FHA Home Loans in Arizona: 2026 Requirements and Loan Limits
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Quick answer
An FHA loan in Arizona lets you buy with a credit score as low as 580 and 3.5% down. Your monthly debts can be up to 50% of your income. You pay FHA mortgage insurance and must live in the home. The 2026 limit is $557,750 in Maricopa and Pinal.
Low 3.5% Down Payment: Your Path to Homeownership
Credit Scores as Low as 580
Finance 1-4 Unit Properties with Flexible Terms
FHA stands for the Federal Housing Administration. It is part of HUD, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.
FHA doesn't lend money. It insures home loans that private lenders make. That backing lets lenders accept a smaller down payment and lower credit scores than most conventional loans, says the CFPB. A conventional loan is one that isn't backed by the government.
FHA loans help many Arizona buyers, especially first-time buyers, people with lower credit scores, and buyers with limited savings. Mortgage Brothers LLC is a licensed Arizona mortgage broker, not a lender. We help you compare FHA options from several lenders.
Down payment
Low 3.5% down payment
Buy a home with as little as 3.5% down.
Credit
Credit scores as low as 580
FHA financing may be available with a credit score as low as 580.
Property
1 to 4 units
Buy a single-family home, duplex, triplex or fourplex.
Gifts
Gift funds accepted
Money from family or other approved sources can cover your down payment and closing costs.
Seller help
Sellers can pay up to 6%
Sellers can pay up to 6% of the sales price toward your closing costs. See how much a seller can pay with our seller concessions calculator.
Refinance
FHA Streamline Refinance
Already have an FHA loan? An FHA Streamline Refinance lets you refinance with less paperwork.
At a glance
FHA in Arizona, 2026
- 580Credit score
- As low as 580.
- 3.5%Down payment
- The minimum, as a share of the price.
- 50%Max DTI
- Debt-to-income ratio (DTI) is your monthly debt payments divided by your gross monthly income, before taxes. With FHA through us, it can be up to 50%.
- 1.75%Upfront MIP
- MIP is the mortgage insurance premium. FHA charges 1.75% of the loan amount up front.
- 0.55%Annual MIP
- Yearly premium for most 30-year loans with 3.5% down, paid as part of your monthly payment.
- $557,7502026 limit, Maricopa
- The most you can borrow for a 1-unit home in Maricopa or Pinal County.
FHA loan requirements in Arizona
You need a credit score of at least 580 and 3.5% down. Your monthly debts can be up to 50% of your income. The home must be your main home, and you pay FHA mortgage insurance.
Updated Oct 2026
| Requirement | What FHA needs |
|---|---|
| Credit score | As low as 580 |
| Down payment | 3.5% of the price. Gifts allowed. |
| Debt-to-income (DTI) | Up to 50% of your gross monthly income |
| Mortgage insurance | 1.75% up front, plus about 0.50%–0.55% a year for most 30-year loans |
| Work history | Steady income, usually 2 years |
| Occupancy | Must be your main home |
| Property | 1 to 4 units. Must meet FHA standards and pass an FHA appraisal. |
| 2026 loan limit, 1 unit | Maricopa and Pinal $557,750. Coconino $609,500. Other 12 counties $541,287. See all limits |
Sources: HUD Handbook 4000.1, HUD, CFPB, HUD Mortgagee Letter 2023-05 and HUD Mortgagee Letter 2025-23. Credit score and DTI figures are Mortgage Brothers guidelines.
Comparing loan types? See conventional vs FHA loans in Arizona.
What FHA looks at, grouped
You
Credit, work and debts
- Credit score as low as 580
- Steady work for the past 2 years
- Steady or rising income is a plus
- Monthly debts up to 50% of your gross monthly income
Your money
Down payment and insurance
- At least 3.5% of the price
- From your savings or a gift
- Upfront MIP of 1.75% of the loan amount
- A yearly MIP amount, paid monthly
The home
Property rules
- Must be your primary residence
- Single-family home, duplex, triplex or fourplex
- Must meet FHA property standards
- Must pass an FHA appraisal
The loan
Size limits
- Each county has a top loan amount
- Limits go up for 2 to 4 units
- HUD sets new limits each year
Meeting these doesn't guarantee approval, but it puts you in a strong position to qualify.
2026 FHA loan limits by Arizona county
For a 1-unit home in 2026, the FHA limit is $557,750 in Maricopa and Pinal counties. It is $609,500 in Coconino County and $541,287 in the other 12 Arizona counties.
A loan limit is the most FHA will insure. HUD sets it by county each year, based on local home prices. Limits are higher for duplexes, triplexes and fourplexes.
2026 FHA Loan Limit for Maricopa County
In Maricopa County, which includes Phoenix, the 2026 limit is $557,750 for a single-family home. Pinal County has the same limits, because both are in the Phoenix-Mesa-Chandler metro area.
Updated Oct 2026
| County | 1 unit | 2 units | 3 units | 4 units |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Maricopa and PinalPhoenix area | $557,750 | $714,000 | $863,100 | $1,072,600 |
| CoconinoFlagstaff area | $609,500 | $780,250 | $943,150 | $1,172,150 |
| Other 12 countiessee list below | $541,287 | $693,050 | $837,700 | $1,041,125 |
Source: HUD FHA mortgage limits lookup and HUD Mortgagee Letter 2025-23. For case numbers assigned on or after Jan 1, 2026. Updated Oct 2026.
The other 12 counties: Apache, Cochise, Gila, Graham, Greenlee, La Paz, Mohave, Navajo, Pima, Santa Cruz, Yavapai and Yuma.
HUD usually posts next year's limits in late November or December. We update this table when it does.
FHA credit score requirements
FHA loans are available with credit scores as low as 580.
Your credit score is a number that shows how you have paid your bills. Lenders use it to judge risk. Knowing where you stand before you shop helps you plan. If your score is low, start with fixing your credit before you apply.
Learn more about how your credit affects your mortgage.
FHA down payment in Arizona
The minimum FHA down payment is 3.5% of the purchase price. It can come from your savings or a gift.
A down payment is the part of the price you pay up front. The loan covers the rest. Family members or other approved sources can give you the money. Read about using gift money for an FHA down payment.
You will also need money for closing costs, the fees to finish the loan. For a purchase, they often run about $3,600 to $4,500 for a median-priced home. Sellers can pay up to 6% of the sales price toward them.
Run your numbers with our down payment calculator, or estimate your FHA payment with our FHA loan calculator.
On a $400,000 home, 3.5% down is $14,000.
FHA mortgage insurance (MIP)
Every FHA loan has mortgage insurance. You pay 1.75% of the loan amount up front, plus a yearly amount added to your monthly payment.
MIP, or mortgage insurance premium, protects the lender if a loan isn't paid back. You pay for it. How long you pay depends on your down payment:
- Less than 10% down: MIP lasts for the whole loan term.
- 10% or more down: MIP ends after 11 years.
Most 30-year FHA loans pay a yearly premium of 0.50% to 0.55% of the loan amount.
See how FHA mortgage insurance can be removed. To see what MIP adds to your monthly payment, estimate your FHA payment with our FHA loan calculator.
Source: HUD Mortgagee Letter 2023-05, still the current MIP letter as of Oct 27, 2026.
FHA property and appraisal rules in Arizona
The home must be your primary residence, have 1 to 4 units, and meet FHA property standards. A condo project must be FHA-approved.
- Primary residence: the home you live in most of the year. FHA is not for second homes or rentals you don't live in.
- 1 to 4 units: a single-family home, duplex, triplex or fourplex.
- FHA appraisal: a licensed appraiser checks the home's value and makes sure it meets FHA property standards. An FHA appraisal in Arizona usually costs about $650.
- Condos: the whole condo project must be FHA-approved, which can be challenging in Arizona.
Not sure what you're buying? See Arizona condo vs townhome.
How to apply for an FHA loan in Arizona
Start with a preapproval. We guide you on the papers you need and keep you updated on your loan status until closing.
A preapproval is a lender's written estimate of how much you can borrow. It shows sellers you are a serious buyer.
- Check your credit.
- Gather 2 years of income and work history.
- Get preapproved.
- Find a home. Your lender orders the FHA appraisal.
- Close on your loan.
Choosing an FHA lender or broker in Arizona
FHA doesn't lend the money. FHA-approved lenders do. Mortgage Brothers is a licensed Arizona mortgage broker, not a lender. We compare FHA options from several lenders for you.
The CFPB puts it simply: "The FHA doesn't lend the money directly–private lenders do." FHA sets the base rules. Each lender can add its own stricter rules, called overlays. That is why one lender may say yes when another says no.
Questions to ask any FHA lender or broker
- What credit score do you need for an FHA loan?
- How much of my income can go to debts?
- Do you add your own rules on top of FHA's?
- What fees will I pay, in dollars?
- Who will be my contact, and how often will I hear from you?
Why work with Mortgage Brothers
- We know FHA programs, guidelines and the latest Arizona county limits.
- We match you with FHA options from a wide network of lenders.
- We explain FHA terms in plain words, including mortgage insurance.
- Clear fees with no hidden costs.
- Regular updates on your loan status.
With Mortgage Brothers LLC, you get more than a loan. You get a team that stays with you from your first question to closing day.
602-535-2171FHA loan types
Most buyers use the standard 203(b) loan. FHA also has loans for repairs, condos and, for homeowners 62 and older, reverse mortgages.
Section 203(b): Standard FHA Loan
- The most common FHA loan
- Buy a 1 to 4 unit home with as little as 3.5% down
- Good for first-time buyers or those with limited savings
Section 203(k): Renovation Loans
- One loan covers the home and the repairs
- Good for fixer-uppers or homes that need updates
Section 234(c): Condominium Loans
- Made for condo purchases
- The condo project must be FHA-approved
HECM: Reverse Mortgages
- HECM stands for Home Equity Conversion Mortgage
- For homeowners 62 and older
- Use your home equity without selling
- Take it as a lump sum, a line of credit or monthly payments
Buying a home with an existing FHA loan? Learn about assumable FHA loans.
Frequently asked questions about FHA loans in Arizona
What's the minimum down payment for an FHA loan?
The minimum down payment is 3.5% of the purchase price. On a $400,000 home, that is $14,000. The money can come from your savings or a gift from family.
Are gift funds allowed for FHA loans?
Yes, borrowers can receive all of their down payment, closing costs, and prepaid taxes and insurance from a gift.
What credit score do I need for an FHA loan in Arizona?
With Mortgage Brothers, FHA financing may be available with credit scores as low as 580. We can review your credit and tell you where you stand.
How long do I have to pay mortgage insurance on an FHA loan?
For loans with less than 10% down, mortgage insurance is required for the entire loan term. For loans with 10% or more down, mortgage insurance ends after 11 years.
What is the FHA loan limit in Maricopa County in 2026?
For 2026, the FHA limit in Maricopa County is $557,750 for a single-family home, $714,000 for 2 units, $863,100 for 3 units and $1,072,600 for 4 units. Pinal County has the same limits.
Can I use an FHA loan to buy a condo?
Yes, but the condo project must be FHA-approved, which can be challenging in Arizona.
What's the maximum seller contribution on an FHA loan?
Sellers can contribute up to 6% of the sales price toward a buyer's closing costs and prepaids.
What disqualifies you from an FHA loan?
With Mortgage Brothers, common reasons are a credit score under 580, debts over 50% of your income, or a home you won't live in. The home must also pass the FHA appraisal. A recent bankruptcy or foreclosure can mean a wait. We can look at your file and tell you where you stand.
Is it hard to qualify for an FHA loan?
For many buyers, no. FHA allows lower credit scores and smaller down payments than most other loans. With us, you still need steady income, a credit score of at least 580, and debts no more than 50% of your income.
What is the catch with an FHA loan?
The main trade-off is mortgage insurance. You pay 1.75% of the loan up front, plus a yearly amount added to your payment. With less than 10% down, it lasts for the life of the loan. FHA loans also have county loan limits and stricter property rules.
Is there an income limit for an FHA loan?
No. FHA loans have no maximum income. You need enough steady income to keep your debts at or under 50% of your gross monthly income.
How do I find an FHA lender in Arizona?
FHA doesn't lend money. It insures loans made by approved lenders, and each lender can add its own rules. As a licensed Arizona broker, we compare FHA options from several lenders for you. Call 602-535-2171.
Eddie Knoell
NMLS ID #210917, Arizona Loan Originator License #LO-0911422
FHA loans can help buyers with lower credit scores or smaller savings. We at Mortgage Brothers LLC can walk you through your own situation.
What Our Clients Say About Their FHA Loan Experience
We are proud to help Arizona buyers get homes with FHA loans. Here is what some of our clients say about working with us.
Heather Rich Chapman
“Eddie and his team were professional, courteous, and very quick to reply to any and all questions. My fiance and I were buying a short-sale property and were in a bit of a time crunch. We were facing a hard deadline that was coming up FAST. Eddie and his team were extremely prompt and courteous when replying to any questions or concerns we had. I have a feeling that if this were left to another lender we'd be getting an apology vs a great big "CONGRATULATIONS!" from Eddie and his team when they completed the loan a full day before the hard deadline came up! I would highly recommend Eddie.”
Heather Rich Chapman, Chandler, Arizona
Get Expert FHA Loan Guidance in Arizona
Have questions about FHA loans? We at Mortgage Brothers LLC are here to help. We work with first-time buyers, people who want to refinance, and buyers of 2- to 4-unit homes. We explain each step in plain words, from the down payment to the credit rules. Contact us to talk about your FHA options and get started on your new Arizona home.