According to various news sources, it is no longer a rumor that the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) will increase down-payments on loans to 5 percent.

The agency’s share of home loans has surged from 3% in 2006 to nearly 30% this year as credit has tightened and borrowers’ bank accounts have been depleted. But that increased exposure has led to more defaults, driving the FHA’s reserves below their mandated levels. The changes will go into effect in the first half of the year.