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.

Your FHA rate is personal: it depends on your credit profile, loan size, LTV, occupancy, property type, points or lender credits and how long you lock. This page explains what moves FHA pricing, shows current market context from published government data, and lets Florida and Colorado buyers price a real scenario — so you can compare APR, mortgage insurance and total monthly cost, not just a headline number.
No obligation. Tell us about your plans and a licensed loan officer reviews what is possible.
There is no single FHA rate. FHA pricing can land above or below a comparable conventional loan depending on your credit profile, loan size, LTV, occupancy, points and the day's market, and FHA also carries a 1.75% upfront and an annual mortgage insurance premium. Compare APR, points or lender credits, mortgage insurance and the total monthly payment across programs rather than the note rate alone.
Your quoted rate depends on your score, loan size, and lock period — so compare full payments including MIP, not headline rates.
Reviewed by the licensed mortgage team at Simply Approved Mortgages · Last verified August 23, 2026 against HUD Handbook 4000.1
Get my rate quoteData as of September 10, 2026
Observation dated September 10, 2026 · Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis (FRED)
Observation dated September 10, 2026 · Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis (FRED)
Observation dated April 1, 2026 · Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis (FRED)
Observation dated August 1, 2026 · Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis (FRED)
Observation dated August 1, 2026 · Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis (FRED)
These figures are published statistical and survey series from the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis (FRED), Freddie Mac and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, shown for general education. They are national averages that reflect a mix of loan types, credit profiles, points and lock periods. They are not Simply Approved Mortgages rates, are not an advertised rate, quote, offer, or commitment to lend, and your own terms will differ. Series are refreshed automatically; the observation date shown is the date published by the source, not the date you are reading this page.
Data as of September 11, 2026
Mortgage pricing tends to track the long end of the U.S. Treasury curve, so these published Treasury par yields are shown as market context. They are government securities yields — not mortgage rates, not Simply Approved Mortgages rates, not an advertised rate, quote, offer, or commitment to lend. The observation date shown is the date the U.S. Department of the Treasury published the figure.
Everything on this page about Today’s FHA Scenarios comes back to one question: what does the loan actually price at? FHA rate sheets price each scenario individually, so credit profile, loan amount, loan-to-value, units, term and lock length change the result. Enter your own numbers below to see live wholesale FHA options — note rate, provider APR, points or lender credit and the monthly payment — instead of a headline rate.
No current pricing snapshot — we never show sample rate figures.
Sample scenario: Florida primary residence, 30-year fixed FHA. Pricing is refreshed once every business day and can change between refreshes.
Snapshot pricing is an example for the sample scenario described above. It is not a quote, an application, a pre-approval, a rate lock, an offer of credit or a commitment to lend, and it is not personalized to you.
APR is supplied by our pricing provider for the exact scenario priced. Other lender or third-party charges listed separately may not be reflected, and the final APR can change. Your final mortgage disclosures control.
A lender credit reduces eligible closing costs only. It cannot exceed those costs and is never cash back to the borrower.
The three cards above are examples from the latest daily snapshot. Enter your own purchase price, down payment, credit score and location to see every eligible FHA option for your scenario, priced right now.
FHA pricing is less credit-sensitive than conventional, but lower scores can still carry a pricing adjustment that varies by lender and by day.
Loans above $726,200 sit in a higher MIP tier; very small loans (<$100k) often price worse.
3.5%-down loans price slightly higher than 5%+ down because of the LTV adjustment.
1-unit primary is best. 2–4 units, condos, and manufactured homes get small adders.
Paying points lowers your note rate; how much a point buys changes with the market, so weigh it against your break-even.
Shorter locks generally price better than longer ones; the exact difference is set by each lender's daily rate sheet.
Most mortgage sites display a big "today's FHA rate" number meant to drive clicks. Two problems with that.
One: the number is usually a manufactured headline rate based on a 740+ FICO, 25% down (impossible on FHA), 30-day lock, with 1+ discount point paid. It does not represent what real FHA borrowers actually close.
Two: FHA rates move 4–8 times per business day. The number you see at 10 a.m. is wrong by lunch.
What we'll do instead: a short pre-approval intake gets us your credit, loan size, and property type — and we'll send you a real rate sheet against your file, with APR, monthly P&I, monthly MIP, and total cost over 5 and 7 years. Start a rate quote.
Every FHA rate on a lender's daily sheet carries a price. A rate priced at par costs nothing extra and generates no credit. A rate below par costs discount points — money paid at closing to buy the note rate down. A rate above par produces a lender credit that can offset eligible closing costs.
A lender credit can only be applied to closing costs and prepaid items you actually owe. It is never paid to you as cash back, and it cannot exceed your eligible costs. That is why two quotes at the same note rate can differ by thousands once points and credits are counted, and why APR — which folds financed fees and upfront MIP into the cost — is the honest comparison number.
If you plan to sell or refinance within a few years, paying points rarely pays for itself. Run the math on the break-even calculator before buying a rate down.
Compare quotes dated the same day, for the same lock period, with the same down payment and property type. Anything else is a comparison of assumptions, not of pricing.
Figures shown anywhere on this page are illustrations from published data and scenario inputs, not an offer, rate lock, or commitment to lend. Terms, eligibility and pricing vary by borrower, property, lender and state, and all loans are subject to underwriting and approval.
Talk with a licensed FHA broker about your scenario. Licensed in Florida and Colorado.
Program rules and figures on this page are taken from the primary government sources below, not from third-party summaries.
Simply Approved Mortgages is not affiliated with or endorsed by HUD, FHA, or any government agency.
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.
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.
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
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.
A $425,000 example shows the cash and loan structure FHA produces before pricing is added.
| 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.
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.
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.
| Item | W-2 employed | Self-employed |
|---|---|---|
| History required | Two-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 calculated | Base 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 file | 30 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 closing | The 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 delay | Unexplained 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 suggest | Get 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. |
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
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.
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
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.
| Cost | Estimate | How it works here |
|---|---|---|
| Property tax | $311 / mo | About 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 / mo | Directional $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 / mo | 0.55% of the $400,475 base loan at 3.5% down, 30-year term, per HUD Mortgagee Letter 2023-05. |
| FHA upfront MIP | $7,008 | 1.75% of the base loan, normally financed into the $407,483 total loan amount rather than paid in cash. |
| State transfer / documentary tax | Varies | Transfer, deed, recordation and mortgage taxes are set state by state — several states charge none at all. |
| Settlement convention | Title/escrow state | A title or escrow company customarily conducts the closing and issues the policy. |
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.
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
An FHA quote is a package: the note rate, discount points, lender fees, the 1.75% upfront MIP, and the annual MIP that rides on the payment for the life of most loans. We quote all of it side by side, because a lower advertised rate bought with points can cost more over the years a borrower actually keeps the loan.
Ask any lender for rate, points, fees, and MIP on one page before you decide.
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.
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.
Continue with the FHA topic that matches where you are, or talk to a licensed loan officer about your own numbers.
What FHA insurance is and who it fits.
Credit, income, DTI and property rules.
580 vs 500–579 and what they change.
3.5% minimum, gift funds and DPA options.
Upfront and annual MIP, and how long it lasts.
County-by-county HUD maximums.
What you pay and what a seller can cover.
203(b), 203(k), streamline, cash-out and more.
Payment, affordability, MIP and break-even tools.
Step-by-step from budget to closing.
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.
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
Estimate 3.5% assistance on the lesser of price or appraisal, layered over a 30-year fixed FHA first mortgage.
Illustrative only — not a quote, lock, offer, or commitment to lend. Binding figures appear only on your Loan Estimate and Closing Disclosure.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 Amount | Simply 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.
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.
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.
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
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Related FHA topics for this page — tap any question to jump straight to the answer.
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.
The FHA's minimum is 500, but lender overlays push the real-world minimum to 580 or 620. Here's what scores actually get approved.
MIP is the FHA's mortgage insurance. There's an upfront piece and an annual piece. Here's the math on what it actually costs.
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