Virginia FHA Loan Requirements 2026
FHA loan limits by county, credit score requirements, down payment rules, and mortgage insurance details for Virginia home buyers in 2026.
Virginia’s FHA loan limits span one of the widest ranges in the country. Northern Virginia’s $1,249,125 limit is more than double the $541,287 floor that applies to most other Virginia counties and cities. Limits are set per-county by HUD and updated annually; always confirm your exact county limit using HUD’s official FHA Mortgage Limits lookup tool before making an offer.
FHA Loans in Virginia
FHA loans are widely used across Virginia’s diverse markets. In Hampton Roads, FHA is the go-to product for many civilian and veteran buyers. In Richmond and the Roanoke Valley, FHA’s 3.5% down makes entry-level homeownership achievable. In Northern Virginia, FHA’s high-cost limits make it competitive even for expensive DC suburb purchases. These features — low down payment requirements and flexible qualifying guidelines — make FHA loans one of the most accessible financing options for buyers throughout Virginia’s varied housing markets, from Hampton Roads and Richmond to the Roanoke Valley and Northern Virginia.
Virginia FHA Loan Requirements 2026
Minimum credit score: 580 for 3.5% down; 500–579 for 10% down. Most Virginia lenders set overlay minimums of 620–640. Front-end DTI: up to 31%. Back-end DTI: up to 43% (50–57% with compensating factors).
| Requirement | Standard FHA | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Credit Score | 580 (3.5% down) / 500-579 (10% down) | Most Virginia lenders overlay 620-640 |
| Front-End DTI | Up to 31% | Housing expense ratio |
| Back-End DTI | Up to 43% | 50-57% with compensating factors |
Virginia FHA Loan Limits by County (2026)
FHA loan limits in Virginia vary widely by location, ranging from $541,287 for a single-unit home in most counties and cities up to $1,249,125 in the high-cost Northern Virginia jurisdictions of Fairfax, Arlington, Alexandria, Loudoun, Prince William, Stafford, Spotsylvania, and Fredericksburg.
| County/Jurisdiction | 1-Unit | 2-Unit | 3-Unit | 4-Unit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fairfax / Arlington / Alexandria / Loudoun / Prince William / Stafford / Spotsylvania / Fredericksburg | $1,249,125 | $1,599,375 | $1,933,200 | $2,402,625 |
| Virginia Beach / Norfolk / Chesapeake / Hampton / Newport News | $757,850 | $970,200 | $1,172,750 | $1,457,450 |
| Richmond / Chesterfield / Henrico | $707,250 | $905,400 | $1,094,450 | $1,360,100 |
| Charlottesville / Albemarle / Fluvanna / Greene / Nelson | $598,000 | $765,550 | $925,350 | $1,150,000 |
| All Other Counties/Cities | $541,287 | $693,050 | $837,700 | $1,041,125 |
FHA Mortgage Insurance in Virginia
FHA loans carry an Upfront MIP of 1.75% (rolled into the loan) and an Annual MIP of 0.55% for 30-year loans with less than 10% down. Annual MIP remains for the life of the loan if the down payment was under 10%.
| MIP Type | Rate | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Upfront MIP | 1.75% | Rolled into the loan amount |
| Annual MIP | 0.55% | 30-year loans with less than 10% down; remains for life of loan |
FHA vs. Conventional in Virginia
| Factor | FHA | Conventional |
|---|---|---|
| Min credit score | 580 | 620 |
| Down payment | 3.5% | 3–20% |
| Mortgage insurance | MIP (permanent with <10% down) | PMI (cancels at 80% LTV) |
| Max loan limit (by locality) | $541,287–$1,249,125 | $832,750–$1,249,125 (conforming) |
| Virginia Housing DPA pairing | Yes — can cover down payment + costs | Yes — can cover down payment + costs |
| Best for | Lower credit, gift/assistance funds, first-time buyers | Higher credit, plans to cancel PMI, stronger assets |
