FHA Loan Requirements for 2026

FHA loan requirements include a minimum credit score of 500 as well as limits on your total monthly debt load.

Some or all of the mortgage lenders featured on our site are advertising partners of NerdWallet, but this does not influence our evaluations, lender star ratings or the order in which lenders are listed on the page. Our opinions are our own. Here is a list of our partners.

Written by

Lead Writer/Spokesperson

+ more

Edited by

Contributing Editor

+ more

Co-written by

Lead Writer & Content Strategist

+ more

Table of Contents

FHA loans: How they work
FHA minimum credit score: 500
FHA minimum down payment: 3.5%
FHA debt-to-income ratio: Typically 43% or less
FHA loan income requirements
FHA loan limits: $541,287 (floor) to $1,249,125 (ceiling)
FHA documentation requirements
FHA inspection and property requirements
FHA mortgage insurance requirements: Upfront and monthly payments
FHA foreclosure waiting period: Three years
FHA homeownership requirements

Nerdy takeaways

FHA mortgage insurance is required, but with a down payment of 10% or more, it can be canceled after 11 years.
The property must undergo an FHA appraisal to meet government health and safety standards.
If your credit score is 580 or higher, you can make a down payment as low as 3.5%.
For credit scores between 500 and 579, the minimum down payment required is 10%.
A debt-to-income ratio of 43% or below is ideal, but exceptions can be made.

Table of Contents

FHA loans: How they work
FHA minimum credit score: 500
FHA minimum down payment: 3.5%
FHA debt-to-income ratio: Typically 43% or less
FHA loan income requirements
FHA loan limits: $541,287 (floor) to $1,249,125 (ceiling)
FHA documentation requirements
FHA inspection and property requirements
FHA mortgage insurance requirements: Upfront and monthly payments
FHA foreclosure waiting period: Three years
FHA homeownership requirements

Nerdy takeaways

FHA mortgage insurance is required, but with a down payment of 10% or more, it can be canceled after 11 years.
The property must undergo an FHA appraisal to meet government health and safety standards.
If your credit score is 580 or higher, you can make a down payment as low as 3.5%.
For credit scores between 500 and 579, the minimum down payment required is 10%.
A debt-to-income ratio of 43% or below is ideal, but exceptions can be made.

FHA loans are available to anyone, but they’re especially popular with first-time home buyers thanks to their low down payment requirements and flexible credit and debt standards compared to conventional loans.

Mortgage loans from our partners

on NBKC

NBKC

4.5

NerdWallet rating

4.5

NerdWallet rating

Min. credit score

620

Min. down payment

3%

on NBKC

on New American Funding

New American Funding

4.0

NerdWallet rating

4.0

NerdWallet rating

Min. credit score

N/A

Min. down payment

0%

on New American Funding

on GO Mortgage

GO Mortgage

4.0

NerdWallet rating

4.0

NerdWallet rating

Min. credit score

620

Min. down payment

3%

on GO Mortgage

COMPARE MORE LENDERS

Mortgage loans from our partners

on NBKC

NBKC

4.5

NerdWallet rating

4.5

NerdWallet rating

Min. credit score

620

Min. down payment

3%

on NBKC

on New American Funding

New American Funding

4.0

NerdWallet rating

4.0

NerdWallet rating

Min. credit score

N/A

Min. down payment

0%

on New American Funding

on GO Mortgage

GO Mortgage

4.0

NerdWallet rating

4.0

NerdWallet rating

Min. credit score

620

Min. down payment

3%

on GO Mortgage

on Rocket Mortgage

Rocket Mortgage

4.5

NerdWallet rating

4.5

NerdWallet rating

Min. credit score

580

Min. down payment

3.5%

on Rocket Mortgage

on Veterans United

Veterans United

5.0

NerdWallet rating

5.0

NerdWallet rating

Min. credit score

620

Min. down payment

0%

on Veterans United

COMPARE MORE LENDERS

FHA loans: How they work

Although they’re called FHA loans — named for the Federal Housing Administration — the government agency doesn’t lend to borrowers. Instead, the FHA insures the loans made by FHA-approved private lenders, such as banks and credit unions. Some online mortgage lenders also offer FHA loans. By insuring these mortgages, the FHA helps reduce lenders’ risk of losses if an FHA loan borrower defaults.

Because FHA loans are designed to help low- to middle-income buyers afford a home, the FHA sets minimum requirements and other eligibility rules. However, FHA-approved lenders are free to set their own standards, such as requiring a higher credit score. This is one of the reasons it's smart to shop multiple FHA lenders. Each one might have different qualifications, and you can weigh rates and fees.

Here's a rundown of the key FHA loan requirements.

» MORE: See NerdWallet’s best lenders for FHA loans

FHA minimum credit score: 500

Borrowers can qualify for FHA loans with credit scores lower than most conventional loans allow, which is one reason first-time home buyers are often attracted to them. The FHA lets borrowers with credit scores as low as 500 be considered for home loans. That said, FHA lenders often minimize their risk by mandating higher credit minimums.

Even a lender following FHA guidelines to the letter will offer better terms (like a lower down payment and more allowance for existing debt) if you have a higher credit score. A stronger credit score should also help you get a better FHA mortgage rate.

» MORE: Ways to build credit fast

When you're recovering from bankruptcy or foreclosure, an FHA loan is a solid option — but it's not your only one. Check out our roundup of best mortgage lenders for low/bad credit scores, if you haven't seen it yet. We take care to highlight the lenders who specialize in FHA loans. I've also seen lenders offer specialty products, known as non-QM loans, designed for people recovering from credit challenges: Carrington and New American Funding come to mind among the lenders I've reviewed for NerdWallet

Abby Badach Doyle

Mortgages writer

FHA minimum down payment: 3.5%

With an FHA loan, the minimum down payment depends on your credit score. If you have a credit score that's 580 or higher, the minimum down payment is 3.5%.

If your score falls between 500 and 579, the minimum down payment required is 10%. FHA guidelines sometimes refer to this as the minimum required investment, or the MRI.

» MORE: FHA loan down payment details

FHA debt-to-income ratio: Typically 43% or less

Your debt-to-income (DTI) ratio measures the percentage of pretax monthly income that you spend on your total monthly debt payments, including your mortgage or rent, credit cards, student loans and other obligations. Also referred to as “back-end” DTI, lenders closely evaluate this metric, regardless of the type of mortgage you’re applying for.

The FHA's guidelines for maximum DTI vary depending on your credit score. They also consider other aspects of your financial picture, such as how much cash you have on hand.

Use our debt-to-income ratio calculator to figure out where you stand. Lenders prefer to see a lower DTI percentage because it means you’re more likely to be able to afford a loan and make payments on time.

DTI examples

Gross monthly income	Total monthly debt	DTI	What it means
$6,000	$1,500	25%	Low: strong borrowing capacity
$6,000	$1,860	31%	Moderate: acceptable to most lenders
$6,000	$2,580	43%	High: on the maximum DTI cusp for many loans
$6,000	$3,000+	50%+	Very high: lender will require compensating factors for loan approval

FHA front-end debt ratio: Typically 31% or less

The FHA also looks at your “front-end” debt ratio. You might see this referred to as your PTI, or payment-to-income. This ratio reflects your projected monthly mortgage payment to your monthly income.

Did you know...

For an FHA loan, your PTI can typically be as high as 31% and your DTI as high as 43%. However, if your credit score is at least 580 and you meet additional qualifications, some lenders will allow for higher ratios — up to 40% PTI and 50% DTI — but options are limited.

» MORE: How your debt-to-income ratio affects your mortgage

FHA loan income requirements

There is no minimum or maximum salary that will qualify you for or prevent you from getting an FHA-insured mortgage. However, you must:

Confirm income: Show an income history of at least two years through employment verification or proof of enrollment in school or the military.
Demonstrate credit: Have a credit history, most commonly through a traditional credit score. If you don’t have a credit score, you’ll need to demonstrate a history of paying at least three types of bills on time, such as rent or utilities.
Clear debt: Not have delinquent federal debt or judgments, tax-related or otherwise, or debt associated with past FHA-insured mortgages.
Document gifts: Account for cash gifts that help with the down payment. That can include money from a friend or family member, a charity, your employer or union, or from a government agency. These gifts must be verified in writing, signed and dated by the donor.

🤓Nerdy Tip

If you are using a state or local program to obtain down payment or other assistance toward an FHA loan, that program may have its own income limits and requirements.

» MORE: How to find down payment assistance programs

FHA loan limits: $541,287 (floor) to $1,249,125 (ceiling)

The property must meet FHA loan limits, which vary by county. In 2026, that’s generally up to $541,287 for single-family homes in low-cost areas and up to $1,249,125 in high-cost areas.

Some counties have limits between these amounts. Visit HUD's website to look up the FHA loan limit in any county.

» MORE: Tips for getting the best FHA mortgage rates

FHA documentation requirements

Here is some of the documentation you will need when applying for an FHA home loan:

Valid government-issued ID, such as a driver's license or passport.
Proof of a Social Security number.
Two years' worth of original pay stubs, W-2 forms or valid tax returns.
Signed and dated letters that detail the source and amount of any gift funds and explicitly state that you don't need to pay back the money.

An FHA-approved lender will walk you through the details of other documentation you might have to provide.

» MORE: How to apply for a mortgage

FHA inspection and property requirements

In addition to borrower qualifications, the property must meet certain requirements before you can qualify for an FHA mortgage:

The loan must be for a principal residence (not a vacation or second home).
At least one borrower must occupy the property within 60 days of closing and intend to continue occupying the home for at least one year.
The property can be a single-family home (detached or part of a development like a condo or townhouse), a multifamily home with up to four units so long as you occupy one or a manufactured home that's on a permanent foundation.
It can't be an investment property, with the exception of a multiunit dwelling where you live in one of the units.
Unless you are using a 203(k) loan for renovation, it must pass an FHA appraisal, which ensures the home meets the FHA's minimum property standards.
The property can’t be a house flip, meaning you can’t buy a home within 90 days of a prior sale. Some exceptions apply, such as if the prior owner inherited the home.
You must take title to the property in your own name or in the name of a living trust at settlement.

» MORE: What to know about buying a condo with an FHA loan

FHA mortgage insurance requirements: Upfront and monthly payments

Lenders are willing to offer FHA loans because they know that in the worst-case scenario, when they have to foreclose on a home, the FHA will pay them back. That's why you'll sometimes see the FHA described as insuring home loans.

That FHA backing is funded by you, the homeowner, via FHA mortgage insurance.

Upfront payment: You'll be required to make an upfront mortgage insurance premium equal to 1.75% of the loan amount at closing, though this can be rolled into the loan. After that, you'll make monthly mortgage insurance payments.
Monthly payments: If your down payment is 10% or more, you'll have to make monthly mortgage insurance payments for 11 years. But if you make a down payment of less than 10% on an FHA loan, you will continue to make monthly mortgage insurance payments for the life of your loan.

The amount of insurance you'll pay is calculated based on the length and total cost of your mortgage as well as the amount of your down payment.

Did you know...

FHA mortgage insurance can't be canceled when you reach 20% equity in your home, the way private mortgage insurance can. However, once you have enough home equity, you could refinance your FHA loan into a conventional loan to remove the FHA mortgage insurance requirement. If you go that route, you’ll have to meet new qualifications and pay additional closing costs and fees.

» MORE: FHA closing costs

Video preview image

FHA foreclosure waiting period: Three years

If you have lost a home to foreclosure, you'll have to wait three years before applying for an FHA loan. There are some exceptions, however, for circumstances like a serious illness.

Those who have experienced bankruptcy can also qualify for an FHA loan, though you'll have to demonstrate you're on better financial footing. Some allowances may be made individually, but in general, you'll need to wait two years after a Chapter 7 bankruptcy and at least a year after a Chapter 13 bankruptcy to apply for an FHA mortgage.

» MORE: What to know about bankruptcy

FHA homeownership requirements

FHA loans are often attractive to borrowers with lower credit scores or smaller down payments because these loans typically have more relaxed qualification requirements than conventional mortgages. Credit challenges and saving for a down payment can be big hurdles for first-time home buyers.

Did you know...

You don't have to be a first-time home buyer to qualify for an FHA loan.

If you are a first-time home buyer, you might be able to combine an FHA loan with down payment or closing cost assistance from state first-time home buyer programs. Because the FHA allows gift funds to cover those costs, one of these programs might help you more comfortably afford a home.

But anyone, even a repeat buyer or a homeowner looking to refinance a mortgage, can use an FHA loan as long as they meet the eligibility requirements.

» MORE: Comparing FHA vs. conventional loans

Frequently asked questions

What disqualifies a house from FHA?

The FHA sets "minimum property standards" for livability that any single-family home, condo, townhouse or manufactured home must meet. These are checked during the FHA appraisal, which assesses whether a home is eligible for an FHA loan. If issues are uncovered, they must be repaired for the loan to close.

How much money do you have to make to qualify for an FHA loan?

The FHA doesn't set a minimum income to qualify for a loan, but it does have guidelines for debt-to-income ratio. In other words, you'll need to make enough money to cover the costs of your existing debts as well as the new mortgage.

How do you apply for an FHA loan?

You apply for an FHA loan with an FHA-approved lender; the Federal Housing Administration isn't directly involved. The process is fairly similar to applying for a non-FHA loan, and depending on the lender, you can kick it off by exploring a mortgage preapproval online or by talking with a loan officer.

Did you know? NerdWallet partners with highly-rated mortgage lenders to find you the best possible rates

Answer a few questions to match with your personalized offer

What's your zip code?

Do you want to purchase or refinance?

What's your property type?

How do you plan to use this property?

Won’t affect your credit score

More like this

How to Move in 2026