Title 12 › CHAPTER 13 — NATIONAL HOUSING › SUBCHAPTER VI — WAR HOUSING INSURANCE › § 1744
Lets the Secretary insure loans to help factories build houses for World War II veterans at prices they can afford. Loans can be insured if the builder has signed purchase contracts the Secretary accepts, the houses meet quality and safety rules, the builder has enough plant, money, and experience, and the loan does not exceed 90% of the Secretary’s estimate of the current manufacturing cost (minus any payments already made). Buyers must usually pay within 30 days of delivery unless at least 20% is paid at delivery and the lender accepts a buyer promissory note, which then can be due up to 180 days after delivery. Loans are normally for up to one year, may be extended one more year under Secretary rules, and may carry up to 4% interest per year. If the borrower misses a payment or breaks an agreement for 30 days, the lender can give the loan papers and rights to the Secretary and get insurance benefits. The Secretary then issues debentures equal to the unpaid principal and they bear interest from the default date. The Secretary can sell or handle assets he takes over. The lender must pay an insurance premium up to 1% of the original loan in advance and may pay application and inspection fees. The Secretary can also insure lenders who accept and discount buyer promissory notes. Those notes may be no more than 80% of the house price, due in 180 days, and bear up to 4% interest. If a buyer defaults on such a note for 30 days, the lender can get insurance and receive debentures equal to unpaid principal plus 4% interest from default to the filing date. The Secretary sets the final terms and fees.
Full Legal Text
Banks and Banking, Source: USLM XML via OLRC
Legislative History
Reference
Citation
12 U.S.C. § 1744
Title 12, Banks and Banking
Last Updated
Sep 22, 2026
Release point: 119-110