What is an FHA Loan?

Written by Bennett Leckrone

Key Takeaways

An FHA loan is a government‑backed mortgage program that enables homebuyers who might not qualify for conventional loans to purchase a primary residence.
An FHA loan generally has more flexible credit score and debt-to-income requirements than a conventional loan.
You'll need a down payment of 5%. Some qualifying buyers, including many first-time homebuyers, can qualify for a down payment as low as 3%.

An FHA loan is a government‑insured mortgage designed to make homeownership more accessible.

Rather than lending money directly, the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) insures mortgages made by HUD‑approved lenders, which reduces lender risk, allowing buyers to qualify with smaller down payments and more flexible credit profiles.

That means you may be able to buy a primary residence with as little as 3.5% down and a credit profile that may not meet conventional standards. But an FHA loan comes with some important caveats, including mortgage insurance premiums that can sometimes last for the entire loan term.

FHA Loan Basics

An FHA loan is a government‑backed mortgage program that enables homebuyers who might not qualify for conventional loans to purchase a primary residence.

The loans are insured by the FHA, a division of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), and issued by private, HUD‑approved lenders.

The program’s purpose is straightforward: to expand access to homeownership for buyers with lower down payments or less‑than‑perfect credit.

FHA loans are heavily utilized by first‑time buyers. In the 2025 fiscal year, FHA insured 876,502 single‑family mortgages, with 83.03% of those loans going to first‑time homebuyers, according to HUD FHA program data.

How to Qualify for an FHA Loan

FHA loans shine for their flexibility. You may qualify with a credit score as low as 580 if you want to put 3.5% down. If you can afford to put 10% down, you may qualify with a score as low as 500.

FHA loans are known for being more flexible with debt-to-income (DTI) ratios than many conventional mortgages, which can make them a good option for borrowers with higher monthly debt payments. DTI measures how much of your gross monthly income goes toward debts, including your future mortgage.

While FHA guidelines may allow DTIs up to around 50% in some cases, approval depends on the strength of the overall application. Borrowers with higher credit scores, steady documented income, cash reserves, or a larger down payment may have an easier time qualifying with a higher DTI. Keep in mind that many lenders apply stricter “overlays” beyond FHA minimums, so requirements can vary by lender even within the same FHA program.

Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need to qualify for an FHA loan, as well as costs to expect:

Credit Score: At least 580 to qualify for the minimum 3.5% down payment. Scores between 500–579 may qualify with 10% down, although lender requirements vary.

Down Payment: Minimum 3.5% down for most borrowers. Gift funds from family may be allowed with proper documentation.

Debt-to-Income (DTI) Ratio: FHA loans often allow higher DTIs than conventional loans. Some borrowers may qualify with DTIs up to 50%, depending on credit and other strengths. Many lenders set stricter limits through overlays

Stable, Documented Income: Be prepared to show consistent earnings through: pay stubs, W-2s or tax returns, and roof of additional income if you use it to qualify.

Sufficient Cash for Closing Costs: Closing costs can range between 2% and 5% of the purchase price. You will also likely need to pay for prepaid taxes and homeowners insurance

Primary Residence Requirement: FHA loans must be used for a primary residence, not an investment property or vacation home

Property Must Meet FHA Standards: The home must pass an FHA appraisal confirming it is safe, structurally sound, and move-in ready

FHA vs. Conventional Home Loans

Feature	FHA loan	Conventional loan
Backing	Insured by the Federal Housing Administration	Not government-backed, often follows Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac guidelines
Typical minimum credit score	As low as 580 for a 3.5% down payment. 500–579 may qualify with 10% down.	Often 620 or higher, but this varies by lender.
Minimum down payment	3.5% with a credit sore of 580+,10% with 500–579.	Can be as low as 3% for certain first-time homebuyer or affordability focused programs, otherwise 5%.
Mortgage insurance	Mortgage insurance premium (MIP) is typically required, both upfront and annual, on most FHA loans. Upfront MIP is typically 1.75% of the base loan amount.	PMI required when putting less than 20% down. Cost varies by credit score and down payment, and it can be removable.
Mortgage insurance removal	FHA rules vary by case/date/down payment. FHA MIP is often not as easily cancelable as PMI. Annual MIP rates are set by HUD and have changed over time.	PMI can typically be requested to cancel around 80% loan-to-value (LTV) if criteria are met, and is generally required to auto-terminate by law around 78% LTV for many loans.
Occupancy options	Generally primary residence focused	Can be used for primary residences, second homes, and investment properties, although those purchases have different requirements.
Assumable?	Yes. FHA-insured forward mortgages are assumable (buyer still must qualify).	Typically not assumable
Loan limits	FHA limits vary by county. HUD publishes lookup tables and tools.	Conforming limits also vary by year and county, although these limits are separate from FHA limits.
Debt-to-income (DTI) flexibility	FHA guidelines often allow higher DTIs for qualified borrowers, sometimes up to 50% with strong compensating factors like credit, cash reserves, or a larger down payment.	Many conventional lenders prefer 43% or lower, though some approve up to 50% with strong credit, assets, or other strengths.

FHA Loan Benefits and Considerations

Pros and cons to weigh as you compare FHA vs. conventional:

Benefits of FHA loan	FHA loan disadvantages
Down payments as low as 3.5% with a 580+ score	Mortgage insurance is required on all FHA loans, regardless of down payment
Lower credit score thresholds than most conventional loans	Stricter property and appraisal standards may limit eligible homes
Allows gift funds and down‑payment assistance (with documentation)	Potentially higher lifetime cost vs. conventional if you qualify for PMI cancellation
Seller concessions up to 6% can help cover closing costs	Owner‑occupancy required; no investment properties

Tip: If you have strong credit, steady income, and can put more down, compare FHA vs. conventional side by side. Lower’s loan experts can help model your total cost of ownership so you can choose with confidence.

Costs Associated with FHA Loans

Plan for these common FHA loan costs:

Upfront mortgage insurance premium (UFMIP): 1.75% of the loan amount, typically financed into the loan.
Annual mortgage insurance premium (MIP): Generally 0.15%–0.75% of the loan amount per year, paid monthly. The rate depends on loan term, size, and down payment.
Closing costs: Usually 2%–6% of the loan amount, including lender fees, appraisal, title, escrow, and prepaids for taxes and insurance.
Seller concessions: Sellers can contribute up to 6% of the price toward buyer closing costs, which can reduce cash to close.

Cost summary:

Cost component	Typical amount	Notes
UFMIP	1.75%	May be financed
Annual MIP	0.15% to 0.75%	Added to monthly payment
Third‑party and lender fees	2% to 6% total closing costs	Varies by market and loan size

All FHA loans require mortgage insurance, no matter the down payment. Lower can help you compare total costs across FHA and conventional options.

The Bottom Line

FHA loans are backed by the Federal Housing Administration and offer a more flexible path to homeownership than conventional loans. They generally have lower credit score requirements and more flexible DTI requirements, although some lenders add overlays.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the FHA loan requirements?

The minimum credit score is 580 for a 3.5% down payment or 500–579 with 10% down. Debt‑to‑income can go up to 57% in some cases, and the property must be an owner‑occupied primary residence.

What is the minimum down payment for an FHA loan?

3.5% if your credit score is at least 580, or 10% if your score is between 500–579. Gift funds and certain grants are allowed when documented.

How much are FHA closing costs?

Typically 2%–6% of your loan amount, plus the 1.75% upfront mortgage insurance premium (often financed). Sellers can contribute up to 6% toward buyer costs.

Can FHA loans be used for investment properties?

No. FHA loans are for owner‑occupied primary residences and are not available for investment or rental-only properties.

What is an FHA streamline refinance?

It’s a simplified refinance for existing FHA loans with less paperwork, often no appraisal, and faster approval to help reduce your payment or rate.

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