Skip to content
Purchase Mortgage Loan
Get Pre-Approved

FHA Loan requirements for 2026

Quick answer

To qualify for an FHA loan you generally need a 580+ credit score for 3.5% down (500–579 requires 10% down), a debt-to-income ratio around 43% or less (higher with compensating factors), steady income, and a primary-residence home within the county FHA limit. FHA charges a 1.75% upfront and an annual mortgage insurance premium.

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

What are the FHA loan requirements?

RequirementFHA
Minimum credit score580 for 3.5% down; 500–579 with 10% down
Minimum down payment3.5% (10% if credit is 500–579)
Debt-to-income31% housing / 43% total standard; higher with compensating factors (AUS)
Mortgage insurance1.75% upfront MIP + annual MIP (0.15%–0.75%, most borrowers 0.50%–0.55%)
OccupancyPrimary residence; move in within 60 days
Loan limitCounty FHA limit (2026 floor $541,287)

How does FHA mortgage insurance work?

FHA requires an upfront mortgage insurance premium of 1.75% of the base loan (usually financed) plus annual MIP paid monthly. With less than 10% down, annual MIP lasts the life of the loan; with 10% or more it ends after 11 years.

What property rules apply?

The home must be a 1–4 unit primary residence and pass an FHA appraisal that checks minimum property standards (safety, security and soundness). Condos must be FHA-approved or meet single-unit approval rules.

Learn more on our FHA Loan guide or check 2026 loan limits by county.

FHA requirements by state

AlabamaAlaskaArizonaArkansasCaliforniaColoradoConnecticutDelawareDistrict of ColumbiaFloridaGeorgiaHawaiiIdahoIllinoisIndianaIowaKansasKentuckyLouisianaMaineMarylandMassachusettsMichiganMinnesotaMississippiMissouriMontanaNebraskaNevadaNew HampshireNew JerseyNew MexicoNew YorkNorth CarolinaNorth DakotaOhioOklahomaOregonPennsylvaniaRhode IslandSouth CarolinaSouth DakotaTennesseeTexasUtahVermontVirginiaWashingtonWest VirginiaWisconsinWyoming

FHA options by credit score

500 credit score520 credit score540 credit score560 credit score580 credit score600 credit score620 credit score640 credit score660 credit score680 credit score700 credit score720 credit score740 credit score760 credit score780 credit score800 credit score

Frequently asked questions

580 for 3.5% down; 500–579 with 10% down

3.5% (10% if credit is 500–579)

FHA requires an upfront mortgage insurance premium of 1.75% of the base loan (usually financed) plus annual MIP paid monthly. With less than 10% down, annual MIP lasts the life of the loan; with 10% or more it ends after 11 years.

The home must be a 1–4 unit primary residence and pass an FHA appraisal that checks minimum property standards (safety, security and soundness). Condos must be FHA-approved or meet single-unit approval rules.

Sources

See if you qualify for a FHA loan

Answer a few quick questions and get matched with purchase mortgage lenders in your area. Free, and it won't affect your credit score.

Get My Matches

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.