How to buy a home with a crypto loan

The growing role of crypto in real estate financing

More crypto holders are starting to use their assets to buy real estate. According to a Redfin survey conducted in December 2021, 12% of first-time homebuyers under 30 used crypto to fund their down payment. For many, it’s not just about diversification, it’s about aligning their real-world investments with the way they store value.

Yet most banks don’t see it that way. They still treat crypto as volatile, unproven, or irrelevant. That means even high-net-worth individuals with significant digital assets often can’t qualify for financing without first liquidating, moving funds into fiat, and letting them “season” in a traditional account for months.

Milo was built around the belief that those who hold their wealth in bitcoin or digital assets should have the same access to financing and wealth-building opportunities as those who keep their money in more conventional forms like cash or stocks. The structure might be unconventional, but the financial stability is often the same or better.

Milo’s crypto mortgage at a glance

Our crypto mortgage was designed to make U.S. real estate accessible to crypto investors, without requiring them to sell. It allows for up to 100% financing and is fully backed by bitcoin or ether held in secure custody. It’s available today for second homes and investment properties across most U.S. states.

It’s not yet available for primary residences. That’s due to capital market requirements that restrict how these loans can be structured and sold. As digital assets gain broader acceptance in the financial system, we expect these restrictions to change.

So, what can primary home buyers or builders do now?

Bridging the gap with a crypto loan

For now, Milo’s crypto loan is the most effective way to use your crypto to buy a primary home. Unlike a mortgage, it’s a flexible liquidity tool—backed by your crypto, not your property. You can use it to buy a home in cash, fund a down payment, consolidate debt to qualify for a better mortgage, or finance a construction or renovation project.

As of May 2025, Milo offers the lowest interest rate options in the crypto lending industry through its 33% LTV loan, with rates starting at 7.75% (12.75% APR)*. Monthly payments are interest-only, making the loan a more sustainable and accessible option. There’s no prepayment penalty, no requirement to use the property as collateral, and no rehypothecation—your crypto stays securely held, never lent out or reused elsewhere.

*Rates are subject to change.

We offer two core loan programs:

• 33% LTV: Borrow up to one-third of your crypto’s value at the lowest available interest rate. This program is ideal for borrowers prioritizing long-term security and minimal monthly obligations.
• 50% LTV: Access up to half your crypto’s value at a higher rate. This option is suited for those looking to maximize their liquidity while still preserving ownership.

When a crypto loan makes more sense in real estate

There are specific real estate situations where a crypto loan isn’t just an option—it’s the better choice.

1. Construction financing Traditional construction loans are heavily regulated, slow to close, and often require phased fund releases tied to construction milestones. Many won’t release funds until large parts of the project are already complete. A crypto loan gives you access to the full amount up front, removing delays. Once the build is complete, you can refinance into a long-term mortgage—either with Milo or your preferred lender.

2. Fix and flip strategies Hard money lenders often charge 12–15% interest, require upfront fees, and place a lien on the property. That restricts flexibility. A crypto loan avoids this. It’s faster, costs less, and doesn’t rely on the property as collateral. Because your crypto backs the loan, your real estate strategy remains flexible, even if the flip takes longer or you shift direction. This is especially useful in volatile markets where timing matters.

3. Time-sensitive purchases A crypto loan can be funded in as little as 24 hours, while traditional mortgages often take 45–60 days. That speed matters when there’s a bidding war or an investor deadline. There’s no employment verification, no tax returns, and no slow underwriting cycles, just your crypto and a verified process.

4. Avoiding forced liquidation Selling crypto to fund a real estate purchase introduces real friction. It can mean capital gains taxes, losing exposure during market rebounds, or increasing your fiat footprint at the wrong time. A crypto loan keeps your assets intact while giving you access to what you need. You hold your position and still move forward with the deal.

How to use a crypto loan to buy a primary home

Crypto holders are already using this loan to become homeowners. Here’s how:

Make a stronger offer. All-cash buyers are four times more likely to win in competitive markets. With a crypto loan, you can convert part of your crypto into a cash offer, without selling your holdings.

Bridge the downpayment gap. If you’ve ever been told your funds “aren’t seasoned,” you know how frustrating the process can be. With a crypto loan, funds are verifiable and immediately available. You avoid the wait and meet lender requirements without compromise.

Consolidate debt to improve your mortgage profile. High-interest debt can kill a mortgage deal. Using a crypto loan at 7.75% (12.75% APR)* to pay off $50,000 in personal debt, especially if that debt is above 20%, can reduce your monthly payments by over $500. Because the crypto loan is interest-only, its impact on your DTI is minimal, giving you more room to qualify for your preferred mortgage.

*Rates are subject to change.

What’s next for crypto-backed homeownership Crypto holders are no longer waiting on the sidelines. Tools like Milo’s crypto loan and crypto mortgage are giving them ways to act, whether they’re investing, building, flipping, or buying their primary home.

As digital assets continue to integrate into financial infrastructure, these tools will only expand. Until then, Milo’s crypto loan is helping people turn their holdings into homes, without giving up what they’ve worked so hard to build.

Ready to buy your next home without selling your crypto? Apply for a crypto loan today and turn your bitcoin into buying power, no liquidation, no penalties.

The opinions expressed in the Blog are for general informational purposes only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual or on any specific security or investment product.