Connecticut FHA Loan Requirements 2026
FHA loan limits for every Connecticut planning region, credit score requirements, MIP costs, and how FHA financing compares to other options in the Connecticut housing market.
Connecticut FHA Loan Limits by Planning Region (2026)
FHA loan limits are set annually by HUD. Connecticut is unique among the 50 states in that HUD applies these limits by planning region — the nine federally recognized county-equivalents adopted for Connecticut in 2022 — rather than by the state’s eight legacy counties. Most of the state sits at the national FHA floor, with two contiguous regions in the New York City commuter zone elevated well above it.
| Planning Region | 1-Unit | 2-Unit | 3-Unit | 4-Unit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Greater Bridgeport (Bridgeport, Stratford, Trumbull, Monroe) | $977,500 | $1,251,400 | $1,512,650 | $1,879,850 |
| Western Connecticut (Stamford, Greenwich, Norwalk, Danbury) | $977,500 | $1,251,400 | $1,512,650 | $1,879,850 |
| Capitol (Hartford, West Hartford, Manchester) | $541,287 | $693,050 | $837,700 | $1,041,125 |
| South Central Connecticut (New Haven, Meriden, West Haven) | $541,287 | $693,050 | $837,700 | $1,041,125 |
| Southeastern Connecticut (New London, Groton, Norwich) | $541,287 | $693,050 | $837,700 | $1,041,125 |
| Lower Connecticut River Valley (Middletown, Old Saybrook) | $541,287 | $693,050 | $837,700 | $1,041,125 |
| Northwest Hills (Litchfield County towns) | $541,287 | $693,050 | $837,700 | $1,041,125 |
| Northeastern Connecticut (Tolland & Windham County towns) | $541,287 | $693,050 | $837,700 | $1,041,125 |
| Naugatuck Valley (Waterbury, Shelton, Ansonia) | $541,287 | $693,050 | $837,700 | $1,041,125 |
Connecticut’s FHA limits are a two-tier system. Greater Bridgeport and Western Connecticut are corroborated across multiple independent industry sources at an elevated $977,500 one-unit limit; all seven remaining planning regions — including Naugatuck Valley — sit at the $541,287 national floor. Always verify your exact planning region using HUD’s official FHA Mortgage Limits lookup tool before making an offer, since Connecticut’s planning-region map differs from its legacy county lines.
FHA Requirements in Connecticut
| Requirement | FHA Standard | Connecticut Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum credit score (3.5% down) | 580 | Many Connecticut lenders add a 580–620 overlay |
| Minimum credit score (10% down) | 500 | Limited lender options below 580 |
| Minimum down payment | 3.5% | Can be covered by CHFA Time To Own or DAP |
| Maximum DTI | 43–50% | 50% with compensating factors |
| Loan limits | $541,287–$977,500 | Varies by planning region; see table above |
| Upfront MIP | 1.75% of loan | Financed into loan or paid at closing |
| Annual MIP (LTV > 90%) | 0.55%/year | For 30-yr loan > $150K |
| MIP duration (<10% down) | Life of loan | Key FHA disadvantage vs. conventional |
| Property requirement | Primary residence | Must be owner-occupied |
FHA vs. Conventional for Connecticut Buyers
| Factor | FHA | Conventional |
|---|---|---|
| Min credit score | 580 | 620 |
| Min down payment | 3.5% | 3–5% |
| Mortgage insurance | Life of loan (if <10% down) | Cancels at 20% equity |
| CHFA DPA compatible | Yes | Yes (HFA Advantage/Preferred) |
| Best for Connecticut buyers | 580–679 credit, limited savings, needs high-cost-region limit flexibility | 680+ credit, stable income |
