2026 student loan repayment changes affect my mortgage?

Federal student loan repayment changes can affect a mortgage application because lenders base debt-to-income calculations on the actual required payment, and a new repayment plan can raise or lower that number. A borrower switching plans right before applying should expect a lender to ask for updated loan statements reflecting the current payment amount. This matters most for someone close to the edge of qualifying, where a shift in the required payment can change how much home they can afford. Brian Beatty can point a buyer to a lender who stays current on these federal program changes before house hunting begins.