Illinois Mortgage Guides 2026
FHA limits by county, IHDA down payment assistance up to $15,000, USDA rural loans, VA resources for Illinois service members, and a complete Illinois closing-cost breakdown — all in one place.
Everything You Need for an Illinois Home Purchase
Six in-depth guides covering every aspect of getting a mortgage in Illinois — from loan program selection to what you’ll pay at closing.
Illinois Mortgage Guide
FHA loan limits by county, loan program comparison, property tax overview, and how the Illinois housing market affects your financing options.
Read guide →Illinois First-Time Home Buyer Guide
IHDA Access mortgages, down payment assistance up to $15,000, the Mortgage Credit Certificate tax credit, and income limits by county — compared side by side.
Read guide →Illinois FHA Loan Requirements
2026 FHA limits of $541,287 statewide (Illinois has no high-cost counties), credit score and down payment rules, and mortgage insurance costs.
Read guide →Illinois VA Loan Requirements
VA entitlement, the 2026 funding fee chart, and resources for Scott Air Force Base, Great Lakes Naval Station, the Illinois National Guard, and veterans statewide.
Read guide →Illinois USDA Loans
2026 USDA income limits for Illinois counties, eligible rural and suburban areas outside Chicago, and how zero-down USDA compares to FHA.
Read guide →Illinois Closing Costs Guide
State, county, and Chicago transfer taxes, required attorney fees, property tax prorations in arrears, and a complete fee-by-fee breakdown for Illinois buyers.
Read guide →Key Illinois Mortgage Facts
FHA Loan Limits
- All Illinois counties: $541,287
- Cook County (Chicago): $541,287
- DuPage, Lake, Will, Kane: $541,287
- No FHA high-cost counties in Illinois
- 2-unit: $693,050 · 3-unit: $837,700 · 4-unit: $1,041,125
- Confirm your county at HUD’s official lookup
Down Payment Assistance
- IHDAccess Home: up to $15,000 (6%), 0% deferred
- IHDAccess Forgivable: up to $6,000 (4%), forgiven over 10 yrs
- IHDAccess Repayable: up to $10,000 (10%)
- Mortgage Credit Certificate: 25% interest tax credit
- Min credit score: 640; homebuyer education required
- Current terms at ihdamortgage.org
USDA Income Limits (2026)
- Most IL counties: $119,850 / $158,250
- Chicago & St. Louis Metro East: higher limits apply
- Urban Chicago core: not USDA eligible
- Central & southern Illinois: widely eligible
- Format: 1–4 person / 5–8 person
Closing Cost Highlights
- Illinois does charge a real estate transfer tax
- State $0.50/$500 + county; Chicago adds a city tax
- Attorney customary at closing: $500–$1,500
- Property taxes among the highest in the U.S.
- Typical buyer costs: 2%–5% of purchase price
- Details at the Illinois Department of Revenue
Getting Ready to Buy in Illinois?
We’re building out our Illinois loan-officer network now. In the meantime, grab our free Illinois homebuyer guide, and we’ll match you with a licensed Illinois loan officer the moment one joins.
- ✓ Free Illinois homebuyer checklist and program overview
- ✓ 2026 FHA limits, IHDA assistance, and closing-cost basics
- ✓ First in line to be matched with a licensed Illinois loan officer
- ✓ No obligation — educational resources, not a loan application
Coming soon · No obligation · Educational only
Join the Illinois Waitlist
Be first in line for our free Illinois homebuyer guide and to be matched with a licensed Illinois loan officer as our network expands.
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