Qualify for a mortgage with crypto and keep full custody

If you’re holding your crypto in self-custody and have no plans to sell, you’re not alone. Many Bitcoin and Ethereum holders want to keep their assets secure in their own wallets, not sitting on an exchange or tied up with a custodian. The challenge is that most lenders won’t count those assets unless you sell or move them.

At Milo, we’ve built a solution that respects your strategy. Whether you're looking for a crypto-first mortgage or a more traditional structure, we make it possible to use your crypto to qualify for a home while keeping it in your control.

Ways to use crypto to qualify for a mortgage

We offer two mortgage options depending on how directly you want to use your crypto in the financing process.

1. Pledge your crypto to access property financing This is our most direct solution for crypto holders. You pledge Bitcoin or Ethereum equal to the property value, and we provide the full financing amount. Your crypto serves as the asset backing the loan.

The best part? Your crypto isn’t tied up for decades. After meeting a specific repayment milestone, your full collateral is returned. This is ideal for buyers who want to use their crypto directly without needing to convert to dollars. It also works well for those with limited fiat or those looking to buy a more premium property than they’d qualify for using traditional income or cash alone.

Just note: while the loan is backed by crypto, closing costs still need to be covered in cash.

2. Use crypto as reserves for a traditional mortgage If you're looking for something closer to a conventional mortgage, this second option might be a better fit. You bring a down payment and cover your closing costs, but instead of needing all of your reserves in a bank account, you can count your self-custodied crypto toward the requirement.

Most lenders require borrowers to show reserves—money set aside to cover future mortgage payments in case of a disruption to your income. This can range from 6 to 12 months of payments, depending on the lender. At Milo, we accept Bitcoin or Ethereum in your own wallet as proof of reserves. You don’t need to sell it, wrap it, or move it. As long as ownership is verifiable, we count it.

This lets you keep your crypto strategy intact while still strengthening your mortgage application.

Why this matters for self-custodied crypto holders

With Milo, your assets don’t need to be liquidated to have value. Whether you’re buying an investment property in Florida, expanding your real estate portfolio, or making your first U.S. purchase, your Bitcoin or Ethereum can support your mortgage qualification.

You get to keep your assets secure and in your control while unlocking financing opportunities typically reserved for more traditional investors.

A mortgage that respects your crypto strategy

We know how important privacy, custody, and long-term thinking are for crypto holders. That’s why Milo’s mortgage options are built around you. Whether you choose to pledge your crypto or simply use it to show financial strength, we’ve created a path that keeps your assets working for you without forcing a sale.

Ready to use your crypto to qualify for a mortgage?

Talk to our team or explore your options at www.milo.io. It’s time your crypto did more than just sit in your wallet.

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.