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2026 FHA Loan Limits in North Carolina
If you’re looking to purchase a home in North Carolina, you may qualify for a loan backed by the Federal Housing Administration (FHA). These loans offer less stringent qualification requirements than conventional loans.
North Carolina FHA loan limits vary by county, ranging from $541,287 for single-family homes in most counties up to $805,000 in the more expensive metro areas. Here’s what you need to know about FHA loan limits and requirements in the Tar Heel State.
North Carolina FHA loan limits by county
| County Name | One Unit | Two Units | Three Units | Four Units | Median Sales Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ALAMANCE COUNTY | $541,287 | $693,050 | $837,700 | $1,041,125 | $290,000 |
| ALEXANDER COUNT | $541,287 | $693,050 | $837,700 | $1,041,125 | $239,000 |
| ALLEGHANY COUNT | $541,287 | $693,050 | $837,700 | $1,041,125 | $170,000 |
| ANSON COUNTY | $541,287 | $693,050 | $837,700 | $1,041,125 | $440,000 |
| ASHE COUNTY | $541,287 | $693,050 | $837,700 | $1,041,125 | $125,000 |
| AVERY COUNTY | $541,287 | $693,050 | $837,700 | $1,041,125 | $240,000 |
| BEAUFORT COUNTY | $541,287 | $693,050 | $837,700 | $1,041,125 | $235,000 |
| BERTIE COUNTY | $541,287 | $693,050 | $837,700 | $1,041,125 | $50,000 |
| BLADEN COUNTY | $541,287 | $693,050 | $837,700 | $1,041,125 | $125,000 |
| BRUNSWICK COUNT | $541,287 | $693,050 | $837,700 | $1,041,125 | $430,000 |
| BUNCOMBE COUNTY | $541,287 | $693,050 | $837,700 | $1,041,125 | $435,000 |
| BURKE COUNTY | $541,287 | $693,050 | $837,700 | $1,041,125 | $239,000 |
| CABARRUS COUNTY | $541,287 | $693,050 | $837,700 | $1,041,125 | $440,000 |
| CALDWELL COUNTY | $541,287 | $693,050 | $837,700 | $1,041,125 | $239,000 |
| CAMDEN COUNTY | $757,850 | $970,200 | $1,172,750 | $1,457,450 | $630,000 |
| CARTERET COUNTY | $541,287 | $693,050 | $837,700 | $1,041,125 | $399,000 |
| CASWELL COUNTY | $541,287 | $693,050 | $837,700 | $1,041,125 | $165,000 |
| CATAWBA COUNTY | $541,287 | $693,050 | $837,700 | $1,041,125 | $239,000 |
| CHATHAM COUNTY | $634,800 | $812,650 | $982,300 | $1,220,800 | $552,000 |
| CHEROKEE COUNTY | $541,287 | $693,050 | $837,700 | $1,041,125 | $204,000 |
| CHOWAN COUNTY | $541,287 | $693,050 | $837,700 | $1,041,125 | $288,000 |
| CLAY COUNTY | $541,287 | $693,050 | $837,700 | $1,041,125 | $240,000 |
| CLEVELAND COUNT | $541,287 | $693,050 | $837,700 | $1,041,125 | $200,000 |
| COLUMBUS COUNTY | $541,287 | $693,050 | $837,700 | $1,041,125 | $140,000 |
| CRAVEN COUNTY | $541,287 | $693,050 | $837,700 | $1,041,125 | $285,000 |
| CUMBERLAND COUN | $541,287 | $693,050 | $837,700 | $1,041,125 | $270,000 |
| CURRITUCK COUNT | $757,850 | $970,200 | $1,172,750 | $1,457,450 | $630,000 |
| DARE COUNTY | $718,750 | $920,150 | $1,112,250 | $1,382,250 | $625,000 |
| DAVIDSON COUNTY | $541,287 | $693,050 | $837,700 | $1,041,125 | $280,000 |
| DAVIE COUNTY | $541,287 | $693,050 | $837,700 | $1,041,125 | $280,000 |
| DUPLIN COUNTY | $541,287 | $693,050 | $837,700 | $1,041,125 | $159,000 |
| DURHAM COUNTY | $634,800 | $812,650 | $982,300 | $1,220,800 | $552,000 |
| EDGECOMBE COUNT | $541,287 | $693,050 | $837,700 | $1,041,125 | $220,000 |
| FORSYTH COUNTY | $541,287 | $693,050 | $837,700 | $1,041,125 | $280,000 |
| FRANKLIN COUNTY | $541,287 | $693,050 | $837,700 | $1,041,125 | $468,000 |
| GASTON COUNTY | $541,287 | $693,050 | $837,700 | $1,041,125 | $440,000 |
| GATES COUNTY | $757,850 | $970,200 | $1,172,750 | $1,457,450 | $630,000 |
| GRAHAM COUNTY | $541,287 | $693,050 | $837,700 | $1,041,125 | $198,000 |
| GRANVILLE COUNT | $541,287 | $693,050 | $837,700 | $1,041,125 | $295,000 |
| GREENE COUNTY | $541,287 | $693,050 | $837,700 | $1,041,125 | $140,000 |
| GUILFORD COUNTY | $541,287 | $693,050 | $837,700 | $1,041,125 | $280,000 |
| HALIFAX COUNTY | $541,287 | $693,050 | $837,700 | $1,041,125 | $100,000 |
| HARNETT COUNTY | $541,287 | $693,050 | $837,700 | $1,041,125 | $320,000 |
| HAYWOOD COUNTY | $541,287 | $693,050 | $837,700 | $1,041,125 | $311,000 |
| HENDERSON COUNT | $541,287 | $693,050 | $837,700 | $1,041,125 | $435,000 |
| HERTFORD COUNTY | $541,287 | $693,050 | $837,700 | $1,041,125 | $85,000 |
| HOKE COUNTY | $541,287 | $693,050 | $837,700 | $1,041,125 | $270,000 |
| HYDE COUNTY | $541,287 | $693,050 | $837,700 | $1,041,125 | $215,000 |
| IREDELL COUNTY | $541,287 | $693,050 | $837,700 | $1,041,125 | $440,000 |
| JACKSON COUNTY | $541,287 | $693,050 | $837,700 | $1,041,125 | $349,000 |
| JOHNSTON COUNTY | $541,287 | $693,050 | $837,700 | $1,041,125 | $468,000 |
| JONES COUNTY | $541,287 | $693,050 | $837,700 | $1,041,125 | $285,000 |
| LEE COUNTY | $541,287 | $693,050 | $837,700 | $1,041,125 | $300,000 |
| LENOIR COUNTY | $541,287 | $693,050 | $837,700 | $1,041,125 | $153,000 |
| LINCOLN COUNTY | $541,287 | $693,050 | $837,700 | $1,041,125 | $440,000 |
| MACON COUNTY | $541,287 | $693,050 | $837,700 | $1,041,125 | $285,000 |
| MADISON COUNTY | $541,287 | $693,050 | $837,700 | $1,041,125 | $435,000 |
| MARTIN COUNTY | $541,287 | $693,050 | $837,700 | $1,041,125 | $99,000 |
| MCDOWELL COUNTY | $541,287 | $693,050 | $837,700 | $1,041,125 | $150,000 |
| MECKLENBURG COU | $541,287 | $693,050 | $837,700 | $1,041,125 | $440,000 |
| MITCHELL COUNTY | $541,287 | $693,050 | $837,700 | $1,041,125 | $173,000 |
| MONTGOMERY COUN | $541,287 | $693,050 | $837,700 | $1,041,125 | $110,000 |
| MOORE COUNTY | $541,287 | $693,050 | $837,700 | $1,041,125 | $400,000 |
| NASH COUNTY | $541,287 | $693,050 | $837,700 | $1,041,125 | $220,000 |
| NEW HANOVER COU | $541,287 | $693,050 | $837,700 | $1,041,125 | $430,000 |
| NORTHAMPTON COU | $541,287 | $693,050 | $837,700 | $1,041,125 | $100,000 |
| ONSLOW COUNTY | $541,287 | $693,050 | $837,700 | $1,041,125 | $270,000 |
| ORANGE COUNTY | $634,800 | $812,650 | $982,300 | $1,220,800 | $552,000 |
| PAMLICO COUNTY | $541,287 | $693,050 | $837,700 | $1,041,125 | $285,000 |
| PASQUOTANK COUN | $541,287 | $693,050 | $837,700 | $1,041,125 | $275,000 |
| PENDER COUNTY | $541,287 | $693,050 | $837,700 | $1,041,125 | $430,000 |
| PERQUIMANS COUN | $805,000 | $1,030,550 | $1,245,700 | $1,548,100 | $175,000 |
| PERSON COUNTY | $634,800 | $812,650 | $982,300 | $1,220,800 | $552,000 |
| PITT COUNTY | $541,287 | $693,050 | $837,700 | $1,041,125 | $263,000 |
| POLK COUNTY | $541,287 | $693,050 | $837,700 | $1,041,125 | $396,000 |
| RANDOLPH COUNTY | $541,287 | $693,050 | $837,700 | $1,041,125 | $280,000 |
| RICHMOND COUNTY | $541,287 | $693,050 | $837,700 | $1,041,125 | $117,000 |
| ROBESON COUNTY | $541,287 | $693,050 | $837,700 | $1,041,125 | $125,000 |
| ROCKINGHAM COUN | $541,287 | $693,050 | $837,700 | $1,041,125 | $280,000 |
| ROWAN COUNTY | $541,287 | $693,050 | $837,700 | $1,041,125 | $440,000 |
| RUTHERFORD COUN | $541,287 | $693,050 | $837,700 | $1,041,125 | $225,000 |
| SAMPSON COUNTY | $541,287 | $693,050 | $837,700 | $1,041,125 | $130,000 |
| SCOTLAND COUNTY | $541,287 | $693,050 | $837,700 | $1,041,125 | $86,000 |
| STANLY COUNTY | $541,287 | $693,050 | $837,700 | $1,041,125 | $260,000 |
| STOKES COUNTY | $541,287 | $693,050 | $837,700 | $1,041,125 | $280,000 |
| SURRY COUNTY | $541,287 | $693,050 | $837,700 | $1,041,125 | $169,000 |
| SWAIN COUNTY | $541,287 | $693,050 | $837,700 | $1,041,125 | $200,000 |
| TRANSYLVANIA CO | $541,287 | $693,050 | $837,700 | $1,041,125 | $403,000 |
| TYRRELL COUNTY | $541,287 | $693,050 | $837,700 | $1,041,125 | $90,000 |
| UNION COUNTY | $541,287 | $693,050 | $837,700 | $1,041,125 | $440,000 |
| VANCE COUNTY | $541,287 | $693,050 | $837,700 | $1,041,125 | $149,000 |
| WAKE COUNTY | $541,287 | $693,050 | $837,700 | $1,041,125 | $468,000 |
| WARREN COUNTY | $541,287 | $693,050 | $837,700 | $1,041,125 | $209,000 |
| WASHINGTON COUN | $541,287 | $693,050 | $837,700 | $1,041,125 | $118,000 |
| WATAUGA COUNTY | $541,287 | $693,050 | $837,700 | $1,041,125 | $448,000 |
| WAYNE COUNTY | $541,287 | $693,050 | $837,700 | $1,041,125 | $193,000 |
| WILKES COUNTY | $541,287 | $693,050 | $837,700 | $1,041,125 | $190,000 |
| WILSON COUNTY | $541,287 | $693,050 | $837,700 | $1,041,125 | $204,000 |
| YADKIN COUNTY | $541,287 | $693,050 | $837,700 | $1,041,125 | $280,000 |
| YANCEY COUNTY | $541,287 | $693,050 | $837,700 | $1,041,125 | $249,000 |
How much is your home purchase price?
$400,000
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. Each county in North Carolina has its own loan limit based on median home prices in that area.
How to qualify for an FHA loan in North Carolina
In general, FHA loans are easier to qualify for than conventional loans. If you don’t have a large amount of money saved for a down payment or your credit score is on the lower end, you may still be eligible for an FHA loan. 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:
- Down payment: The down payment amount required for an FHA loan is dependent 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 to put 10% down if your credit score is 500 to 579.
- Credit score: The lowest credit score that will qualify you for an FHA loan is 500. You’ll need a larger down payment if it’s below 580: 10% down versus 3.5% down.
- Debt-to-income (DTI) ratio: In general, you need a debt-to-income ratio of no more than 43%. Your DTI ratio is calculated by dividing your total debt by your pretax income. However, if you have a strong credit score and extra cash reserves, you may qualify for a loan with a debt-to-income ratio of as high as 50%.
- Mortgage insurance: In order to take out an FHA loan, you’re required to have two types of mortgage insurance: An up-front mortgage insurance premium (1.75% of the loan amount) and an annual mortgage insurance premium (from 0.15% to 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 with the loan 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.
The loan limits for multifamily properties for 2026 are as follows:
| Number of units | Low-cost FHA loan limit |
|---|---|
| Two | $693,050 |
| Three | $837,700 |
| Four | $1,041,125 |
FHA lenders in North Carolina
How Does LendingTree Get Paid?
LendingTree is compensated by companies whose listings appear on this site. This compensation may impact how and where listings appear (such as the order or which listings are featured). This site does not include all companies or products available.
| Lender | LendingTree rating | Minimum FHA credit score | |
|---|---|---|---|
 |
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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