2026 FHA Loan Limits in New Hampshire
If you’re looking to purchase a home in New Hampshire, you may qualify for a loan backed by the Federal Housing Administration (FHA). These loans offer less stringent qualification requirements than traditional loans.
New Hampshire FHA loan limits vary by county, ranging from $541,287 for single-family homes in the majority of counties, up to $962,550 in two of the more expensive metro areas near Boston. Here’s what you need to know about the qualifications required for an FHA loan and how to apply.
New Hampshire FHA loan limits by county
New Hampshire single-family FHA loan limits
| County Name | One Unit | Two Units | Three Units | Four Units | Median Sales Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BELKNAP COUNTY | $541,287 | $693,050 | $837,700 | $1,041,125 | $413,000 |
| CARROLL COUNTY | $546,250 | $699,300 | $845,300 | $1,050,500 | $475,000 |
| CHESHIRE COUNTY | $541,287 | $693,050 | $837,700 | $1,041,125 | $331,000 |
| COOS COUNTY | $541,287 | $693,050 | $837,700 | $1,041,125 | $190,000 |
| GRAFTON COUNTY | $541,287 | $693,050 | $837,700 | $1,041,125 | $379,000 |
| HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY | $589,950 | $755,250 | $912,900 | $1,134,550 | $513,000 |
| MERRIMACK COUNTY | $541,287 | $693,050 | $837,700 | $1,041,125 | $445,000 |
| ROCKINGHAM COUNTY | $962,550 | $1,232,250 | $1,489,500 | $1,851,100 | $837,000 |
| STRAFFORD COUNTY | $962,550 | $1,232,250 | $1,489,500 | $1,851,100 | $837,000 |
| SULLIVAN COUNTY | $541,287 | $693,050 | $837,700 | $1,041,125 | $379,000 |
How are FHA loan limits determined?
FHA loan limits fluctuate from year to year based on the conforming loan limits for traditional mortgages, which are set by the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA). For 2026, the conforming loan limit is $832,750 in most areas.
FHA loan limits are set at a percentage of these conforming loan limits. The “floor,” or the lowest loan limit, is 65% of the conforming loan limit. In 2026, the floor is $541,287 for a single-unit property. The “ceiling,” or the highest loan limit for high-cost areas, is calculated at 150% of the conforming loan limit. In 2026, the ceiling is $1,249,125.
How to qualify for an FHA loan in New Hampshire
In general, FHA loans are easier to qualify for than traditional loans. If you don’t have a large down payment or your credit score is on the lower end, you may still be eligible. There are, however, still a number of boxes you must be able to check in order to receive an FHA loan for a single-unit property:
- Minimum down payment: The down payment amount required for an FHA loan depends on your credit score. You can have a down payment as low as 3.5% if your credit score is at least 580. You’ll need 10% down if your credit score is between 500 and 579.
- Minimum credit score: The lowest credit score that will qualify you for an FHA loan is 500. You’ll need a larger down payment if your score is below 580: 10% down versus 3.5% down.
- Debt-to-income ratio: In general, you need a debt-to-income (DTI) ratio of no more than 43%. You can calculate your DTI ratio by dividing your total debt by your pre-tax income. However, if you have a strong credit score and extra cash reserves, you may qualify with a DTI ratio of up to 50%.
- Mortgage insurance: In order to take out an FHA loan, you’re required to have two types of mortgage insurance: an upfront mortgage insurance premium (1.75% of the loan amount) and an annual mortgage insurance premium that ranges from 0.15% and 0.75% of the loan amount, depending on the loan term, amount and other factors.
- Appraisal: An FHA appraisal is required for FHA loans. The cost typically ranges from $400 to $700.
- Occupancy: The property you’re purchasing the loan with must be your principal residence for at least one year. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) defines a principal residence as a property that will be occupied by the borrower for the majority of the calendar year.
Buying a multifamily property with an FHA loan
You may also qualify for an FHA loan to purchase a multifamily home with two to four units, which would allow you to rent out the additional units and pursue house hacking. However, the loan limits and borrower requirements are a bit different than those for single-unit FHA loans. Requirements for multifamily properties include:
- Down payment: A 3.5% minimum down payment is required.
- Credit score: A minimum credit score of 580 is required with a 3.5% down payment, but it can be as low as 500 with a 10% down payment.
- Cash reserves: If you’re buying a property with three to four units, you must have cash reserves equal to three months’ worth of principal, interest, taxes and insurance payments (known as PITI).
- Occupancy: You must live in one of the units for at least one year.
| Number of units | Low-cost FHA loan limit |
|---|---|
| Two | $693,050 |
| Three | $837,700 |
| Four | $1,041,125 |
FHA lenders in New Hampshire
| 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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