What are the FHA requirements?
| Requirement | FHA |
|---|---|
| Minimum credit score | 580 for 3.5% down; 500–579 with 10% down |
| Minimum down payment | 3.5% (10% if credit is 500–579) |
| Debt-to-income | 31% housing / 43% total standard; higher with compensating factors (AUS) |
| Mortgage insurance | 1.75% upfront MIP + annual MIP (0.15%–0.75%, most borrowers 0.50%–0.55%) |
| Occupancy | Primary residence; move in within 60 days |
| Loan limit | County FHA limit (2026 floor $541,287) |
What are the 2026 loan limits in Texas's largest counties?
| County | Conforming (1 unit) | FHA (1 unit) | Max FHA price (3.5% down) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Harris County | $832,750 | $541,287 | $560,000 |
| Dallas County | $832,750 | $563,500 | $583,000 |
| Tarrant County | $832,750 | $563,500 | $583,000 |
| Bexar County | $832,750 | $557,750 | $577,000 |
| Travis County | $832,750 | $571,550 | $592,000 |
| Collin County | $832,750 | $563,500 | $583,000 |
| Denton County | $832,750 | $563,500 | $583,000 |
| Hidalgo County | $832,750 | $541,287 | $560,000 |
| El Paso County | $832,750 | $541,287 | $560,000 |
| Fort Bend County | $832,750 | $541,287 | $560,000 |
| Montgomery County | $832,750 | $541,287 | $560,000 |
| Williamson County | $832,750 | $571,550 | $592,000 |
| Cameron County | $832,750 | $541,287 | $560,000 |
| Brazoria County | $832,750 | $541,287 | $560,000 |
| Bell County | $832,750 | $541,287 | $560,000 |
Can I use Texas down payment assistance with a FHA loan?
We haven't verified a statewide program for Texas yet. Ask lenders about city and county grants.
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.
Frequently asked questions
Sources
- HUD Single Family Housing Policy Handbook 4000.1
- HUD — 2026 FHA Forward Mortgage Limits (county file)
- FHFA — 2026 Conforming Loan Limit Values
- HUD — 2026 FHA Forward Mortgage Limits (county file)
Data last updated October 23, 2026.
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Get My MatchesFigures 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.