FHA Loans in California
FHA loans are government-backed mortgages insured by the Federal Housing Administration. They are designed to make homeownership more accessible — offering low down payments, flexible credit requirements, and competitive rates for buyers who may not qualify for conventional financing.
At Lendia, we help California homebuyers navigate the FHA process from pre-approval through closing. Whether you’re a first-time buyer in Orange County, rebuilding after a financial setback, or looking to purchase a multi-unit property in Southern California, FHA financing may be the right path.
FHA Loan At a Glance
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Minimum Down Payment | 3.5% (with 580+ credit score) |
| Minimum Credit Score | 580 standard; 500 with 10% down |
| Maximum Loan Term | 30 years fixed |
| 2026 Loan Limit (1-unit, high-cost CA) | $1,249,125 |
| Seller Concessions | Up to 6% of purchase price |
| Mortgage Insurance | Upfront (1.75%) + monthly MIP |
| Prepayment Penalty | None |
| Eligible Properties | 1–4 unit primary residences, condos, PUDs, manufactured homes |
FHA Loan Education — Full Q&A Library
Use the links below to explore every aspect of FHA financing, sourced from current lender guidelines and written in plain language for homebuyers and real estate professionals.
- What Is an FHA Loan?
- Who Qualifies for an FHA Loan?
- FHA Loan Down Payment Requirements
- FHA Loan Credit Score Requirements
- FHA Mortgage Insurance (MIP) Explained
- FHA Loan vs. Conventional Loan
- FHA Loan Limits in California 2026
- FHA Loan DTI Requirements
- FHA Loan After Bankruptcy
- FHA Loan After Foreclosure or Short Sale
- FHA Loan Employment and Income Requirements
- FHA Loan Property Requirements
- FHA Loans for Multi-Unit Properties
- FHA Seller Concessions — How Much Can the Seller Pay?
- FHA Down Payment Assistance Programs in California
- Do FHA Loans Have Prepayment Penalties?
- FHA Streamline Refinance Requirements
- FHA Cash-Out Refinance
- FHA Loan Pros and Cons
- FHA Rate and Term Refinance
Ready to Get Started?
Connect with a Lendia loan advisor to review your options, check current FHA rates, and get pre-approved. We’ll walk you through every step.