Washington, D.C. FHA Loan Requirements 2026
This guide covers Washington, D.C. FHA loan requirements for 2026 — the District’s FHA loan limits, credit score and down payment minimums, FHA mortgage insurance (including the higher premium on loans above $726,200), how FHA compares with conventional financing, and how to pair FHA with DC Open Doors.
FHA Loan Limits in Washington, D.C. (2026)
HUD sets one FHA limit for the entire District of Columbia. For 2026 it is $1,249,125 for a single-family home — the national high-cost ceiling, and more than twice the national floor of $541,287.
| Property Type | FHA Limit | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1 unit | $1,249,125 | 2026 high-cost ceiling |
| 2 units | $1,599,375 | 2026 high-cost ceiling |
| 3 units | $1,933,200 | 2026 high-cost ceiling |
| 4 units | $2,402,625 | 2026 high-cost ceiling |
The whole District shares one limit. HUD lists the District of Columbia as one area of the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria metro, with 2026 limits effective January 1, 2026. Confirm at HUD’s official lookup tool.
Washington, D.C. FHA Loan Requirements Overview
| Requirement | Standard FHA | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Credit score | 580 (3.5% down); 500–579 (10% down) | Below 500 is not eligible; lenders may set higher minimums; DC Open Doors requires 640 |
| Down payment | 3.5% | Can be covered by a DC Open Doors DPAL |
| DTI ratio | Set by FHA underwriting and your lender | DC Open Doors caps FHA at 45% (50% with a 680 score) |
| Primary residence | Required | Owner-occupied only |
| Property condition | Must meet FHA Minimum Property Standards | FHA appraisal required |
FHA Mortgage Insurance Premiums (MIP)
Because D.C.’s FHA limit is so high, many District FHA loans exceed $726,200 — and HUD charges a higher annual premium above that amount.
| MIP Type | Rate | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Upfront MIP (UFMIP) | 1.75% of base loan amount | $12,250 on a $700,000 loan (typically financed) |
| Annual MIP, base loan $726,200 or less | 0.55%/yr (LTV above 95%); 0.50%/yr (95% or below) | ~$321/mo on a $700,000 loan at 0.55% |
| Annual MIP, base loan above $726,200 | 0.75%/yr (LTV above 95%); 0.70%/yr (95% or below) | ~$625/mo on a $1,000,000 loan at 0.75% |
How long MIP lasts: for FHA case numbers assigned on or after June 3, 2013, annual MIP runs for 11 years if your original loan-to-value was 90% or less, and for the life of the loan (up to 30 years) if it was above 90%, per HUD Mortgagee Letter 2013-04. Rates above are for terms over 15 years, case numbers endorsed on or after March 20, 2023 (HUD FHA premium structure).
FHA vs. Conventional in Washington, D.C.
| Factor | FHA | Conventional |
|---|---|---|
| Min credit score | 580 | 620 |
| Down payment | 3.5% | 3–20% |
| Mortgage insurance | MIP (life of loan above 90% LTV) | PMI (cancels at 80% LTV) |
| Max loan limit (one-unit) | $1,249,125 | Conforming limit applies ($1,249,125) |
| DC Open Doors pairing | Yes — DPAL covers the 3.5% minimum down payment | Yes — DPAL covers the required minimum down payment |
DC Open Doors + FHA Combination
DC Open Doors offers FHA first trust mortgages through participating lenders, paired with a Down Payment Assistance Loan (DPAL) for the full required minimum down payment. With FHA, that means the 3.5% down payment can come from the DPAL — a 0% deferred loan with no monthly payments. DC Open Doors requires a 640 credit score and caps FHA debt-to-income at 45% (50% with a 680 score), even though FHA alone allows scores as low as 580.
Here’s how it works on a $500,000 purchase:
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Purchase price | $500,000 |
| FHA minimum down payment (3.5%) | $17,500 |
| DC Open Doors DPAL | $17,500 (full minimum down payment) |
| Down payment from buyer | $0 — closing costs and the recordation tax still apply |
The DPAL is due at 30 years, on sale or transfer, when the home is no longer your principal residence, or when you refinance the first trust. Confirm current terms at dchfa.org.
