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FHA loans in California

Quick answer

FHA loans in California require 3.5% down with a 580+ credit score; on a $695,400 home that's about $24,339. County FHA limits start at $541,287 for one-unit homes in lower-cost areas.

By Purchase Mortgage Loan Editorial Team Checked against official sources per our editorial standardsLast updated

FHA loan snapshot for California

ItemEstimate
Minimum down payment3.5%
Minimum credit score580
Typical CA home value$695,400
3.5% down on typical home$24,339
20% down on typical home$139,080
Avg. effective property tax0.71%/yr (~$410/mo)
Income for typical home (31% rule)$214,000

Rate assumption: 7.18% (Freddie Mac PMMS 30-year fixed average, week of November 5, 2026). Change it in the payment calculator.

Which California programs pair with FHA loans?

  • MyHome Assistance: A deferred-payment junior loan that can cover part of the down payment or closing costs for first-time buyers.
  • Dream For All Shared Appreciation: When funded, provides a large down payment loan repaid with a share of future appreciation; rounds open periodically.
  • CalPLUS: A first mortgage with a slightly higher rate paired with closing cost assistance.

Details and current limits: California Housing Finance Agency (CalHFA).

Who is an FHA loan best for?

FHA is designed for buyers with modest savings or credit that's still being built. Because the government insures the lender against loss, lenders can approve borrowers they might otherwise decline.

  • Credit scores between 580 and 680.
  • Debt-to-income ratios up to about 50% with compensating factors.
  • Buyers using gift funds for the entire down payment.
  • Buyers who had a bankruptcy 2+ years ago or foreclosure 3+ years ago.

How much does FHA mortgage insurance cost?

The upfront premium (UFMIP) is 1.75% of the base loan amount and is usually rolled into the loan. The annual premium for most 30-year loans is 0.55% of the balance, paid monthly. With less than 10% down, annual MIP lasts for the life of the loan; with 10% or more, it ends after 11 years. Many owners later refinance into a conventional loan to drop MIP.

FHA loans in California cities

FHA in Los AngelesFHA in San DiegoFHA in San JoseFHA in San FranciscoFHA in FresnoFHA in SacramentoFHA in Long BeachFHA in OaklandFHA in BakersfieldFHA in AnaheimFHA in StocktonFHA in RiversideFHA in Santa AnaFHA in IrvineFHA in Chula VistaFHA in Santa ClaritaFHA in FremontFHA in San BernardinoFHA in ModestoFHA in FontanaFHA in Moreno ValleyFHA in OxnardFHA in Huntington BeachFHA in GlendaleFHA in OntarioFHA in Elk GroveFHA in Santa RosaFHA in Rancho CucamongaFHA in OceansideFHA in Garden GroveFHA in LancasterFHA in PalmdaleFHA in SalinasFHA in HaywardFHA in CoronaFHA in SunnyvaleFHA in RosevilleFHA in EscondidoFHA in PomonaFHA in TorranceFHA in VisaliaFHA in FullertonFHA in OrangeFHA in PasadenaFHA in VictorvilleFHA in Santa ClaraFHA in Simi ValleyFHA in Thousand OaksFHA in VallejoFHA in ConcordFHA in ClovisFHA in BerkeleyFHA in FairfieldFHA in AntiochFHA in RichmondFHA in East Los AngelesFHA in CarlsbadFHA in DowneyFHA in MurrietaFHA in Costa Mesa

Frequently asked questions

Yes. FHA loans are available statewide in California through approved lenders, subject to county loan limits where they apply.

Often yes. California Housing Finance Agency (CalHFA) and local programs frequently pair assistance with FHA, conventional, VA or USDA first mortgages. Eligibility depends on income, price and program rules.

Answer a few questions on Purchase Mortgage Loan and we'll match you with lenders and loan officers in our network who serve California.

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Figures on this page are estimates for educational purposes only and are not a loan offer or commitment to lend. Rates, loan limits, fees and assistance programs change frequently and vary by lender, location and borrower profile. Confirm current terms with a licensed loan officer.