New Jersey Mortgage Guides 2026
This complete New Jersey mortgage guide covers FHA loan limits by county, NJHMFA down payment assistance, USDA rural loans, VA resources for New Jersey veterans, and a complete closing cost breakdown — all in one place.
Everything You Need for a New Jersey Home Purchase
Six in-depth guides covering every aspect of getting a mortgage in New Jersey — from loan program selection to what you’ll pay at closing.
New Jersey Mortgage Guide
FHA loan limits by county, loan programs, NJHMFA assistance, property taxes, and the 2026 New Jersey housing market overview covering North, Central, and South Jersey.
Read guide →New Jersey First-Time Home Buyer Guide
NJHMFA’s Down Payment Assistance Program, First Generation DPA, HFA Advantage, and income and purchase price limits explained.
Read guide →New Jersey FHA Loan Requirements
2026 FHA limits for Bergen, Essex, Hudson and other high-cost NY-metro counties, Philadelphia-metro counties, and all 21 New Jersey counties — credit score requirements, MIP, and how FHA competes in New Jersey’s market.
Read guide →New Jersey VA Loan Requirements
VA loan benefits for New Jersey veterans — no down payment, no PMI, and how VA performs near Joint Base MDL and Picatinny Arsenal.
Read guide →New Jersey USDA Loans
USDA-eligible rural areas in New Jersey including rural Sussex, Warren, and Hunterdon counties — income limits and eligibility explained.
Read guide →New Jersey Closing Costs Guide
New Jersey’s Realty Transfer Fee and Mansion Tax, both seller-paid, attorney-review closings, and what buyers and sellers typically pay.
Read guide →Key New Jersey Mortgage Guide Facts
FHA Loan Limits (2026)
- Bergen, Essex, Hudson & 9 other high-cost counties: $1,249,125
- Burlington, Camden, Gloucester, Salem (Philadelphia metro): $630,200
- Atlantic & Cape May: $730,250
- Cumberland, Mercer, Warren (national floor): $541,287
- Confirm your county at HUD’s official lookup
Down Payment Assistance
- NJHMFA DPA: up to $15,000 based on county — interest-free, 5-year forgivable second loan, no monthly payment
- First Generation DPA adds $7,000 more (total $17,000–$22,000) for qualifying first-generation buyers
- Must be paired with an NJHMFA first mortgage (FHA/VA/USDA/HFA Advantage)
- Current programs at nj.gov/dca/hmfa
Property Taxes
- Est. effective rate 2.11% (Census ACS 2020–2024: median tax $9,590 ÷ median home value $454,400) — varies significantly by municipality, not county
- New Jersey taxes are set town-by-town, not county-wide
- Details at the NJ Division of Local Government Services
Closing Costs
- Realty Transfer Fee and, on sales over $1 million, a graduated Mansion Tax (1%–3.5%) — both are the seller’s statutory responsibility
- No buyer-side transfer tax in New Jersey
- New Jersey is an attorney-review state
- Details at the NJ Division of Taxation
Buying or Refinancing in New Jersey?
New Jersey has unique considerations — a Realty Transfer Fee and Mansion Tax (both seller-paid), attorney-review closings, and NJHMFA assistance for both first-time and first-generation buyers. Our guides above break down all of it, and every figure links to the official source so you can verify current terms.
- ✓ Check NJHMFA program eligibility and current terms at nj.gov/dca/hmfa
- ✓ Confirm your county’s 2026 FHA limit with HUD’s lookup tool
- ✓ Compare FHA vs. conventional using our loan program guides
- ✓ Estimate your total cash to close with our closing cost guide
No obligation · Educational first
Talk to a New Jersey Mortgage Advisor
Have questions about buying or refinancing in New Jersey? A licensed mortgage advisor can walk you through your loan options, assistance programs and costs, with no obligation.
Speak to a Mortgage Advisor