2026 FHA Loan Limits in Massachusetts
Homebuyers in Massachusetts who have credit challenges — or little to spare for a down payment — can consider financing a home purchase with a Federal Housing Administration (FHA) loan. This type of government-backed mortgage comes with borrowing limits that vary by location. In Massachusetts, the FHA loan limit for a single-family home ranges from $541,287 to $1,249,125.
We’ll show you how to qualify for this mortgage type, including the FHA loan limits for each county.
Massachusetts FHA loan limits by county
2026 FHA Loan Limits in Massachusetts
| County Name | One Unit | Two Units | Three Units | Four Units | Median Sales Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BARNSTABLE COUNTY | $828,000 | $1,060,000 | $1,281,300 | $1,592,350 | $720,000 |
| BERKSHIRE COUNTY | $541,287 | $693,050 | $837,700 | $1,041,125 | $328,000 |
| BRISTOL COUNTY | $787,750 | $1,008,450 | $1,219,000 | $1,514,950 | $685,000 |
| DUKES COUNTY | $1,249,125 | $1,599,375 | $1,933,200 | $2,402,625 | $1,520,000 |
| ESSEX COUNTY | $962,550 | $1,232,250 | $1,489,500 | $1,851,100 | $837,000 |
| FRANKLIN COUNTY | $541,287 | $693,050 | $837,700 | $1,041,125 | $335,000 |
| HAMPDEN COUNTY | $541,287 | $693,050 | $837,700 | $1,041,125 | $325,000 |
| HAMPSHIRE COUNTY | $541,287 | $693,050 | $837,700 | $1,041,125 | $418,000 |
| MIDDLESEX COUNTY | $962,550 | $1,232,250 | $1,489,500 | $1,851,100 | $837,000 |
| NANTUCKET COUNTY | $1,249,125 | $1,599,375 | $1,933,200 | $2,402,625 | $2,375,000 |
| NORFOLK COUNTY | $962,550 | $1,232,250 | $1,489,500 | $1,851,100 | $837,000 |
| PLYMOUTH COUNTY | $962,550 | $1,232,250 | $1,489,500 | $1,851,100 | $837,000 |
| SUFFOLK COUNTY | $962,550 | $1,232,250 | $1,489,500 | $1,851,100 | $837,000 |
| WORCESTER COUNTY | $545,100 | $697,800 | $843,500 | $1,048,300 | $474,000 |
How are FHA loan limits determined?
FHA loan limits are adjusted annually by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Local home price data helps determine loan limits, according to a formula outlined in the National Housing Act. The formula uses the national conforming loan limit, set by the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA), as a baseline.
The lowest loan limit is referred to as the “floor,” whereas the “ceiling” is the highest allowable loan amount. The floor is 65% of the FHFA national conforming loan limit — $541,287 for 2026 — and the ceiling is 150% of the national conforming loan limit, or $1,249,125. Each county in Massachusetts has its own limit that falls within this range.
How to qualify for an FHA loan in Massachusetts
An FHA loan is a great alternative for those who may not qualify for a conventional home loan. Minimum criteria may be more lenient, such as lower credit score and down payment minimums.
Still, lenders will need you to meet the following requirements:
- Credit score. FHA loans require a 500 minimum credit score. If you have a 580 credit score or higher, you’ll qualify for additional benefits, like lower down payment requirements.
- Down payment. For those with at least a 580 credit score, lenders require a 3.5% down payment. Homebuyers must make a down payment of at least 10% if their credit score is between 500 and 579.
- Income limits. You need to prove you have a steady source of income in the previous two consecutive years. Lenders will look at documentation such as W-2s, tax returns or sources of self-employment income.
- Debt-to-income (DTI) ratio. Lenders look at the percentage of your income that goes toward debt payments, or your DTI ratio. In most cases, the maximum DTI ratio allowed is 43%, though some exceptions may be granted.
- Primary residence. You’ll need to occupy the home as your primary residence for a minimum of one year.
- Mortgage insurance. You’ll pay for FHA mortgage insurance — 1.75% upfront, then an annual mortgage insurance premium (MIP) that ranges from 0.15% to 0.75% of your loan amount.
- Appraisal. You’ll need to undergo an FHA home appraisal to determine the property’s current market value and to confirm that it meets loan program requirements.
Buying a multifamily property with an FHA loan
You can purchase a multifamily home — properties with two to four units — with as little as 3.5% down through the FHA program. Many choose this route as a relatively low-barrier way to pursue house hacking.
Multifamily home loan requirements are similar to those for single-family homes:
- The primary owner needs to occupy at least one unit.
- The buyer must meet minimum DTI ratio requirements, though the lender may take potential rental income into consideration.
- You must have enough mortgage reserves on hand if you intend to rent out two or more units.
You’ll also need to meet the following multifamily FHA loan limits in Massachusetts:
| Number of units | Low-cost FHA loan limit |
|---|---|
| Two | $693,050 |
| Three | $837,700 |
| Four | $1,041,125 |
FHA lenders in Massachusetts
| 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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