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Key takeaways
- FHA loans are insured by the Federal Housing Administration and may have more lenient qualifications than conventional loans.
- FHA loan limits vary by location, but in 2026, they’re generally between $541,287 and $1,249,125 for single-family homes.
- You can find FHA loan limits for your area on the HUD website.
FHA loan limits have increased again for the new year. Here’s what to know if you’re hoping to apply for this low-down payment mortgage in 2026.
2026 FHA lending limits
| FHA loan limits | Most areas | High-cost areas | Alaska, Hawaii, Guam and U.S. Virgin Islands |
|---|---|---|---|
| One unit | $541,287 | $1,249,125 | $1,873,687 |
| Two units | $693,050 | $1,599,375 | $2,399,050 |
| Three units | $837,700 | $1,933,200 | $2,899,800 |
| Four units | $1,041,125 | $2,402,625 | $3,603,925 |
For single-family home loans this year, the FHA loan limits range from a floor of $541,287 to a ceiling of $1,249,125. More expensive areas outside the continental U.S. have even higher FHA loan limits.
What is the maximum FHA loan amount for your area?
To help you find the limit for any county or state, we’ve listed the links to limits in each state below. HUD also has an online search tool to help you find FHA loan limits. You can search by county or state.
How are FHA loan limits determined?
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), which oversees the Federal Housing Administration (FHA), calculates loan limits annually based on two factors: conforming loan limits for conventional loans and home prices in a given area. The Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA), which oversees Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, establishes conforming loan limits each year.
The FHA “floor” limit is 65% of the conforming limit. In 2026, the conforming floor limit for a one-unit property is $832,750. That means the FHA floor limit for a one-unit property is $541,287. The FHA “ceiling” or upper limit is also based on the conforming ceiling limit.
The FHA is also required by law to set the loan limit at 115% of the median home sale price, subject to the national floor and ceiling. If a specific county’s median home price exceeds 115% of the floor, the FHA loan limit is adjusted upward.
Other FHA loan requirements
Besides loan limits, FHA loans have specific requirements for borrowers that set them apart from other loans:
- Minimum credit score: 580 with 3.5% down; 500 with 10% down
- Minimum down payment: 3.5% with a credit score of 580 or better; 10% with a credit score of 500 – 579
- Debt-to-income (DTI) ratio: No more than 43%
- FHA mortgage insurance: You’ll be required to pay both an upfront mortgage insurance premium (MIP) at closing and annual MIP, typically rolled into your monthly payment.
How to shop for an FHA loan
While FHA loans are insured by the government, they’re originated and funded by private mortgage lenders. That means the actual terms and rates are set by the individual bank, credit union or mortgage company, and can vary from lender to lender. Here are our guides to help you get the best possible rate and terms:
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