FHA loan limits in 2026: How much can you borrow?

Since FHA loans are insured by the Federal Housing Administration, each mortgage has a loan limit, or a maximum amount the government will insure if you obtain this mortgage. Loan limits vary by property type and region due to differences in housing and construction costs.

Loan limits change every calendar year. Below are the loan limits for 2026 based on property type and location:

The FHA updates loan limits each year using a formula established by law. The national low-cost limit for a one-unit property is 65% of the national conforming loan limit, while the highest-cost areas can go up to 150% of that conforming limit. Local limits may fall between those two amounts based on home prices in the county or metropolitan area.

Limits are also based on the property you’re purchasing, as well as where it’s located. If you live in an expensive city, your loan limits may be higher. To see the exact limit for a specific county, use the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)’s loan limit lookup tool.

As outlined in the table above, FHA loan limits vary by property type. The more units a property has, the higher its loan limits. Below are the loan limit ranges for most locations in 2026 based on property types:

• One-unit property (single-family): $541,287-$1,249,125
• Two-unit property (duplex): $693,050-$1,599,375 
• Three-unit property: $837,700-$1,933,200
• Four-unit property: $1,041,125-$2,402,625

Note that properties in Alaska, Hawaii, Guam, and the U.S. Virgin Islands will have higher loan limits as noted in the table above.

Specific loan limits vary based on where you live and the cost of living. To find the FHA loan limits for your county, use HUD’s online search tool. When you enter your state and county, you can view standard mortgage limits and high-cost area limits by property type.

While FHA loans are insured by the Federal Housing Administration, conventional loans are typically offered by private lenders and may be sold to the conventional market, which has its own annual conforming limits. Loan limits change annually for both FHA and conventional loans, but FHA loan limits are generally lower and based on a percentage of conventional loan limits.

Read more information about the differences between FHA and conventional loans.

A common misconception with loan limits is that they indicate how much you’ll qualify for. The amount you qualify to borrow is based on financial factors such as your credit, debt-to-income ratio (DTI), and income, as well as the type of home you want to purchase and its location. A lender can help you estimate your potential borrowing range.

FHA loan limits still set the maximum amount the government will insure on your mortgage. When you shop for homes with an FHA mortgage, you’ll want to know those loan limits as well as your prequalification amount as you determine which home to purchase.

Besides meeting the minimum mortgage requirements for an FHA loan, the following factors can influence your qualification amount:

• Credit score : Eligibility requirements are generally less strict for an FHA loan than for a conventional loan. Read more about building your credit as you prepare for a home purchase.
• Down payment amount : FHA loans may allow a minimum down payment of 3.5% for eligible borrowers, but your required cash to close can also include other costs, and lender requirements may vary.

FHA loans have the benefit of a low down payment, but consider all costs involved, including up-front and long-term mortgage insurance and all fees. Ask your home mortgage consultant to help you compare the overall costs of all your home financing options.

• DTI ratio : Your debt-to-income ratio looks at your total debt against your monthly gross income.
• Income and assets : Lenders may request employment documentation, including W-2s, pay stubs, tax returns, or bank statements.

Carefully review your financial situation as you determine your options and read more about preparing for homeownership.

If you have a specific home purchase in mind, it’s possible that the FHA loan limit is below the price of your desired home. If the loan limit is too small, you may pursue alternate options:

• Increase your down payment: With a higher down payment, you will borrow less from your lender, which helps reduce your loan amount.
• Use a different loan: Conventional or jumbo loans may be a better fit depending on home price and the area where you are buying. Keep in mind that eligibility criteria may be different for these loans.
• Explore alternative homes: If you are prioritizing using an FHA loan, you may be able to find a different property within another neighborhood or a nearby county that is within your loan limits. 

Knowing your FHA mortgage loan limits can help you prepare for purchasing your home. Prices vary by market, so be sure to check loan limits for your county and for the specific property type you wish to purchase.

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