The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) released the new FHA loan limits for calendar year 2026 today.
As you probably expected, they have risen from 2025 thanks to continued home price appreciation on a national basis.
The new “floor” limit, which is the minimum even if it exceeds the area median price, will be $541,287 for a one-unit property, up 3.26% from $524,225 currently.
This represents 65% of the 2026 conforming loan limit, which is soon to rise to $832,750.
The new higher loan limits go into effect for FHA case numbers assigned on or after January 1st, 2026.
2026 FHA Low-Cost Area Floor Loan Limits
One-unit property: $541,287
Two-unit property: $693,050
Three-unit property: $837,700
Four-unit property: $1,041,125
As noted, the 2026 FHA floor loan limits, which apply to areas of the country where 115% of the median home price is less than the floor limit, will be $541,287 for a one-unit property.
They gradually rise for duplexes, triplexes, and fourplexes. So those buying a multi-unit property with an FHA loan, perhaps to “house hack,” will be able to qualify for even larger loans in 2026.
These floors are basically the smallest loan limits you’ll face nationwide when seeking out an FHA loan.
And in many areas they’ll actually be higher than the floor.
[Compare: FHA loan vs. conventional loan pros and cons]
2026 High-Cost Area Ceiling Loan Limits
One-unit property: $1,249,125
Two-unit property: $1,599,375
Three-unit property: $1,933,200
Four-unit property: $2,402,625
As noted, there are higher loan limits in high-cost areas of the country, where property values exceed the floor.
In these counties, FHA borrowers get to enjoy even higher limits up to the so-called “ceiling.”
If these loan limits look familiar, it’s because they’re exactly the same as the high-cost loans limits for conforming loans backed by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.
And they’re quite large as you can see, especially if we’re talking about a four-unit property.
However, there are scores of counties throughout the nation where the FHA loan limits are set somewhere between the floor and the ceiling.
So it’s important to look up your county before you proceed to ensure you loan amount doesn’t exceed the ceiling.
For example, in Atlanta, Georgia the ceiling for an FHA loan on a one-unit property is just $718,750.
If you were buying a $900,000 home and putting 20% down, you’d need to go with a conforming loan instead.
The $720,000 loan amount would exceed the ceiling for Atlanta.
In Austin, Texas it’s an even lower $571,550 for a one-unit property. So again, if you wanted to buy an expensive home there, you’d need to look beyond the FHA for financing.
You can see all the loan limits that are between the floor and the ceiling here. Or simply search by county or state here. Be sure to select ‘CY26’ for calendar year 2026.
Another example is Phoenix, Arizona, where the one-unit loan limit is just $557,750, barely above the floor of $541,287.
So again, check your area loan limit before you assume you’re good to go.
2026 Ceiling in Special Designated Areas Even Higher
One-unit property: $1,873,687
Two-unit property: $2,399,050
Three-unit property: $2,899,800
Four-unit property: $3,603,925
Lastly, there are even higher FHA loan limits in Alaska, Guam, Hawaii, and the Virgin Islands that can be adjusted up to 150% of the new ceilings.
That means nearly $1.9 million for a one-unit property, thanks to Section 214 of the National Housing Act.
Of course, this likely won’t be a common scenario. But it’s important to know the loan limits before you choose a loan type to ensure it’s actually workable for your situation.
The good news is your loan officer or mortgage broker should be well versed in these new limits. And they should be plugged into any new digital loan application.
To summarize, higher loan limits mean more borrowers will be able to get approved for FHA financing in 2026.
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