With about 967,862 residents, Austin is one of the largest cities in Texas, and its median home value of $512,700 is above the Texas median of $260,400. At about 5.6× the median household income, homes here stretch typical budgets, making down payment help and FHA or conventional 3%-down loans especially valuable. Higher prices make conventional loans with PMI and state assistance popular.
How much does it cost to buy a typical home in Austin?
| Scenario | Down payment | Est. monthly payment | Income needed (28% / 36%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| FHA, 3.5% down | $17,945 | $4,550 | $196,000 / $152,000 |
| Conventional, 20% down | $102,540 | $3,692 | $159,000 / $124,000 |
Estimates use the Census median home value, a 30-year rate (see below), Texas's 1.58% effective property tax rate, $2,864/yr insurance (NAIC state average) and FHA mortgage insurance.
Rate assumption: 7.18% (Freddie Mac PMMS 30-year fixed average, week of November 5, 2026). Change it in the payment calculator.
What are the 2026 loan limits for Austin?
Austin is in Travis County, where the single-family FHA limit is $571,550 (max price ≈ $592,000 with 3.5% down) and the conforming limit is $832,750. Loans above that are jumbo loans.
Is there down payment assistance in Austin?
- Down Payment Assistance Program — Up to $40,000; assistance (see official terms); city-level. City of Austin Housing Department · Verified October 25, 2026
What mortgage options do Austin buyers have?
- Conventional Loan — Not government-backed; as little as 3% down for first-time buyers, PMI removable at 20% equity.
- FHA Loan — Government-insured; 3.5% down with a 580 credit score and flexible debt-to-income rules.
- VA Loan — For eligible veterans, service members and surviving spouses: 0% down and no monthly mortgage insurance.
- USDA Loan — 0% down for moderate-income buyers in eligible rural and suburban areas.
- Jumbo Loan — For loan amounts above the conforming limit; usually 10–20% down and 700+ credit.
- First-Time Home Buyer Loans — Low-down-payment loans plus state assistance programs designed for first-time buyers.
- Self-Employed Mortgage — Options for business owners and 1099 earners, including tax-return and bank-statement loans.
- DSCR Purchase Loan — Investment-property loans qualified on the rental income of the property, not personal income.
- New Construction Home Loans — Financing for a newly built home from a builder, or for building your own with a construction-to-permanent loan.
Home loan options in Austin
- FHA loans in Austin, TX
- First-time home buyer programs in Austin, TX
- VA loans in Austin, TX
- Conventional loans in Austin, TX
- Home affordability in Austin, TX
- New construction home loans in Austin, TX
- Jumbo loans in Austin, TX
- Down payment assistance in Austin, TX
How much will I pay in property taxes in Austin?
Homeowners in Texas pay a median of $4,111 a year in property taxes — an effective rate of about 1.58% of the median home value, among the highest in the country, so taxes are a major part of the monthly payment (Census ACS). Actual rates vary by county and municipality. Ask your agent for the specific property's tax history.
Nearby cities (Travis County first)
Austin home buying FAQs
Sources
- U.S. Census Bureau — ACS 2019–2023 5-Year Estimates
- FHFA — 2026 Conforming Loan Limit Values
- HUD — 2026 FHA Forward Mortgage Limits (county file)
- NAIC — Homeowners Insurance Report, Data for 2023 (HO-3 average premium)
- City of Austin Housing Department — Down Payment Assistance Program
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.