FHA Loans in Delaware
The FHA loan limit in Delaware is $472,030 for a single-family home. FHA loans require just 3.5% down payment and accept credit scores as low as 580.
Delaware's FHA loan limit covers the majority of the state's housing market comfortably. FHA loans are popular in Delaware because they help offset the state's high transfer tax by requiring a lower down payment, preserving cash for closing costs. The state's relatively new housing stock (much of it built since the 1980s) tends to pass FHA appraisals without the common issues found in states with older housing inventory.
By BuyAHomeIn Editorial | Updated 2026-03-02 | Sources: HUD, Zillow
FHA Loan Limit
$472,030
Min Down Payment
$16,521
3.5%
Est. Monthly Payment
$3,403
PITI + MIP
Min Credit Score
580
for 3.5% down
Monthly Payment Breakdown at FHA Limit
| Home Price | $472,030 |
| Down Payment (3.5%) | $16,521 |
| Loan Amount | $455,509 |
| Monthly Costs | |
| Principal & Interest (6.5%) | $2,879 |
| FHA Mortgage Insurance (MIP) | $209 |
| Property Tax | $197 |
| Homeowners Insurance | $118 |
| Total Monthly Payment | $3,403 |
* Estimated at 6.5% interest rate, 30-year fixed. MIP at 0.55% annual. Property tax at Delaware's average rate of 0.5%. Includes upfront MIP of 1.75% rolled into loan.
FHA Loan Requirements
Credit Score
580+ for 3.5% down payment. 500-579 requires 10% down.
Down Payment
Minimum 3.5% of purchase price. Can be a gift from family.
Debt-to-Income
Maximum 43% DTI ratio (up to 50% with compensating factors).
Property Requirements
Must be primary residence. FHA appraisal required (stricter than conventional).
Employment
2 years of steady employment history. Self-employed need 2 years of tax returns.
Mortgage Insurance
1.75% upfront MIP + 0.55% annual MIP. Required for life of loan (unless refinanced).
FHA vs Conventional in Delaware
| Feature | FHA | Conventional |
|---|---|---|
| Min Down Payment | 3.5% | 3-5% |
| Min Credit Score | 580 | 620 |
| Mortgage Insurance | Life of loan | Until 20% equity |
| Loan Limit (Delaware) | $472,030 | $766,550+ |
| Best For | Lower credit, small savings | Good credit, 20%+ down |
