South Dakota Mortgage Guides 2026
This complete South Dakota mortgage guide covers 2026 FHA loan limits across all 66 counties, SD Housing’s first-time homebuyer loans and 3% to 5% down payment assistance, USDA income limits county by county, VA guidance including Ellsworth Air Force Base, and a closing cost breakdown built on the state’s transfer fee and recording fees — in one place.
Everything You Need for a South Dakota Home Purchase
Six in-depth guides covering every stage of buying a home in South Dakota — from choosing a loan program to knowing exactly what you will pay at the closing table.
South Dakota Mortgage Guide
FHA and conforming loan limits for all 66 counties, a side-by-side loan program comparison, South Dakota property taxes, the seller-paid transfer fee, and how its metro areas shape your financing options.
Read guide →South Dakota First-Time Home Buyer Guide
SD Housing’s First-Time Homebuyer program, the 3% and 5% down payment and closing cost assistance options, county-by-county income limits, the $410,000 price limit, and the Repeat Homebuyer program.
Read guide →South Dakota FHA Loan Requirements
2026 FHA limits for all 66 South Dakota counties, including Lawrence County’s higher limit, one-to-four unit figures, HUD’s credit and minimum investment rules, how FHA mortgage insurance works, and how FHA pairs with SD Housing.
Read guide →South Dakota VA Loan Requirements
VA entitlement and why full entitlement carries no county loan cap, the 2026 funding fee tables and exemptions, Ellsworth Air Force Base, and how VA pairs with SD Housing programs.
Read guide →South Dakota USDA Loans
FY2026 USDA income limits for every South Dakota county and metro area, how to check an address for eligibility, guarantee fees, and how zero-down USDA compares with FHA.
Read guide →South Dakota Closing Costs Guide
South Dakota’s real estate transfer fee and who pays it, the statewide recording fees, how title insurance rates are filed, and a fee-by-fee breakdown for buyers and sellers.
Read guide →Key South Dakota Mortgage Guide Facts
FHA Loan Limits (2026)
- 65 of 66 counties: $541,287
- Lawrence County: $541,650
- Four units, most counties: $1,041,125
- Conforming limit, all counties: $832,750
- HUD FHA mortgage limits lookup
Down Payment Assistance
- SD Housing assistance: 3% or 5% of the loan
- Second mortgage at 0%
- Due when you sell or refinance
- First-time buyer price limit: $410,000
- South Dakota Housing
Property Taxes
- Est. effective rate: 1.06%
- Median annual real estate tax bill: $2,724
- Median owner-occupied home value: $257,400
- Census ACS 2020–2024 5-year table B25103
Closing Cost Highlights
- Transfer fee: $0.50 per $500, paid by the seller
- Recording, up to 50 pages: $30
- Each page over 50: $2
- SDCL 43-4-21
Buying or Refinancing in South Dakota?
South Dakota’s FHA limit is $541,287 everywhere except Lawrence County, the conforming limit is $832,750 statewide, and the seller pays the transfer fee. What changes from buyer to buyer is whether you fit SD Housing’s county income limits and $410,000 price limit, and your county’s USDA income limit.
- ✓ Confirm current programs and limits at South Dakota Housing
- ✓ Check your county’s first-time homebuyer income limit before you shop
- ✓ Look up your county’s USDA income limit if you are buying outside the metros
- ✓ Compare SD Housing’s 3% or 5% assistance against a straight FHA or USDA loan
Coming soon · No obligation · Educational first
South Dakota Advisor Network — Coming Soon
We currently connect buyers with licensed mortgage advisors in Florida and Utah. South Dakota is on our expansion list. In the meantime, our South Dakota guides and the official program links above have everything you need to research your purchase.
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