North Dakota FHA Loan Requirements 2026
2026 FHA loan limits for all 53 North Dakota counties, one-to-four unit figures, HUD’s credit and minimum investment rules, how FHA mortgage insurance works, and how FHA pairs with North Dakota Housing Finance Agency programs.
North Dakota FHA Loan Limits by County (2026)
FHA sets its limits by county and by the number of units in the property. In North Dakota, all 53 counties sit at the CY2026 national floor, including the Bismarck, Fargo, Grand Forks and Minot metro areas.
| County Group | One Unit | Two Units | Three Units | Four Units |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| All 53 counties (national floor) | $541,287 | $693,050 | $837,700 | $1,041,125 |
Confirm any county before relying on it at the HUD FHA Mortgage Limits lookup, selecting Limit Type “FHA Forward” and Limit Year CY2026.
North Dakota FHA Loan Requirements
FHA rules are federal, so they do not change between North Dakota and any other state. What changes is the loan limit and the price of the homes you are applying them to.
| Requirement | Standard | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum required investment | 3.5% of the adjusted value | Required for FHA to insure the maximum mortgage amount |
| Credit score 580 or above | Eligible for maximum financing | Lenders may apply a higher overlay |
| Credit score 500–579 | Maximum 90% loan-to-value | Effectively 10% down |
| Credit score below 500 | Not eligible | HUD minimum decision credit score |
| Mortgage insurance | Required | Both upfront and annual — see below |
| Loan limit | $541,287 for one unit | The same in all 53 counties |
Sources: HUD on the minimum required investment and on minimum decision credit scores.
FHA Mortgage Insurance Premiums (MIP)
Every FHA loan carries two mortgage insurance charges: a one-time upfront premium and an annual premium paid monthly. These are national figures set by HUD, not North Dakota figures.
| Premium | Rate | How It Is Paid |
|---|---|---|
| Upfront (UFMIP) | 1.75% of the base loan amount | One-time premium |
| Annual, base loan up to $726,200, LTV above 95% | 55 basis points | Monthly, for the life of the loan |
| Annual, base loan up to $726,200, LTV above 90% up to 95% | 50 basis points | Monthly, for the life of the loan |
| Annual, base loan up to $726,200, LTV 90% or below | 50 basis points | Monthly, for 11 years |
| Annual, base loan above $726,200, LTV above 95% | 75 basis points | Monthly, for the life of the loan |
| Annual, base loan above $726,200, LTV above 90% up to 95% | 70 basis points | Monthly, for the life of the loan |
| Annual, base loan above $726,200, LTV 90% or below | 70 basis points | Monthly, for 11 years |
These rates apply to loans with a term longer than 15 years. North Dakota’s one- and two-unit FHA limits are below $726,200, so the higher bands apply only to three- and four-unit homes. Source: HUD Mortgagee Letter 2023-05.
FHA vs. Conventional in North Dakota
With North Dakota’s conforming limit at $832,750 in every county, conventional financing reaches higher than FHA’s $541,287 one-unit limit everywhere in the state.
| Factor | FHA | Conventional |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum down payment | 3.5% | 3%–20% (practical range) |
| Practical credit threshold | 580 | 620 |
| Mortgage insurance | Upfront plus annual; annual for the life of the loan above 90% LTV | Private mortgage insurance, which can be removed as equity builds |
| 2026 North Dakota limit | $541,287 in all 53 counties | $832,750 in all 53 counties |
| Best suited to | Thinner credit, limited savings | Stronger credit, or avoiding permanent mortgage insurance |
See our guide on how to remove PMI for how private mortgage insurance ends on a conventional loan.
Combining FHA with NDHFA Programs
An FHA loan and the North Dakota Housing Finance Agency’s programs are not alternatives. NDHFA’s FirstHome, HomeAccess and North Dakota Roots loans sit on top of a base loan, which can be FHA-insured, and Start or DCA assistance can be added.
| NDHFA Program | Works With FHA | What It Adds |
|---|---|---|
| FirstHome / HomeAccess | Yes — FHA base loan, underwritten to FHA guidelines | NDHFA’s rate within its income and purchase price limits |
| North Dakota Roots | Yes — loan amount within the insurer’s limit | No income or purchase price limits |
| Start or DCA assistance | Yes, with an NDHFA first mortgage | 3% of the first mortgage toward down payment and closing costs |
Pairing FHA with NDHFA means meeting both sets of rules: FHA’s minimum investment and credit thresholds, and NDHFA’s income and purchase price limits, $500 minimum borrower contribution and, for DCA, homebuyer education. Check current terms with the North Dakota Housing Finance Agency.
