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    FHA Loans in Texas: 2026 Requirements & Limits

    Updated: October 7 2026 • 7 min read
    Written by Bennett Leckrone
    Bennett Leckrone

    Written by
    Bennett Leckrone
    Writer / Reviewer / Expert

    Bennett Leckrone is the editorial manager and an analyst for Lower. He specializes in making complicated mortgage topics accessible for consumers. That includes both in-depth product guides and analysis on what economic moves mean for homebuyers and refinancers. He is also a licensed loan officer in Ohio, NMLS ID 2782574. He was previously a business reporter with a focus on higher education and fintech at BestColleges. In that role, he reported on the development of fintech and AI curriculum, as well as the rapidly changing nature of finance education. He also wrote guides to help business students navigate AI and online education. He also reported on state politics at Maryland Matters, with a focus on how policy affected people and businesses. He holds a bachelor of science in journalism degree from Ohio University.
    Reviewed by Neel Patel
    Neel Patel

    Reviewed by
    Neel Patel
    Reviewer

    Neel Patel is a mortgage industry professional with more than a decade of hands-on experience across loan origination, customer experience, sales operations, and strategy. He has worked at every stage of the mortgage lifecycle, from advising individual borrowers to leading teams of loan officers. As an expert reviewer, Neel evaluates mortgage and personal finance content for accuracy, clarity, and real-world applicability. He specializes in ensuring information reflects how lending actually works in practice so consumers can make confident, informed decisions.
    Our Editorial Standards

    Key Takeaways

    • You may be able to get an FHA loan with as little as 3.5% down if your credit score is 580 or higher.
    • For most Texas homes, the 2026 FHA loan limit is $541,287. In the Austin area, it can be as high as $571,550.
    • Property taxes and homeowners insurance can make a noticeable difference in your monthly payment, especially in parts of Texas with higher taxes or added flood and windstorm risks.
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    An FHA loan can make buying a home in Texas more accessible if you have a smaller down payment or less-than-perfect credit. These loans are made by approved mortgage lenders and insured by the Federal Housing Administration.

    The basic FHA loan requirements are the same nationwide, but where you buy in Texas still matters. Loan limits vary by county, property taxes vary by location and insurance costs can be higher in areas exposed to flooding or coastal storms.

    Texas FHA Loan Basics

    Requirement What It Means for Texas Buyers
    Minimum down payment As little as 3.5% with a credit score of 580 or higher
    Credit scores from 500 to 579 Generally require at least 10% down
    2026 loan limits $541,287 in most counties and up to $571,550 in the Austin area for a single-family home
    Occupancy You generally need to use the home as your primary residence
    Mortgage insurance FHA loans generally include both upfront and annual mortgage insurance
    Eligible homes Can include single-family homes, some condos and qualifying two- to four-unit properties

    Meeting FHA's minimum credit score and down payment guidelines does not automatically mean you'll qualify. Your lender will also look at your income, debts, credit history and the property you're buying.

    FHA Home Loan Rates in Texas for 2026

    FHA mortgage rates in Texas change over time and can vary from one borrower to another. Your credit, loan amount, down payment, discount points and lender pricing can all affect the rate you're offered.

    Mortgage rates remain relatively high compared with much of the past decade. Freddie Mac reported an average 30-year fixed mortgage rate of 7.28% on Oct. 1, 2026. That is a national conventional mortgage benchmark rather than an FHA rate, but it gives you a sense of the broader rate environment.

    When comparing FHA loans, look at more than the interest rate. The APR can help you compare the rate along with certain loan costs.

    Your total monthly payment also depends on property taxes, homeowners insurance and any HOA fees. Texas does not have a state property tax, but local governments and school districts collect property taxes that can vary considerably depending on where you buy.

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    Texas FHA Loan Calculator

    Most FHA home loans have an upfront mortgage insurance premium equal to 1.75% of the loan amount. You can usually add this cost to your mortgage instead of paying the entire amount at closing.

    FHA loans also have annual mortgage insurance that is usually divided into monthly payments. The amount is not the same for every borrower. It depends on factors such as your loan amount, loan term and how much you put down.

    The calculator below uses a 0.55% annual mortgage insurance rate as an estimate. That rate applies to many FHA purchase loans, but it does not apply to every FHA mortgage.

    How long you pay FHA mortgage insurance can also vary. On many 30-year FHA loans, borrowers who put at least 10% down pay annual mortgage insurance for 11 years. With less than 10% down, it generally lasts for the life of the FHA loan unless you later refinance into another mortgage.

    Keep in mind that your actual Texas housing costs may differ from the calculator estimate. Property taxes vary by location, and insurance can cost more in areas with significant flood, wind or hail risk.

    FHA Loan
    Calculator

    Model principal and interest, FHA mortgage insurance, property taxes, and upfront MIP.

    Est. Monthly FHA Payment

    $0

    What’s driving this estimateLive from your current assumptions
    Use the sliders for quick comparisons or tap the blue value pills to type exact numbers.
    Upfront MIP

    Illustrative FHA estimate only. Uses a 1.75% upfront MIP and 0.55% annual MIP assumption. Actual FHA MIP rules depend on loan amount, term, LTV, and case-specific factors. Not a loan offer.

    How this calculator works

    Move the sliders to test scenarios, or tap any blue value pill to type an exact number. The headline result and supporting detail pills update live as you change inputs so you can compare options without resetting your work.

    Methodology: Base loan = home price × (1 − down payment %). Upfront MIP = 1.75% of the base loan, optionally rolled into the loan. Principal & interest are amortized over 30 years using the standard fixed-rate formula M = P · r(1+r)n / ((1+r)n−1), where r is the monthly rate and n is months. Annual MIP of 0.55% is divided by 12 and added monthly. Property taxes are estimated as home price × tax rate ÷ 12.

    Worked example: Home price $400,000, 3.5% down, 6.5% rate, 1.1% taxes, UFMIP financed: base loan $386,000; UFMIP $6,755; financed loan $392,755; monthly P&I ≈ $2,482; monthly MIP ≈ $177; monthly taxes ≈ $367; total ≈ $3,026/mo.

    Use these estimates to compare options and prepare questions for a lender. Final pricing, eligibility, and approval depend on a full application and lender review.

    FHA Loan Requirements for Texas Borrowers

    Texas borrowers follow the same basic FHA qualification rules as borrowers elsewhere in the country. Your lender will look at your credit, income, debts and the home you plan to buy.

    Credit Score and Down Payment Guidelines

    If your credit score is 580 or higher, FHA guidelines generally allow you to buy a home with as little as 3.5% down.

    If your score is between 500 and 579, you generally need at least 10% down. Individual lenders can set higher credit score requirements, so meeting FHA's minimum does not guarantee approval.

    Your credit score is only one part of qualifying for an FHA loan. Your payment history, debt and overall financial picture can also affect the lender's decision.

    Debt-to-Income Ratio and Income Requirements

    Your debt-to-income ratio, or DTI, compares your monthly debt payments with your monthly income. FHA does not have one 43% DTI limit that applies to every borrower.

    If a lender has to review your loan manually, 31% for housing expenses and 43% for total monthly debt are the standard starting points. Some borrowers can qualify with higher ratios if they have other financial strengths, such as cash reserves or a limited increase in their housing payment.

    Many FHA loans are reviewed through an automated underwriting system instead. In those cases, the system looks at your overall finances rather than using one DTI percentage as an automatic cutoff.

    How much debt you carry still matters when you are qualifying for an FHA mortgage with existing debt.

    FHA does not set a maximum income limit for its standard home loan program. You still need enough documented income to afford the mortgage. Texas homebuyer-assistance programs may have their own income limits.

    Property and Occupancy Rules

    An FHA loan is generally meant for a home you plan to live in. At least one borrower usually needs to move into the property within 60 days and use it as a primary home.

    You can also use FHA financing to buy an eligible property with two, three or four units as long as you live in one of them. That can make FHA financing for a multifamily home an option if you want to live in one unit and rent out the others.

    Condos can qualify too, but not every condo is eligible for FHA financing. The unit may be in an FHA-approved condo project, or it may qualify individually through FHA's Single-Unit Approval process. Current eligibility rules are available through HUD's condominium program.

    Where you buy in Texas can also affect insurance costs. Standard homeowners insurance generally does not cover flooding. In some coastal areas, homeowners may also need separate wind and hail coverage.

    How to Apply for an FHA Loan in Texas

    1. Compare FHA financing with other loan options based on your credit, down payment and budget.
    2. Apply with an FHA-approved lender and provide information about your income, employment, debts and savings.
    3. Your lender will review your finances and determine whether the loan meets FHA requirements.
    4. Choose a home that meets FHA property and occupancy rules.
    5. Complete the FHA appraisal and any other required property reviews.
    6. Review your final loan terms, closing costs and estimated monthly payment before closing.

    FHA Loan Limits in Texas for 2026

    FHA limits how much you can borrow based partly on where the home is located and how many units it has.

    For most Texas counties, the 2026 FHA limit for a single-family home is $541,287.

    Some higher-cost parts of the state have larger limits. In the Austin area, you may be able to borrow up to $571,550 with an FHA loan. The limit is $563,500 in the Dallas-Fort Worth area and $557,750 around San Antonio.

    Use the county lookup below to check the FHA limit where you plan to buy. You can also confirm a county's limit with HUD's FHA Mortgage Limits lookup.

    2026 Ohio FHA loan limits by county

    Loading map…
    County 1-Unit Limit 2-Unit 3-Unit 4-Unit
    Source: HUD, 2026 FHA forward mortgage limits

    FHA loan limits are set annually by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Limits vary by county and property type, with higher ceilings in designated high-cost areas and statutory special areas (Alaska, Hawaii, Guam, and the U.S. Virgin Islands). This map is for informational purposes only and does not constitute a loan offer or commitment to lend. Actual loan eligibility depends on credit, income, property, and lender guidelines.

    2026 FHA Loan Limits in Major Texas Counties

    Most Texas counties use the standard 2026 FHA limit, but buyers in some larger metro areas can borrow more.

    County Major Market 1 Unit 2 Units 3 Units 4 Units
    Travis Austin $571,550 $731,700 $884,450 $1,099,150
    Dallas Dallas-Fort Worth $563,500 $721,400 $872,000 $1,083,650
    Tarrant Fort Worth $563,500 $721,400 $872,000 $1,083,650
    Collin Dallas-Fort Worth $563,500 $721,400 $872,000 $1,083,650
    Bexar San Antonio $557,750 $714,000 $863,100 $1,072,600
    Harris Houston $541,287 $693,050 $837,700 $1,041,125

    2026 FHA Loan Limits by Property Size

    The standard FHA limit for most of the country is $541,287 for a single-family home in 2026. FHA allows larger loans for properties with more units and for homes in certain high-cost parts of the country.

    Property Size Standard FHA Limit National High-Cost Limit
    1 Unit $541,287 $1,249,125
    2 Units $693,050 $1,599,375
    3 Units $837,700 $1,933,200
    4 Units $1,041,125 $2,402,625

    The national high-cost limits shown above do not apply in Texas. The highest 2026 FHA limit for a single-family home in Texas is $571,550.

    FHA Loans in Major Texas Housing Markets

    Austin

    The Austin area has the highest FHA loan limits in Texas for 2026. In Travis, Bastrop, Caldwell, Hays and Williamson counties, the limit for a single-family home is $571,550.

    Property taxes can vary depending on exactly where you buy, so two similarly priced homes in the Austin area may still have noticeably different monthly payments.

    Dallas-Fort Worth

    Buyers in much of the Dallas-Fort Worth area can borrow up to $563,500 with an FHA loan on a single-family home. That includes Dallas, Collin, Denton and Tarrant counties.

    Because the metro stretches across several counties and taxing districts, it is worth checking both the FHA limit and local property taxes for the specific home you're considering.

    San Antonio

    The 2026 FHA limit for a single-family home in the San Antonio area is $557,750. That includes Bexar County as well as Atascosa, Bandera, Comal, Guadalupe, Kendall, Medina and Wilson counties.

    Houston and the Gulf Coast

    Harris County uses the standard 2026 FHA limit of $541,287 for a single-family home.

    Houston-area buyers should look closely at both property taxes and insurance. Flood damage is not normally covered by a standard homeowners policy, and properties closer to the coast may also need separate wind and hail insurance. The Texas Department of Insurance explains how windstorm coverage works.

    Texas Down Payment Assistance for FHA Buyers

    If coming up with the down payment or closing costs is your biggest obstacle, Texas has programs that may be able to help. These programs have their own rules, so qualifying for an FHA loan does not automatically mean you'll qualify for assistance.

    Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs Programs

    The Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs offers programs that can be paired with an eligible FHA loan.

    My First Texas Home is mainly aimed at first-time buyers, although some exceptions apply. My Choice Texas Home does not require you to be a first-time buyer.

    Both programs have their own requirements, which can include income limits, homebuyer education and other eligibility rules.

    Texas State Affordable Housing Corporation Programs

    The Texas State Affordable Housing Corporation also offers mortgage and down payment assistance programs.

    Home Sweet Texas can provide eligible buyers with down payment assistance of up to 5% of the loan amount.

    Homes for Texas Heroes offers assistance for eligible teachers, police officers, firefighters, EMS workers, corrections employees and veterans.

    Income limits, credit requirements and the type of assistance available can vary, so check the current program rules before applying.

    FHA Loans in Nearby States

    If you're comparing homes across state lines, FHA loan requirements and limits also vary in Oklahoma, Louisiana and New Mexico.

    The basic FHA program works the same way nationwide, but loan limits, property taxes, insurance costs and buyer-assistance programs can differ by state.

    Bottom Line

    You may be able to buy a Texas home with an FHA loan and as little as 3.5% down if your credit score is 580 or higher. For most Texas counties, the 2026 limit for a single-family home is $541,287, while buyers in the Austin area can borrow up to $571,550.

    Your location can also make a big difference in what you actually pay each month. Property taxes, homeowners insurance and possible flood or windstorm coverage should all be part of your budget.

    Frequently Asked Questions About FHA Loans in Texas

    What Is the Minimum Down Payment for an FHA Loan in Texas?

    You may be able to put down as little as 3.5% if your credit score is 580 or higher. With a credit score from 500 to 579, FHA guidelines generally require at least 10% down.

    What Credit Score Do You Need for an FHA Loan in Texas?

    A credit score of 580 or higher can make you eligible for FHA's 3.5% minimum down payment. Scores from 500 to 579 generally require at least 10% down. Lenders can set their own higher credit requirements.

    What Is the Maximum FHA Debt-to-Income Ratio in Texas?

    There is no single FHA DTI maximum that applies to every borrower. A 43% total DTI is a common starting point for loans reviewed manually, but some borrowers can qualify above that level. Automated underwriting may also allow higher ratios depending on the rest of your finances.

    What Are the FHA Loan Limits in Texas for 2026?

    For most Texas counties, the 2026 FHA limit for a single-family home is $541,287. It is higher in some metro areas, including $557,750 around San Antonio, $563,500 in Dallas-Fort Worth and $571,550 around Austin.

    Can You Use Texas Down Payment Assistance With an FHA Loan?

    Yes, some Texas assistance programs can be paired with an FHA loan. TDHCA and TSAHC both offer programs for eligible buyers, but each program has its own income, credit and other requirements.

    Does FHA Have an Income Limit in Texas?

    No. FHA does not set a maximum income limit for its standard home loan program. You still need enough qualifying income to afford the mortgage. Some Texas down payment assistance programs have their own income limits.

    Can You Buy a Duplex or Multifamily Home With an FHA Loan in Texas?

    Yes. FHA loans can be used to buy eligible properties with two, three or four units as long as you plan to live in one of the units as your primary home.

    Can You Buy a Condo With an FHA Loan in Texas?

    Yes, but the condo has to meet FHA requirements. It may be in an FHA-approved condo project, or the individual unit may qualify through FHA's Single-Unit Approval process.

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