The maximum FHA loan amount for 2017 is $636,150, for a single-family home purchase. That’s for “high-cost” areas with relatively high home prices, compared to the rest of the country. In more affordable real estate markets, the max FHA loan amount can be as low as $275,665, for a single-family home. See the table below for additional details.
Max FHA Loan Amounts for 2017
The maximum FHA loan size or “limit” was increased for 2017, due to significant home-price gains that occurred throughout the U.S. during 2016. The table below shows the current (2017) max FHA loan amounts for all property categories. The national limit or “ceiling” was raised from $625,500 in 2016, to $636,150 in 2017.
| Property Size | Low-Cost Area “Floor” | High-Cost Area “Ceiling” |
|---|---|---|
| One Unit | $275,665 | $636,150 |
| Two Units | $352,950 | $814,500 |
| Three Units | $426,625 | $984,525 |
| Four Units | $530,150 | $1,223,475 |
Notes: In this context, a “one unit” property is a standard, single-family home. The other property-size categories apply to multi-family properties like duplexes, triplexes, etc. Also, it bears repeating that the max FHA loan amount or “ceiling” varies by county. So, as a borrower, you’ll want to find the applicable limits for your particular county, which you can find on the FHA page of our website.
Some Counties Could See Higher Limits in 2018
The max FHA loan amount might go up from 2017 to 2018 — at least in some counties across the U.S. Federal housing officials (including the Department of Housing and Urban Development) review these limits each year, to make sure they are keeping pace with home prices. When house values rise significantly over the course of a year, the maximum FHA loan amount is sometimes lifted as well.
(We saw this last year, at the end of 2016, when the limits for FHA, VA and conventional loans were increased for many counties across the country.)
There’s a chance the max FHA loan amount for 2017 will go up for 2018, in counties that experienced significant home-price growth this year. In some cities and counties (like the Seattle metro area, for instance), median home values have risen well above loan limits. Those areas might see higher caps in 2018.
But we are getting into speculation here. We will know more in late November or December. That’s typically when HUD and the Federal Housing Finance Agency announce any loan limit revisions for the following year. We will update this website if and when the max FHA loan amounts are revised.
Is an FHA-Insured Mortgage Right for You?
The maximum amount you can borrow for an FHA loan is an important factor for borrowers. But there are other considerations as well, for those who are considering this financing option.
Here are some important things to know about FHA loans:
- The minimum required investment is 3.5% of the purchase price or appraised value.
- Borrowers need a credit score of 580 or higher to qualify for the 3.5% down payment.
- Mortgage insurance is usually required for home buyers who use this program, and that can increase the size of your monthly payments.
- Generally speaking, FHA loans are easier to qualify for, when compared to conventional mortgage loans. That’s because the lender receives insurance protection from the federal government.
Disclaimers and notes: This article explains the maximum FHA loan amount for home buyers, and contains current information for 2017. These limits are reviewed annually and are sometimes changed to reflect changes in home prices. For the most current and accurate information available, we recommend that you visit the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) website. HUD is the official source for information relating to the max FHA loan amounts, and other aspects of the program.