Texas FHA Loans 2026
FHA loans offer Texas homebuyers a path to homeownership with just 3.5% down payment and flexible credit requirements. Perfect for first-time buyers in Houston, Katy, Sugar Land, and throughout the Lone Star State.
Texas families achieving homeownership with FHA financing
Texas FHA Loan Limits by County (2026)
Most Texas counties have the standard FHA limit of $541,287. Here are limits for major metro areas:
| County | 2026 FHA Limit | Area Type |
|---|---|---|
| Harris (Houston) | $541,287 | Standard |
| Fort Bend (Katy, Sugar Land) | $541,287 | Standard |
| Dallas | $563,500 | High-Cost |
| Tarrant (Fort Worth) | $563,500 | High-Cost |
| Travis (Austin) | $571,550 | High-Cost |
| Bexar (San Antonio) | $557,750 | High-Cost |
| Collin (Plano) | $563,500 | High-Cost |
| Montgomery (The Woodlands) | $541,287 | Standard |
| Brazoria | $541,287 | Standard |
| Galveston | $541,287 | Standard |
Verified as of July 2026 (FHFA/HUD)
Explore FHA Loans by Texas Region
Choose your region for local FHA loan guidance and county FHA limits:
Houston Metro
Harris, Fort Bend & Montgomery county communities.
Learn MoreDallas–Fort Worth
The DFW metroplex and its growing suburbs.
Learn MoreSan Antonio
Bexar County and the surrounding Hill Country.
Learn MoreAustin Metro
Travis, Williamson & Hays county markets.
Learn MoreCentral Texas
Waco, Killeen, Temple and the Belton corridor.
Learn MoreRio Grande Valley
McAllen, Edinburg, Mission and the greater RGV.
Learn MoreWhy Texas Homebuyers Choose FHA Loans
Low Down Payment
Just 3.5% down with credit score 580+. On a $300K home, that's only $10,500.
Flexible Credit
FHA accepts credit scores as low as 580 (or 500 with 10% down). Perfect for rebuilding credit.
Texas DPA Compatible
Combine with TDHCA My First Texas Home for up to 5% additional assistance.
Gift Funds Allowed
100% of your down payment can come from family gift funds with proper documentation.
Higher DTI Allowed
FHA allows debt-to-income ratios up to 50% in some cases, helping more Texans qualify.
Assumable Loans
Future buyers can assume your low FHA rate, potentially increasing your home's resale value.
Calculate Your Texas FHA Payment
Use our free mortgage calculator to estimate your monthly FHA loan payment including taxes, insurance, and PMI.
Open CalculatorTexas FHA Loan FAQs
What is the FHA loan limit in Texas for 2026?
Texas FHA loan limits for 2026 are $541,287 for single-family homes in most counties. Harris County (Houston), Fort Bend (Katy, Sugar Land), and other metro areas have the standard limit, which covers most Texas home purchases.
What credit score do I need for an FHA loan in Texas?
For a Texas FHA loan, you need a minimum credit score of 580 for 3.5% down payment, or 500-579 for 10% down. Many Texas lenders work with scores as low as 580 for first-time buyers in Houston, Katy, and Sugar Land.
Can I combine FHA with Texas down payment assistance?
Yes! Texas offers FHA-compatible down payment assistance through TDHCA My First Texas Home (up to 5%), SETH 5 Star Program, and Houston/Harris County programs. These can cover your 3.5% down payment and closing costs.
How much is FHA mortgage insurance in Texas?
FHA mortgage insurance in Texas includes an upfront premium of 1.75% of the loan amount (can be financed) plus annual MIP of 0.55% for most loans. For a $300,000 loan, this equals approximately $138/month in mortgage insurance.
Not sure whether FHA or conventional is the better fit for your Texas home? Read our ultimate 2026 guide to conventional vs. FHA loans for a clear, side-by-side breakdown of costs, credit requirements, and mortgage insurance. New to the market? Our 2026 Texas real estate homebuyer guide walks you through the whole process step by step.
Explore More Texas Loan Options
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From the blog & learning center
FHA Loan Guides & Articles
Gift Funds: The Rules for Down Payment Gifts
A family member can give you money for your down payment, and on most loan types the entire down payment can be a gift. The key rules: it has to be a true gift with no repayment expected, it must come from an acceptable source, and it has to be documented with a gift letter and a clear paper trail.
Read moreSeller Concessions: How Much Can the Seller Pay?
A seller concession is when the seller agrees to pay part of your closing costs as a term of the sale. It's a legitimate, common way to reduce your cash to close, and depending on the loan type and your down payment, a seller can contribute anywhere from 2% to 9% of the purchase price toward your costs.
Read moreWhat Credit Score Do You Need for Each Loan Type?
The minimum credit score depends entirely on the loan program: FHA goes as low as 500-580, VA and USDA have no federal minimum (lenders typically want 580-640), conventional generally starts around 620, and jumbo loans want 700 or higher. Here's the breakdown by program.
Read more
How to Buy a House With Bad Credit
You can buy a house with bad credit, it just takes the right loan program and some strategy. FHA loans accept scores as low as 500, and there are concrete steps to strengthen your application even when your credit isn't where you'd like it.
Read more
FHA Loans Plus a Down Payment Grant: How Little You Can Actually Bring to Closing
Combining an FHA loan with a down payment assistance grant can reduce what you bring to closing to as little as 0% to 1% of the purchase price, nationwide, not just in select states.
Read more
Can I buy a house after a recent late payment, collection, or charge-off?
Yes, you can often buy a home soon after a late payment, a collection, or a charge-off, as long as the rest of your file is strong and you can explain the event, because none of these carry a fixed waiting period the way a bankruptcy or foreclosure does.
Read more