FHA 2026 Loan Limits Announced: Higher Floors and Ceilings for Homebuyers

FHA Announces Increased 2026 Loan Limits – More Buying Power Ahead

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has officially released the Federal Housing Administration’s (FHA) loan limits for 2026. These adjustments reflect rising home prices and help keep FHA loans accessible nationwide.

The New 2026 Limits at a Glance

• Single-Family Homes (1-Unit):

  • Low-cost area floor: $541,287

  • High-cost area ceiling: $1,249,125 (higher in special exception areas like Alaska and Hawaii, up to $1,873,625)

• Multi-Unit Properties: Limits increase proportionally (e.g., 4-unit ceiling over $2.4 million).

• HECM (Reverse Mortgages): Nationwide maximum claim amount: $1,249,125

These limits apply to FHA case numbers assigned on or after January 1, 2026.

 Impact on Homebuyers

FHA loans remain a go-to for many due to low down payments (3.5%) and lenient credit guidelines. The higher limits allow financing of more expensive homes in growing markets without needing a jumbo loan.

Limits rose in nearly all areas, supporting affordability from budget-friendly to premium locations.

Find Your Local Limit

Use HUD’s official loan limits lookup tool for county-specific numbers, or speak with an FHA-approved lender.

 Ready to Buy?

If 2026 is your year, start with pre-approval. These changes could open doors to better options!

Source: Official HUD announcement (http://hud.gov , December 2025).