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San Francisco is one of the most expensive housing markets in the country. FHA loans can still work here — but the loan limits are what make or break the deal.
As of April 2026, FHA loan limits in San Francisco County are among the highest in California. That matters when most properties are priced well above national averages.
580 (3.5% down)
Min Credit Score
3.5%
Min Down Payment
1.75% of loan
Upfront MIP
43%
Max DTI (typical)
Varies by profile
Rate Note
FHA Loans in San Francisco
You need a 580 credit score to put 3.5% down. Drop below 580 and lenders require 10% down — if they'll approve you at all.
Debt-to-income ratio — what you owe monthly versus what you earn — typically must stay under 43%. Some lenders go higher with strong compensating factors.
Local decision guide
Use this guide to connect fha loans eligibility, lender expectations, and local market factors before comparing payment options in San Francisco.
San Francisco is one of the most expensive housing markets in the country. FHA loans can still work here — but the loan limits are what make or break the deal.
As of April 2026, FHA loan limits in San Francisco County are among the highest in California. That matters when most properties are priced well above national averages.
You need a 580 credit score to put 3.5% down. Drop below 580 and lenders require 10% down — if they'll approve you at all.
Most big banks offer FHA loans but price them conservatively. Wholesale lenders — the ones brokers access — often have better rates and looser overlays.
Overlays are lender rules stricter than FHA minimums. One lender might require a 620 score even though FHA allows 580. We shop across 200+ lenders to find who's actually competitive.
FHA has one major catch in SF: mortgage insurance. You pay an upfront premium plus monthly MIP for the life of the loan if you put less than 10% down.
That MIP cost adds up fast in a high-price market. Run the numbers against a conventional loan with PMI — sometimes conventional wins even with a slightly higher rate.
Conventional loans require 620+ credit and usually 5% down. They drop PMI once you hit 20% equity. FHA doesn't drop MIP at that point — that's a real cost difference.
VA loans beat FHA for eligible veterans. No down payment, no MIP, and VA rates typically run lower. If you've served, VA is almost always the better call in SF.
SF condos are a common FHA snag. FHA requires condo projects to be on the approved list. Many SF buildings aren't approved — check before falling in love with a unit.
Seller concessions are limited to 6% with FHA. In a competitive SF market, sellers often won't offer concessions at all. Budget your closing costs without counting on seller help.
SF County is a high-cost area, so FHA limits are at the national ceiling. Confirm the current limit with us — it adjusts annually.
Only if the condo project is FHA-approved. Many SF buildings aren't on the list. Check the HUD condo search tool before making an offer.
Depends on your credit and down payment. Below 620 credit, FHA is usually your only option. Above 620, run both scenarios side by side.
Put less than 10% down and MIP lasts the life of the loan. Put 10% or more down and it drops after 11 years.
Some do, some don't. A clean pre-approval and flexible terms help. FHA's property condition requirements can complicate offers on fixer properties.
FHA minimum is 580 for 3.5% down. Individual lenders may require 600 or 620 due to their own overlays. We find lenders who match your profile.