Virginia FHA Loans 2026
Yes, Virginia buyers can get an FHA loan with 3.5% down and a 580 credit score, and in high-cost Northern Virginia the FHA limit runs well above the statewide floor. FHA is often the most accessible path for first-time and credit-rebuilding buyers across the Commonwealth.
FHA loans make homeownership accessible across Virginia with just 3.5% down payment. From the high-cost Northern Virginia corridor to affordable Southwest Virginia, FHA financing provides flexible qualification for first-time buyers and credit-rebuilders alike.
Can you buy a home in Virginia with no down payment using an FHA loan?
Yes, for eligible borrowers. FHA loans normally require 3.5% down, but our down payment assistance grant covers it entirely, either 2% or 3.5% of the purchase price, with no repayment and no second lien on your home. It is a true grant, not a loan you pay back later, so for many Virginia buyers it means bringing no money to the table for the down payment.
The grant is available to a wide range of Virginia buyers. You may qualify if your income is at or below 140% of your area's median, or if you are a first-time buyer, first responder, educator, medical professional, civil servant, or military member, or if the home is in an underserved area. A 620 credit score and a short homebuyer education course are required, and the grant works on standard FHA purchases as well as FHA renovation loans.
See if you qualify for the grantWhat are today's FHA loan rates in Virginia?
We publish FHA rates daily. Here is today's rate for a Virginia FHA loan, updated automatically.
Today’s 30-Year Fixed FHA Rate
FHA – Primary Residence
Rate Assumptions
30 year fixed, $300k loan amount, $400k value, purchase, FICO Credit Score 759, Zipcode 92867
APR & Disclosures
The Annual Percentage Rate (APR) shown reflects the cost of credit over the loan term, including applicable fees, and is based on the assumptions above. Your actual rate and APR depend on your credit profile, loan amount, property, occupancy, and other factors. For information purposes only and does not constitute a loan approval or commitment to lend. Rates are subject to change without notice.
How do FHA loans work in Virginia?
FHA loans in Virginia are government-backed mortgages that let you buy with as little as 3.5% down and a 580 credit score, with limits that rise in high-cost areas like Northern Virginia. Federal Housing Administration (FHA) loans are one of the most popular mortgage options in Virginia, particularly among first-time homebuyers and those with less-than-perfect credit. Backed by the federal government, these loans offer more flexible qualification requirements than conventional mortgages while still providing competitive interest rates. For the program's nationwide rules, see FHA's national loan guidelines.
Virginia's FHA loan limits vary significantly by county, reflecting the Commonwealth's diverse real estate markets. In high-cost Northern Virginia, where median home prices exceed $600,000, FHA limits reach $1,249,125, allowing FHA financing for properties that would require jumbo loans in other areas. Meanwhile, most Virginia counties have the standard limit of $541,287, still sufficient for the median-priced homes in Richmond, Virginia Beach, and throughout the Shenandoah Valley.
One of the most powerful advantages for Virginia FHA borrowers is the ability to combine FHA financing with VHDA (Virginia Housing Development Authority) down payment assistance programs. This combination can reduce your out-of-pocket costs to virtually zero, making homeownership accessible even for buyers with limited savings.
2026 Virginia FHA Loan Limits by County
| County/City | FHA Limit | Classification |
|---|---|---|
| Arlington County | $1,249,125 | High-Cost |
| Fairfax County | $1,249,125 | High-Cost |
| Loudoun County | $1,249,125 | High-Cost |
| Prince William County | $1,249,125 | High-Cost |
| Alexandria City | $1,249,125 | High-Cost |
| Virginia Beach | $757,850 | High-Cost |
| Richmond City | $541,287 | Standard |
| Henrico County | $707,250 | High-Cost |
| Chesterfield County | $707,250 | High-Cost |
| Roanoke City | $541,287 | Standard |
Verified as of July 2026 (FHFA/HUD)
VHDA Down Payment Assistance for FHA Loans
Virginia Housing Development Authority (VHDA) offers several programs that work seamlessly with FHA loans to reduce your upfront costs:
VHDA DPA Grant
- 2-2.5% of purchase price as grant
- No repayment required
- Forgivable after 3 years
- Covers down payment + closing costs
VHDA Plus Second Mortgage
- Up to $12,500 available
- 0% interest rate
- No monthly payments
- Due only on sale or refinance
Why choose an FHA loan in Virginia?
Virginia buyers choose FHA for its low 3.5% down payment, flexible credit requirements, and the ability to use gift funds, which together make it the most accessible path to homeownership for many first-time and credit-rebuilding buyers. Buyers with stronger credit who want to drop mortgage insurance later sometimes prefer a Virginia conventional loan instead.
Low Down Payment
Just 3.5% down with credit scores of 580+. On a $300,000 Virginia home, that's only $10,500 out of pocket.
Flexible Credit
Credit scores as low as 580 qualify with 3.5% down. Even 500-579 can qualify with 10% down payment. Lower-score files sometimes close through manually underwritten FHA approvals.
Gift Funds Allowed
100% of your down payment can come from family gift funds with proper documentation.
Understanding FHA Mortgage Insurance
FHA loans require two types of mortgage insurance premium (MIP) that protect the lender in case of default:
Upfront MIP (UFMIP)
1.75% of base loan amount
Can be financed into the loan. On a $400,000 loan, this is $7,000 added to your balance.
Annual MIP
0.55% annually for most loans
Paid monthly. On a $400,000 loan, expect ~$183/month added to your payment.
Where can you use an FHA loan in Virginia?
You can use an FHA loan anywhere in Virginia, from Northern Virginia to Hampton Roads, Richmond, and Southwest Virginia, with loan limits that adjust to each region's home prices. If you are weighing programs, you can compare all Virginia mortgage options side by side.
Northern Virginia (NoVA)
With FHA limits of $1,249,125, most Arlington, Fairfax, and Loudoun County homes qualify for FHA financing. Combined with VHDA assistance, federal employees and tech workers can access homeownership with minimal down payment.
Hampton Roads
Military families often choose between Virginia VA loans and FHA loans here. FHA's standard $541,287 limit covers most Virginia Beach and Norfolk properties. Active duty can combine FHA with base housing assistance.
Central Virginia / Richmond
First-time buyers in Henrico, Chesterfield, and Richmond City frequently use FHA loans. Median prices around $350,000-$400,000 fall well within FHA limits, with plenty of room for VHDA assistance.
Southwest Virginia
Lower home prices in Roanoke, Lynchburg, and the New River Valley mean FHA's $541,287 limit covers even nicer properties. Combined with competitive interest rates, monthly payments can rival rent.
Virginia FHA Loan FAQs
Does FHA mortgage insurance ever go away?
It depends entirely on your down payment. Under 10% down, it stays for the life of the loan. At 10% or more down, it drops off after 11 years. Unlike conventional PMI, it does not automatically cancel when you reach 20% equity, which is one of the most misunderstood parts of FHA financing.
Is FHA cheaper than conventional?
Not always. FHA gets you in with less money down and more flexible credit, but its mortgage insurance is more expensive long-term and often permanent. For a buyer with good credit and 5% or more saved, conventional frequently wins on total cost. It's worth running both before you decide, and I'll do that for you.
What are the FHA loan limits in Virginia for 2026?
Virginia FHA loan limits for 2026 range from $541,287 in standard counties to $1,249,125 in high-cost Northern Virginia areas (Arlington, Fairfax, Loudoun). Most Virginia counties fall between these amounts based on local home prices.
Can I combine FHA loans with VHDA down payment assistance?
Yes! VHDA offers down payment assistance grants of 2-2.5% of the purchase price that can be combined with FHA loans. The grant is forgivable after living in the home for 3+ years. Income limits apply based on your county.
What credit score do I need for an FHA loan in Virginia?
The minimum credit score for an FHA loan in Virginia is 580 for 3.5% down payment, or 500-579 for 10% down. Most Virginia lenders prefer scores of 620+ for better rates and faster approval.
How much is FHA mortgage insurance in Virginia?
FHA mortgage insurance includes an upfront MIP of 1.75% (can be financed) plus annual MIP of 0.55% for most loans. On a $400,000 Virginia FHA loan, expect approximately $183/month in mortgage insurance.
Are there special FHA programs for Virginia first-time buyers?
Virginia first-time buyers can access VHDA's Plus Second Mortgage program providing up to $12,500 for down payment and closing costs. Combined with FHA's 3.5% down requirement, this can mean buying with little to no cash out of pocket.
Do you have to repay FHA down payment assistance in Virginia?
No. Our FHA down payment assistance is a true grant of 2% or 3.5% of the purchase price. There is no repayment and no second lien placed on your home, which makes it different from most down payment assistance programs that are repayable or forgivable loans.
Emmett Clark
NMLS #233747 | 20+ Years Experience
"FHA loans have helped countless Virginia families achieve homeownership, especially when combined with VHDA assistance. I've guided first-time buyers through the FHA process in every corner of the Commonwealth, from McLean condos to Roanoke single-family homes."
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Estimate Your FHA Payment
See your complete FHA payment, including both parts of mortgage insurance, and how your down payment changes the math over time.
Understanding your FHA payment
An FHA payment has a piece conventional and VA loans don't: mortgage insurance, and it comes in two parts. The upfront premium is a one-time charge of a percentage of your loan amount, almost always rolled into the loan rather than paid at closing, which is why the total loan above can exceed your purchase price. The annual premium is charged monthly and appears as its own line in the breakdown.
The 11-year rule, and why your down payment matters more than you'd think
Here's the part that changes the math over time. If you put less than 10% down, FHA mortgage insurance stays on the loan for as long as you have it. It doesn't fall off at 20% equity the way conventional PMI does. If you put 10% or more down, it drops off after 11 years.
That's a meaningful long-term difference, and it's worth modeling both ways above if you have the savings to reach 10%. It also means FHA isn't automatically the cheaper option just because the down payment is lower. For a buyer with solid credit and some savings, a conventional loan with removable PMI often costs less over the years you actually hold the loan, even though it asks for more up front. I run that comparison for every borrower who could qualify either way, because the right answer genuinely differs by situation.
FHA loan limits are set by county
FHA limits vary county by county, and they're lower than conforming limits in most places. If your loan amount exceeds your county's FHA limit, FHA isn't available for that purchase and you'd be looking at conventional or jumbo financing. The calculator flags this automatically when it happens.
What this calculator doesn't include
It covers principal, interest, mortgage insurance, property taxes, homeowners insurance, and HOA dues. It doesn't include title, escrow, appraisal, recording, or prepaid costs, which vary by state and transaction, and it uses the rate you enter rather than one you've been quoted. Use it for the monthly number, then let me run your actual scenario.
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