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
Can I get approved through manual underwriting when the AUS says no?
Yes, manual underwriting is a real second path to approval when the automated system returns a refer or a denial, on the condition that you have compensating factors strong enough to offset whatever the software flagged.
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Down Payment Assistance Programs by State
Most states offer some form of down payment assistance, and many buyers qualify without realizing it.
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Down Payment Reality Check: How Much You Actually Need
You don't need 20% down to buy a house.
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How to Buy a House With Little Money Saved
You can buy a home with very little saved by combining a low or zero down payment loan with down payment assistance and seller-paid or lender-paid closing costs.
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First-Time Homebuyer Loan Options Explained
First-time buyers have more loan options than most people realize, ranging from zero down payment programs to specialized conventional products built specifically for buyers with limited savings.
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FHA vs Conventional Loans in 2026: Which One Actually Fits Your Situation?
The right mortgage depends on your credit, your down payment, and how long you plan to keep the loan. Here is a clear breakdown of how FHA and conventional loans actually compare in 2026 so you can make a confident call.
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