What are todays FHA loan rates?

As of March 2026, FHA 30-year fixed rates start at 5.750% and FHA 15-year fixed rates start at 5.500%.

Are FHA rates lower than conventional?

Yes. FHA rates are typically 0.25-0.50% lower than conventional rates due to the FHA guaranty reducing lender risk.

FHA Loan Requirements 2026 — Complete Guide

QUICK ANSWER — FHA loan requirements for 2026: minimum 580 credit score for 3.5% down (500-579 with 10% down), maximum 43% DTI (up to 57% with compensating factors), 2 years employment history, and the property must be your primary residence. Clark County FHA limit is $532,900. Valley West Mortgage offers FHA with zero application fees.

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REQUIREMENTS

FHA Loan Requirements at a Glance

580+

Credit Score

3.5% down with 580+. 10% down for 500-579. FHA is far more flexible than conventional loans.

3.5%

Minimum Down

Just $18,652 on a $532,900 home. Gift funds allowed from family, employer, or down payment assistance programs.

$532,900

Clark County Limit

2026 FHA loan limit for Las Vegas, Henderson, and all of Clark County. Covers most homes in the metro.

CHECKLIST

Full Requirements Checklist

Credit Score: 580+ for 3.5% down

500-579 allowed with 10% down. No minimum for credit counseling graduates.

Debt-to-Income Ratio: 43% standard

Can go up to 57% with strong compensating factors like savings or long employment.

Employment: 2 years of steady income

Same employer not required. Gaps under 6 months are generally OK with explanation.

Property: Must be primary residence

FHA appraisal required. 1-4 unit properties eligible. Condos must be FHA-approved.

Mortgage Insurance: 1.75% upfront + 0.55% annual

Upfront MIP can be financed into loan. Annual MIP required for the life of the loan.

Bankruptcy/Foreclosure: 2-3 year waiting period

Chapter 7: 2 years. Chapter 13: 1 year with court approval. Foreclosure: 3 years.

FAQ

Questions? Answered.

You need a 580+ credit score for the standard 3.5% down payment. Borrowers with 500-579 can qualify with 10% down. FHA has the most flexible credit requirements of any government-backed loan program.

FHA requires a minimum 3.5% down payment with a 580+ credit score. On a $400,000 home, that is $14,000. 100% of the down payment can come from gift funds, employer assistance, or down payment assistance programs.

The 2026 FHA loan limit for Clark County (Las Vegas, Henderson, North Las Vegas) is $532,900 for a single-family home. This covers the majority of homes in the Las Vegas metro area.

Yes. FHA charges an upfront mortgage insurance premium (MIP) of 1.75% of the loan amount plus an annual MIP of 0.55% for most borrowers. The upfront MIP can be financed into the loan. Annual MIP is required for the life of the loan.

Yes. FHA allows borrowers to qualify 2 years after a Chapter 7 discharge, 1 year into a Chapter 13 repayment plan with court approval, and 3 years after a foreclosure. Valley West Mortgage specializes in post-bankruptcy FHA loans.

Most FHA pre-approvals are issued within 24 hours. Full loan approval and closing typically takes 30-45 days. Valley West Mortgage averages 28 days from application to closing.