FHA Loans in Pennsylvania
The FHA loan limit in Pennsylvania is $472,030 for a single-family home. FHA loans require just 3.5% down payment and accept credit scores as low as 580.
Pennsylvania's FHA limits cover the majority of the state's housing market comfortably. The Philadelphia metro area and some suburban counties may qualify for slightly elevated limits. FHA loans are popular throughout the state, particularly in Philadelphia's affordable neighborhoods and Pittsburgh's suburbs. Pennsylvania's extensive inventory of older homes (many pre-1950 in Philadelphia and Pittsburgh) means FHA appraisals frequently identify lead paint, aging electrical systems, and structural concerns that require negotiation or repair before closing.
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
$3,674
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 | $468 |
| Homeowners Insurance | $118 |
| Total Monthly Payment | $3,674 |
* Estimated at 6.5% interest rate, 30-year fixed. MIP at 0.55% annual. Property tax at Pennsylvania's average rate of 1.19%. 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 Pennsylvania
| 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 (Pennsylvania) | $472,030 | $766,550+ |
| Best For | Lower credit, small savings | Good credit, 20%+ down |
