Non-QM loan
Also called Non-QM
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Definition
A non-QM loan is a mortgage that is not a qualified mortgage. The label is the negative of the QM category. It is not a finding that ability-to-repay rules do not apply.
In plain English
Some mortgages fit the qualified-mortgage category. Others do not. A loan outside that category is a non-QM loan. The features that count as QM change over time. This page does not list current tests. It only names the contrast.
Technical definition
CFPB’s key-terms heading for qualified mortgage is the official consumer category this page is defined against. 12 CFR 1026.43 is technical context. Current numeric QM tests are omitted.
Why it matters
Product marketing uses non-QM as a category. Readers need it tied to qualified mortgage, not treated as a separate federal program.
Commonly confused with
Sources reviewed
12 CFR 1026.43
Source reviewedSeptember 6, 2026
Mortgage key terms
Source reviewedSeptember 4, 2026
Important note
This page does not publish current QM feature lists or numeric tests.
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