FHA Loans in Massachusetts
The FHA loan limit in Massachusetts is $472,030 for a single-family home. FHA loans require just 3.5% down payment and accept credit scores as low as 580.
Massachusetts has elevated FHA loan limits in many counties, particularly in the greater Boston area, reflecting the high cost of housing. Suffolk, Middlesex, Essex, and Norfolk Counties all qualify for limits well above the baseline. Despite the elevated limits, FHA may not reach many homes in the most competitive Boston neighborhoods where prices exceed $700,000-1,000,000. FHA loans are most practical in the South Shore, MetroWest exurbs, and the Gateway Cities (Worcester, Springfield, Fall River, New Bedford) where prices are more moderate.
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
$3,588
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 | $382 |
| Homeowners Insurance | $118 |
| Total Monthly Payment | $3,588 |
* Estimated at 6.5% interest rate, 30-year fixed. MIP at 0.55% annual. Property tax at Massachusetts's average rate of 0.97%. 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 Massachusetts
| 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 (Massachusetts) | $472,030 | $766,550+ |
| Best For | Lower credit, small savings | Good credit, 20%+ down |
