Arizona FHA Loan Requirements 2026
This guide to Arizona FHA loan requirements covers loan limits for every Arizona county, credit score and down payment requirements, MIP costs, and how FHA financing pairs with Arizona’s HOME Plus assistance program.
FHA Loan Limits by Arizona County (2026)
FHA loan limits are set by HUD and updated annually based on local median home prices. Most Arizona counties sit at the national floor, while Maricopa, Pinal, and Coconino counties have slightly higher limits due to above-average home prices.
| County | 1-Unit | 2-Unit | 3-Unit | 4-Unit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apache | $541,287 | $693,050 | $837,700 | $1,041,125 |
| Cochise (Sierra Vista) | $541,287 | $693,050 | $837,700 | $1,041,125 |
| Gila | $541,287 | $693,050 | $837,700 | $1,041,125 |
| Graham | $541,287 | $693,050 | $837,700 | $1,041,125 |
| Greenlee | $541,287 | $693,050 | $837,700 | $1,041,125 |
| La Paz | $541,287 | $693,050 | $837,700 | $1,041,125 |
| Maricopa (Phoenix) | $557,750 | $714,000 | $863,100 | $1,072,600 |
| Mohave | $541,287 | $693,050 | $837,700 | $1,041,125 |
| Navajo | $541,287 | $693,050 | $837,700 | $1,041,125 |
| Pima (Tucson) | $541,287 | $693,050 | $837,700 | $1,041,125 |
| Pinal | $557,750 | $714,000 | $863,100 | $1,072,600 |
| Santa Cruz | $541,287 | $693,050 | $837,700 | $1,041,125 |
| Yavapai (Prescott) | $541,287 | $693,050 | $837,700 | $1,041,125 |
| Yuma | $541,287 | $693,050 | $837,700 | $1,041,125 |
| Coconino (Flagstaff) | $609,500 | $780,250 | $943,150 | $1,172,150 |
Most Arizona counties sit at the national FHA floor. Only Maricopa and Pinal counties (Phoenix metro) and Coconino County (Flagstaff) have limits above the $541,287 floor, due to higher local median home prices. 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.
Arizona FHA Loan Requirements Overview
| Requirement | Standard FHA | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Credit score | 580 (3.5% down); 500–579 (10% down) | Most AZ lenders require 620+ |
| Down payment | 3.5% | Can combine with HOME Plus assistance |
| DTI ratio | Up to 57% with strong factors | 43% preferred |
| Primary residence | Required | Owner-occupied only |
| Property condition | Must meet FHA Minimum Property Standards | Desert properties: check roof, AC, water |
FHA Mortgage Insurance Premiums (MIP)
| MIP Type | Rate | On a $400,000 Loan |
|---|---|---|
| Upfront MIP (UFMIP) | 1.75% of loan amount | $7,000 (typically financed) |
| Annual MIP (monthly) | 0.55%/yr (30-yr, LTV 95%+) | ~$183/mo |
MIP cancellation: FHA MIP is permanent on loans originated after June 3, 2013, with less than 10% down payment. For Arizona buyers who put down 10% or more, MIP cancels after 11 years. Many Arizona borrowers refinance into a conventional loan once they reach 20% equity to eliminate MIP.
FHA vs. Conventional in Arizona
| 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 (Maricopa/Pinal/Coconino) | $557,750–$609,500 | Conforming limit applies (higher) |
| HOME Plus pairing | Yes — can cover down payment + some costs | Yes — can cover down payment + some costs |
| Best for | Lower credit, gift/assistance funds, first-time buyers | 680+ credit, plans to cancel PMI, stronger assets |
HOME Plus + FHA Combination
The most popular HOME Plus combination in Arizona is pairing it with an FHA first mortgage. Here’s how it works on a $400,000 purchase:
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Purchase price | $400,000 |
| FHA down payment (3.5%) | $14,000 |
| HOME Plus assistance (up to 4% of loan) | Up to ~$15,440 |
| Net down payment from buyer | $0 (assistance covers down payment + some costs) |
The HOME Plus assistance amount is based on the loan amount (not purchase price), and is structured as a forgivable second mortgage rather than a traditional loan. On a $386,000 FHA loan (after 3.5% down), a 4% assistance amount equals approximately $15,440 — enough to cover the full down payment and potentially some closing costs. Confirm current terms at homeplusaz.com.
