Loan limits just increased to $766,550. See how much you can save with an FHA loan — lower down payment, flexible credit, government-backed security.
Key numbers for FHA loans after the latest loan limit update.
Four reasons first-time buyers and refinancers choose FHA over conventional.
Insured by the Federal Housing Administration. Lenders take on less risk, which means more borrowers qualify — including those rebuilding credit.
As little as 3.5% down with a 580+ credit score. On a $400,000 home, that's $14,000 instead of $80,000 required for a 20% conventional loan.
580 minimum credit score for the 3.5% down option. Conventional loans typically require 620–720+. FHA gives more borrowers a path to homeownership.
Buy a new home or refinance an existing mortgage. FHA Streamline refinance for current FHA borrowers requires minimal paperwork and no new appraisal in most cases.
Three steps from quote to closing.
Select Refinance or Purchase Home on FHA Rate Guide's tool. Enter your state, loan amount, and a few basic details. Takes under 2 minutes.
See rate offers matched to your profile. Compare terms, monthly payments, and total cost. No commitment, no credit score impact at this stage.
Choose the offer that fits. A licensed loan officer walks you through the FHA application, appraisal, and closing process from start to finish.
An FHA loan is a government-backed mortgage insured by the Federal Housing Administration. It allows borrowers to qualify with a lower credit score and smaller down payment than conventional loans — as little as 3.5% down with a 580+ credit score.
The standard FHA loan limit for 2026 is $766,550 for single-family homes in most areas, following the recent Freddie Mac loan limit increase. High-cost areas (like parts of California, New York, and Hawaii) have higher limits up to $1,149,825.
A minimum credit score of 580 qualifies you for the 3.5% down payment option. Borrowers with scores between 500–579 may still qualify but will need a 10% down payment. Individual lenders may require higher scores above the FHA minimum.
Yes. FHA offers an FHA Streamline refinance for existing FHA borrowers (minimal paperwork, often no new appraisal required) and a cash-out refinance option for tapping home equity up to 80% LTV.
FHA loans require an upfront mortgage insurance premium of 1.75% of the loan amount, plus an annual premium of 0.15%–0.75%. Unlike conventional PMI, FHA MIP typically stays for the life of the loan if your down payment was under 10%.
Sponsored offer. TrueRateGuide earns a referral fee when you start an FHA quote through this page — at no cost to you. Loan limits, rates, and qualification requirements are set by lenders and the FHA and may change. Always review all loan terms before signing. How we earn.