2026 FHA Loan Limits in Maine
Maine homebuyers who may struggle to qualify for a conventional mortgage can find a more flexible option in loans backed by the Federal Housing Administration (FHA).
FHA mortgages help make homeownership more accessible by allowing credit scores as low as 500 and down payments as low as 3.5%. These loans, however, are subject to maximum borrowing amounts. For 2026, FHA loan limits for single-family homes in Maine range from $541,287 to $615,250, depending on the county.
This guide explains FHA loan limits, how to qualify for an FHA-insured mortgage, and how to find approved lenders.
Maine FHA loan limits by county
Maine single-family FHA loan limits
| County name | One unit | Two units | Three units | Four units | Median sales price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ANDROSCOGGIN COUNTY | $541,287 | $693,050 | $837,700 | $1,041,125 | $318,000 |
| AROOSTOOK COUNTY | $541,287 | $693,050 | $837,700 | $1,041,125 | $175,000 |
| CUMBERLAND COUNTY | $615,250 | $787,650 | $952,050 | $1,183,200 | $535,000 |
| FRANKLIN COUNTY | $541,287 | $693,050 | $837,700 | $1,041,125 | $246,000 |
| HANCOCK COUNTY | $541,287 | $693,050 | $837,700 | $1,041,125 | $350,000 |
| KENNEBEC COUNTY | $541,287 | $693,050 | $837,700 | $1,041,125 | $300,000 |
| KNOX COUNTY | $541,287 | $693,050 | $837,700 | $1,041,125 | $361,000 |
| LINCOLN COUNTY | $541,287 | $693,050 | $837,700 | $1,041,125 | $359,000 |
| OXFORD COUNTY | $541,287 | $693,050 | $837,700 | $1,041,125 | $295,000 |
| PENOBSCOT COUNTY | $541,287 | $693,050 | $837,700 | $1,041,125 | $284,000 |
| PISCATAQUIS COUNTY | $541,287 | $693,050 | $837,700 | $1,041,125 | $259,000 |
| SAGADAHOC COUNTY | $615,250 | $787,650 | $952,050 | $1,183,200 | $535,000 |
| SOMERSET COUNTY | $541,287 | $693,050 | $837,700 | $1,041,125 | $240,000 |
| WALDO COUNTY | $541,287 | $693,050 | $837,700 | $1,041,125 | $299,000 |
| WASHINGTON COUNTY | $541,287 | $693,050 | $837,700 | $1,041,125 | $221,000 |
| YORK COUNTY | $615,250 | $787,650 | $952,050 | $1,183,200 | $535,000 |
How are FHA loan limits determined?
FHA loan limits change each year based on median home values, location and property size. These maximum mortgage amounts are calculated as a percentage of the conforming loan limits set by the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) for conventional (non-government) mortgages.
The FHA’s “floor,” or the lowest limit for an FHA-insured mortgage, is 65% of the conforming loan limit, or $541,287. The highest FHA limit, known as the “ceiling,” is 150% of the conforming loan limit, or $1,249,125. The floor is in effect in most U.S. counties, while higher-cost areas have increased limits up to the ceiling. Alaska, Hawaii, Guam and the U.S. Virgin Islands are designated special-exception areas and have even higher limits due to elevated construction and housing costs.
In 2026, most Maine counties follow the FHA floor of $541,287, while three counties — Cumberland, Sagadahoc and York — have higher limits of $615,250.
How to qualify for an FHA loan in Maine
FHA loan requirements are more lenient than conventional loans because they are designed to facilitate homeownership for those with lower credit scores or limited down payment savings. To qualify for an FHA loan in Maine, you’ll need to meet the following minimum mortgage requirements, although lenders may set additional criteria:
- 500 or 580 minimum credit score: You can qualify with a credit score as low as 500 if you make at least a 10% down payment. Or if making the FHA’s minimum down payment of 3.5%, you must have a score of at least 580.
- 3.5% minimum down payment: You must provide a minimum down payment of at least 3.5% of the home’s purchase price. If your credit score falls between 500 and 579, you’ll need a down payment of at least 10%.
- Maximum 43% debt-to-income (DTI) ratio: Lenders will divide your total monthly debt payments by your monthly pretax income to get a sense of your repayment ability. To qualify for an FHA loan, your debt-to-income ratio should be at or below 43%. If your ratio is higher you can still qualify, but you’ll need a strong credit score and cash reserves.
- Primary residence: You must plan to live in the home as your primary residence for at least one year.
- Mortgage insurance: All borrowers pay two types of FHA mortgage insurance: an upfront premium equal to 1.75% of the loan amount and an annual premium ranging from 0.15% to 0.75% of the loan amount.
- Employment and income verification: You’ll need to demonstrate a history of stable employment and sufficient income to cover the monthly mortgage payments.
- Property appraisal: An FHA appraisal certifies the home meets value, safety and structural standards set by the FHA.
Buying a multifamily property with an FHA loan
With an FHA loan, you can buy a multifamily home of two to four units with just 3.5% down. Similar to purchasing a single-family home, this requires occupancy of one of the units as your primary residence for at least 12 months.
Many borrowers choose to live in the property while renting out the other units to cover the mortgage, a strategy known as house hacking. Lenders will count a portion of the anticipated rental revenue as income when evaluating your loan application.
You’ll need to meet the general FHA loan requirements, including:
- Credit score of at least 500: You’ll need to put down at least 10% with a score this low. If your score is 580 or higher, you can put down just 3.5%.
- 3.5% minimum down payment: With a credit score of 580 or higher, you can qualify for this minimum down payment amount, but if your credit score is between 500 and 579, you must make a down payment of at least 10%.
- Debt-to-income ratio of 43% or less in most cases: Some lenders may allow a higher DTI ratio.
- Live in one of the units as your primary residence for at least one year.
- Cash reserves: You may be required to maintain cash reserves equal to one or more months of mortgage payments, as determined by the lender.
| Number of units | Low-cost FHA loan limit |
|---|---|
| Two | $693,050 |
| Three | $837,700 |
| Four | $1,041,125 |
FHA lenders in Maine
| Lender | LendingTree rating | Minimum FHA credit score | |
|---|---|---|---|
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Expert review from LendingTree.
| 580 | |
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Expert review from LendingTree.
| 580 | |
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Expert review from LendingTree.
| 580 | |
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Expert review from LendingTree.
| 580 | |
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Expert review from LendingTree.
| 580 |
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