Skip to main content
Simply Approved Mortgages logo
UpdatedDecember 12, 2025ReviewedAugust 23, 2026Where our FHA figures come from
Editorial illustration for the FHA article: 2026 FHA Loan Limits: How High Can You Go in Your County?
← All articles
Limits & Costs6 min read · December 12, 2025

2026 FHA Loan Limits: How High Can You Go in Your County?

FHA loan limits rose for 2026, with a floor of $541,287 and a ceiling of $1,249,125. Here's how to find your limit and why it matters.

Quick answer / TL;DR

How much can you borrow with an FHA loan in 2026?

For 2026, HUD set the one-unit FHA floor at $541,287 and the high-cost ceiling at $1,249,125, with a $1,873,625 special exception for Alaska, Hawaii, Guam and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Your actual limit depends on the county and the number of units, and it is published in HUD's county limit file.

Sourced from the primary government publications cited at the end of this article.

Written by the Simply Approved Mortgages editorial team

Reviewed for program accuracy by our Simply Approved Mortgages underwriting desk Licensed mortgage originators (NMLS) — Colorado & Florida. We summarize published federal program rules; we do not set them. This article is educational and is not a quote, approval, or commitment to lend.

Last updated:

Every December, HUD publishes new FHA loan limits for the coming year. The 2026 limits, set by Mortgagee Letter 2025-23, are 5.2% higher than 2025.

The two key numbers

  • Floor (low-cost area limit): $541,287 for a 1-unit home — 65% of the conforming baseline
  • Ceiling (high-cost area limit): $1,249,125 for a 1-unit home — 150% of the conforming baseline
  • Special exception ceiling (Alaska, Hawaii, Guam, USVI): $1,873,625

Multi-unit limits

  • 2-unit (duplex): floor $702,000 / ceiling $1,611,750
  • 3-unit (triplex): floor $848,500 / ceiling $1,948,250
  • 4-unit (fourplex): floor $1,054,500 / ceiling $2,421,250
FHA Homebuyer Newsletter

FHA rate moves, county loan limits, and guideline changes — in your inbox.

Twice-a-month updates for buyers and homeowners: rate movement, FHA guideline changes, new down payment assistance programs, and the deals we're closing. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.

  • Weekly FHA rate snapshot
  • County loan limit updates
  • First-time buyer playbooks
  • DPA & program change alerts
FHA Newsletter

FHA rate updates, market trends, and program changes. No spam.

By subscribing, you consent to receive FHA rate and program update emails from Simply Approved Mortgages LLC. This is not an application for credit and not an offer or commitment to lend. Unsubscribe any time. Read our Privacy Notice.

How HUD sets your county's limit

HUD takes the median sale price in your county (from FHFA data), multiplies by 115%, then caps the result between the floor and the ceiling. So:

  • Counties with median home prices below $476,739 get the floor
  • Counties with median home prices above $1,094,782 get the ceiling
  • Everywhere in between gets a custom limit

Why the limit matters

The limit caps your loan amount, not your purchase price. If a Los Angeles home is $1.5M and the LA FHA ceiling is $1,249,125, you could still use FHA — you'd just need to bring the difference ($241,000) plus the 3.5% down payment to closing.

In practice, most FHA buyers stay under the limit because of debt-to-income constraints.

Find your exact limit

See our FHA loan limits page by state, or use the HUD lookup at entp.hud.gov/idapp/html/hicostlook.cfm.

2026 FHA Loan Limits: How High Can You Go in Your County? — frequently asked questions

What are the 2026 FHA loan limits?+

The one-unit national floor is $541,287 and the standard one-unit ceiling is $1,249,125. Every county sits somewhere between those two figures, and a separate exception ceiling applies in Alaska, Hawaii, Guam and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

How does HUD set a county's FHA limit?+

HUD applies a statutory percentage to the county's median house price, then floors and caps the result against the national floor and ceiling. The county-by-county file is published in the HUD CHUMS dataset.

When do the 2026 limits take effect?+

They apply to FHA case numbers assigned on or after January 1, 2026. The case number assignment date, not your contract date, controls which year's limit applies.

Does the loan limit cap what I can pay for a house?+

No. It caps the insured loan amount. You can buy above the limit by bringing the difference in cash on top of your required down payment.

Are the limits higher for two-to-four unit properties?+

Yes. HUD publishes separate one, two, three and four-unit limits for every county, and the multi-unit figures are substantially higher.

What is a high-cost county?+

A county whose calculated limit reaches the national ceiling. Those counties are usually large coastal or mountain-resort metros where median prices are far above the national median.

Do the limits change every year?+

Yes. HUD reissues them annually, normally in late fall for the following calendar year, alongside the FHFA conforming loan limit announcement.

Where can I verify my county's limit myself?+

Use HUD's official FHA mortgage limits lookup and the underlying CHUMS county file. Both are linked in the sources at the end of this article.

Is the limit based on the property's county or my address?+

The property's county. If you live in one county and buy in another, the limit for the property's county governs.

Does the limit apply to refinances too?+

Yes. A cash-out or rate-and-term FHA refinance is subject to the same county limit as a purchase, in addition to FHA's loan-to-value ceilings.

What happens if my loan exceeds the county limit?+

The file cannot be insured as written. You either increase your down payment to fall under the limit or move to a conventional, jumbo or other program.

Do Hawaii and Alaska really have higher limits?+

Yes. The special exception ceiling recognises construction costs in Alaska, Hawaii, Guam and the U.S. Virgin Islands and sits well above the mainland ceiling.

Check the FHA limit where you are buying

FHA maximum loan amounts are published by HUD each year and vary by county and unit count.

Sources for this article

This article summarizes published federal program rules. The primary sources below govern the figures and requirements described above.

Simply Approved Mortgages is not affiliated with or endorsed by HUD, FHA, or any government agency.

Ready to discuss your FHA scenario?

Talk with a licensed FHA broker about your scenario. Licensed in Florida and Colorado.

Included with your FHA estimate

Get your FHA Pre-Approval Summary.

Complete the short form and we send back a full FHA breakdown: your county loan limit, the minimum FHA down payment, financed upfront MIP, monthly mortgage insurance, and an estimated payment — plus whether down payment assistance can cover your cash to close.

  • Maximum FHA loan amount for your county
  • Minimum FHA down payment and cash-to-close estimate
  • Upfront and annual MIP included
  • Estimated monthly payment with taxes and insurance
Get my FHA estimate

Takes about 3 minutes · No obligation · Summary emailed and shown on screen

Illustration only, generated from the information you enter. Not a Loan Estimate, pre-qualification, commitment to lend, or approval. Subject to appraisal, credit and income review, FHA guidelines, and final lender approval. Equal Housing Opportunity.

FHA Estimate Summary
Purchase price
$385,000
Down payment (3.5%)
$13,475
Base loan amount
$371,525
Financed UFMIP (1.75%)
$6,502
Est. monthly payment
Shown in your summary

Sample figures for illustration only — not a quote, rate lock, offer of credit or commitment to lend. Simply Approved Mortgages · NMLS #2620881 · Equal Housing Opportunity

Weighing it up

Pros and cons of FHA financing

The trade-offs below are specific to FHA financing. Reviewed August 23, 2026 against HUD Handbook 4000.1 and the current HUD county loan limit file.

What works in your favor

  • 3.5% down from a 580 FICO, with 100% of the down payment giftable.
  • Seller contributions of up to 6% of the sale price toward closing costs.
  • No income caps, and higher DTI is possible with documented compensating factors.

What to plan around

  • Annual mortgage insurance for the life of the loan at 3.5% down.
  • County loan limits cap the financed amount, not the purchase price.
  • HUD minimum property standards apply at appraisal.
Worked example

The FHA numbers behind this page

A $425,000 example shows the cash and loan structure FHA produces before pricing is added.

The FHA numbers behind this page
Purchase price$425,000
FHA down payment at 3.5%$14,875
Base loan amount$410,125
Upfront MIP at 1.75%, financed$7,177
Conventional 20% down for comparison$85,000

Illustration only — not a quote, rate lock, offer or commitment to lend. Subject to lender underwriting and approval.

Document checklist

What documents you need for FHA financing

This is the set an FHA underwriter typically asks for. Having it ready before you write an offer is the single biggest difference between a two-week and a six-week file.

Identity and residency

  • Government-issued photo ID and Social Security number
  • Two-year residence history with landlord contact where you rented

Assets

  • Two months of statements for every account used for down payment or reserves
  • A signed gift letter plus the donor's source of funds for any gifted money
  • Retirement statements when reserves are drawn from those accounts

Property and credit

  • Fully executed purchase contract with all addenda
  • Homeowners insurance quote, plus flood coverage where required
  • Written explanation for credit events, plus bankruptcy or foreclosure paperwork if applicable
Income documentation

Self-employed vs. W-2 employed: what it means for your FHA loan

Income documentation is where most FHA files slow down, and it depends on how you are paid. FHA does not apply a different credit score, down payment or county limit to self-employed borrowers — it applies a different documentation standard.

FHA documentation differences between W-2 employed and self-employed borrowers
ItemW-2 employedSelf-employed
History requiredTwo-year employment history, with gaps explained. A job change inside the same field is usually fine.Generally two years of self-employment. A shorter history can sometimes be considered when there is documented prior experience in the same line of work.
How income is calculatedBase pay from pay stubs and W-2s. Bonus, overtime and commission generally need a two-year history to be averaged in.Net income from tax returns, averaged and adjusted for allowable add-backs such as depreciation. Write-offs that reduce taxable income also reduce qualifying income.
Documents that open the file30 days of pay stubs, two years of W-2s, and a verification of employment.Two years of personal and business returns, year-to-date P&L and balance sheet, and evidence the business is still operating.
Verification at closingThe employer is re-verified shortly before closing; do not change jobs mid-process without telling your loan officer.Continued existence of the business is re-verified close to closing, typically through a third-party or licensing check.
Most common delayUnexplained gaps, a new job with variable pay, or a VOE the employer never returns.A declining year over year, or a large deduction that removes the very income needed to qualify.
What we suggestGet the VOE moving on day one — it is the item most often outstanding at the end.Have your accountant produce the year-to-date P&L before you shop, so qualifying income is known before you write an offer.

If you are W-2 employed

  • Pay stubs covering the most recent 30 days
  • W-2 forms for the last two years
  • A verification of employment; HUD Handbook 4000.1 Update 18 tightened the written and electronic VOE rules, so expect the employer record to be verified directly
  • Documentation of bonus, overtime or commission income if you want it counted

If you are self-employed

  • Two years of personal federal tax returns, all schedules
  • Two years of business returns for a partnership, S-corp or C-corp, plus K-1s
  • A year-to-date profit and loss statement and balance sheet
  • Business license, CPA letter or equivalent evidence the business is active

General FHA documentation guidance per HUD Handbook 4000.1, including Update 18 changes to written and electronic verification of employment. Requirements vary by borrower, property, lender and program, and all loans are subject to lender underwriting and approval. Sources: HUD Handbook 4000.1

Run the numbers for your county

FHA payment, affordability, closing cost and refinance calculators for the United States

Prefilled with the 2026 HUD reference median of $415,000 for the United States, a 0.90% effective property tax rate and a directional $2,300 annual homeowners premium. Change any input — the interest rate is your own assumption, not an offer.

$
%

FHA minimum is 3.5% at 580+ credit.

%

Your assumption — not a quoted rate.

yrs
%
$
Estimated total monthly payment
$3,262
Principal & interest
$2,576
FHA annual MIP
$184
Property tax
$311
Homeowners insurance
$192
Down payment
$14,525
Loan amount incl. financed UFMIP
$407,483
See Today's Rates

Figures are illustrations based on the values you entered — not an offer, rate lock, or commitment to lend. Emailing your scenario sends it to a licensed loan officer in Florida or Colorado.

Estimates for general educational purposes only. Interest rates shown are assumptions you enter, not quoted rates, and nothing here is a rate lock, APR, payment quote, pre-approval, offer or commitment to lend. Results exclude HOA dues, flood or wind policies, mortgage insurance changes, points and lender-specific fees. FHA upfront MIP of 1.75% and annual MIP of 0.55% follow HUD Mortgagee Letter 2023-05 for a 30-year term at 3.5% down. Property tax and insurance inputs are directional state references, not a parcel-level bill. Eligibility, terms, conditions and availability vary by borrower, property, lender, loan program and state. All loans are subject to lender underwriting and approval. Equal Housing Opportunity. Sources: HUD Mortgagee Letter 2023-05 (MIP) · HUD Mortgagee Letter 2025-23 (2026 loan limits) · U.S. Census Bureau ACS · NAIC homeowners insurance · CFPB Closing Disclosure

Taxes, insurance and local expenses

What owning actually costs in the United States

Mortgage pricing moves the payment a little. Property tax and insurance move it a lot, and they are entirely local. These figures are built from the 2026 HUD county dataset for the United States and national tax and settlement conventions, reviewed August 23, 2026.

Estimated ownership costs in the United States on a $415,000 home
CostEstimateHow it works here
Property tax$311 / moAbout 0.90% effective on $415,000 — roughly $3,735 a year. Millage is set locally, so verify the parcel's actual bill.
Homeowners insurance$192 / moDirectional $2,300 a year for a single-family owner policy in the U.S.. Wind, hail and flood may be separate policies.
FHA annual mortgage insurance$184 / mo0.55% of the $400,475 base loan at 3.5% down, 30-year term, per HUD Mortgagee Letter 2023-05.
FHA upfront MIP$7,0081.75% of the base loan, normally financed into the $407,483 total loan amount rather than paid in cash.
State transfer / documentary taxVariesTransfer, deed, recordation and mortgage taxes are set state by state — several states charge none at all.
Settlement conventionTitle/escrow stateA title or escrow company customarily conducts the closing and issues the policy.

The expense buyers here miss most

Property tax and homeowners insurance vary far more between two states than mortgage pricing does — always re-price the escrow on the exact county before you write an offer.

How this affects the FHA file

Taxes and insurance are part of the qualifying payment, so a $503 escrow in your county consumes debt-to-income capacity before a single dollar of principal and interest is counted. Underwriting uses the post-closing figures, not the seller's current bill.

Estimates for general education only — not a quote, rate, APR, pre-approval, offer or commitment to lend. Property tax rates are effective rates derived from U.S. Census Bureau ACS data; actual millage is set by county, city, school and special districts. Insurance figures are directional annual premiums, not quotes. Transfer, deed, recordation and mortgage taxes summarise state-level statutes; counties and municipalities frequently add their own. Eligibility, terms, conditions and availability vary by borrower, property, lender, loan program and state, and all loans are subject to lender underwriting and approval. Sources: U.S. Census Bureau — ACS property tax data · NAIC Homeowners Insurance Report · CFPB — understanding closing costs

Simply Approved Mortgages Expert Insight
Limits commentary · Last reviewed August 23, 2026

Limits are county-specific and change every year

HUD republishes forward and HECM limits annually, and the floor-to-ceiling spread is wide. We pull limits directly from HUD's published county schedule and refresh them automatically, so the number a borrower sees here is the number in effect.

Our recommendation

Always confirm the current year's limit for your specific county.

Simply Approved Mortgages · licensed mortgage broker · NMLS #2620881 · Equal Housing Opportunity
Ask Simply AI

Ask SAM anything about FHA loans in the United States

SAM is the Simply Approved Mortgages AI assistant, grounded in HUD Handbook 4000.1 and the 2026 HUD county limit file. It answers general FHA questions instantly. A licensed loan officer reviews every scenario before any terms are confirmed.

Hi — I'm SAM. Ask me about FHA loan limits, credit, mortgage insurance, down payment assistance or what an underwriter will need from you. General education only: I don't quote rates, and nothing I say is an offer or commitment to lend.

General information only — not advice, a quote, or an offer of credit.

Popular on this page

Ask Simply AI provides general educational information about FHA loan programs. It is an automated assistant, may be incomplete or out of date, and does not provide legal, tax or financial advice. Nothing it produces is a rate quote, APR, pre-approval, offer or commitment to lend. Simply Approved Mortgages LLC (NMLS #2620881) arranges residential mortgage loans in Florida and Colorado. Eligibility, terms, conditions and availability vary by borrower, property, lender, loan program and state, and all loans are subject to lender underwriting and approval. Equal Housing Opportunity.

Down Payment Assistance

The FHA DPA Program

Short on cash to close? Ask about the FHA DPA, offered through Simply Approved Mortgages: 2.5%, 3.5%, or 5% of your loan amount toward your down payment and closing costs, structured as a 10-year repayable second lien at your first-mortgage rate + 2%. FICO 580+, primary residence only — it's an option on every loan program on this site.

How it works

Three tiers. Real money toward your home.

  • 2.5% / 3.5% / 5% of the lesser of purchase price or appraised value
  • Pairs with FHA, Conventional, VA, and USDA first mortgages
  • 10-year repayable second lien — no silent forgivable strings
  • Available to FICO 580+ primary-residence buyers
Full DPA program details
Not available in: New York, Washington, U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, Northern Mariana Islands, and American Samoa. All loans subject to underwriting approval and program guidelines.
Amount calculator & eligibility checker

See how much assistance you may qualify for

Enter a purchase price, pick an assistance tier, and confirm property and residency. Results are illustrative — not a quote or commitment.

Simply Approved Mortgages DPA

DPA amount calculator & eligibility checker

Estimate 3.5% assistance on the lesser of price or appraisal, layered over a 30-year fixed FHA first mortgage.

Estimated DPA
$14,000
3.5% of $400,000
2nd-lien P&I
$174
10-yr · 8.500%

Amount calculator

Assistance tier
Lesser of price or appraisal
$400,000
DPA at 3.5%
$14,000
2nd-lien term
10-year fixed, repayable
2nd-lien rate
8.500%
Monthly P&I
$174/mo

Illustrative only — not a quote, lock, offer, or commitment to lend. Binding figures appear only on your Loan Estimate and Closing Disclosure.

Eligibility checker

Documentable qualifying income?

Willing to complete homebuyer education before closing?

Property in NY, WA, USVI, Guam, MP, or AS?

Answer each question above to see your preliminary result.

See Today's Rates

Figures are illustrations based on the values you entered — not an offer, rate lock, or commitment to lend. Emailing your scenario sends it to a licensed loan officer in Florida or Colorado.

Preliminary self-check only — no credit pulled. Not a quote, lock, offer, or commitment to lend. Simply Approved Mortgages is not affiliated with HUD, FHA, VA, USDA, FHFA, or any government agency. Equal Housing Opportunity. NMLS# 2620881.

Our pricing philosophy

Transparency. Simplicity. Consumer Choice.

At Simply Approved Mortgages, we believe borrowers deserve clear information, professional guidance, and access to competitive mortgage solutions.

Our company is built around a straightforward philosophy: provide transparent mortgage guidance, maintain a consistent compensation structure on most transactions, and help borrowers make informed financing decisions based on their individual needs and goals.

For many mortgage transactions, Simply Approved Mortgages typically operates using a lender-paid compensation structure of approximately 1.50%. Actual compensation may vary based on lender requirements, loan program, state regulations, loan amount, and other transaction-specific factors.

We believe transparency helps consumers better understand the mortgage process and make informed decisions when comparing financing options.

Our promise

Mortgage financing should be understandable, transparent, and focused on helping consumers make informed decisions.

Our goal isn't to maximize compensation per transaction. Our goal is to build lifelong client relationships through transparency, service, and competitive mortgage solutions.

Why compensation transparency matters

Understanding all aspects of the financing process

Many borrowers spend significant time comparing interest rates, but may be less familiar with how mortgage companies and loan originators are compensated.

Compensation structures can vary among lenders, mortgage brokers, banks, credit unions, and other mortgage providers. Compensation is only one component of a mortgage transaction and should be evaluated alongside interest rates, APR, lender fees, discount points, closing costs, loan features, and overall loan suitability.

At Simply Approved Mortgages, we believe consumers benefit from understanding all aspects of the financing process before making a decision.

Interactive illustration

See how compensation scales by loan amount

Move the slider to compare a hypothetical 1.50% Simply Approved Mortgages compensation structure with a hypothetical 2.75% used by some other lending options. For educational purposes only.

$400,000
$50,000$2,000,000
Typical market comp at 2.75%$11,000
Simply Approved Mortgages at 1.50%$6,000
Potential closing cost difference
Hypothetical impact on lender compensation only
~$5,000

For illustration only. Figures are hypothetical and not a quote, offer, rate lock, or guarantee of savings. Lender compensation is one component of closing costs; actual loan terms, interest rates, fees, APR, and total costs vary by program, loan amount, credit qualifications, property, occupancy, state, and market conditions.

Illustrative compensation comparison

Comparing a hypothetical 1.50% to a hypothetical 2.75%

The example below compares a hypothetical 1.50% compensation structure used by Simply Approved Mortgages to a hypothetical 2.75% structure used by some other lending options, solely for educational purposes.

Loan AmountSimply Approved Mortgages (1.50%)Other lending options (2.75%)Difference
$250,000$3,750$6,875$3,125
$350,000$5,250$9,625$4,375
$500,000$7,500$13,750$6,250
$750,000$11,250$20,625$9,375
$1,000,000$15,000$27,500$12,500

These examples are illustrative only and are intended to demonstrate how different compensation percentages may produce different compensation amounts based on loan size.

These examples do not represent borrower fees, interest rates, APR, closing costs, loan terms, pricing, or savings, and should not be interpreted as a guarantee that any borrower will receive lower costs or better loan terms.

Our commitment to borrowers

Our goal is to provide

  • Professional mortgage guidance
  • Transparent communication throughout the loan process
  • Access to a broad range of mortgage programs
  • Competitive financing options based on borrower qualifications
  • A streamlined application and approval experience
  • Support for homebuyers, homeowners, and real estate investors
A team-focused approach

Support for every type of borrower

Whether you're purchasing a home, refinancing an existing mortgage, consolidating debt, or financing an investment property, our team is committed to helping you evaluate available options and make informed decisions.

Compare more than just the interest rate

When evaluating mortgage options, borrowers should consider the complete financing package

  • Interest Rate
  • Annual Percentage Rate (APR)
  • Lender Fees
  • Discount Points
  • Closing Costs
  • Loan Features and Flexibility
  • Prepayment Terms
  • Product Eligibility Requirements
  • Customer Service and Support

The most appropriate mortgage solution depends on each borrower's individual financial circumstances, objectives, qualifications, and preferences.

Important Disclosure: Simply Approved Mortgages LLC typically utilizes a lender-paid compensation structure of approximately 1.50% on many mortgage transactions; however, compensation may vary based on lender requirements, loan program, state law, loan amount, borrower qualifications, and other transaction-specific factors. Compensation is only one component of mortgage pricing and does not, by itself, determine interest rates, APR, lender fees, closing costs, loan terms, or overall borrower costs. The information provided on this page is for general educational and informational purposes only and should not be construed as mortgage advice, a commitment to lend, an offer to extend credit, a rate quote, a loan approval, or a guarantee of savings. All mortgage loans are subject to credit approval, underwriting requirements, property approval, and program eligibility guidelines. Borrowers should carefully review all disclosures, including the Loan Estimate and Closing Disclosure, before proceeding with any mortgage transaction. Simply Approved Mortgages LLC • NMLS #2620881 • Equal Housing Opportunity.

Ready when you are

Get pre-qualified in minutes — no obligation.

Talk to a licensed Simply Approved Mortgages loan officer. We'll review your goals, walk through FHA, Conventional, VA, USDA, and DPA options, and give you straight answers — same day.

Simply Approved Mortgages • NMLS #2620881 • Licensed in Colorado and Florida

Quick pre-qualification

Share a few details and a licensed loan officer will follow up within one business day. No obligation.

1
2

Simply Approved Mortgages LLC arranges residential mortgage loans in Florida and Colorado only. We ask first so we never collect a mortgage inquiry we are not licensed to act on.

Step 1 of 2 — takes about 30 seconds. Step 2 is optional detail you can skip anytime by calling us.

Simply Approved Mortgages LLC | NMLS #2620881 — a mortgage broker, not a direct lender. Submitting this form is an inquiry only; it is not an application, quote, pre-approval, approval or commitment to lend. All loans are subject to lender underwriting and approval. Equal Housing Opportunity. See our Privacy Notice.