2026 FHA Loan Limits in Delaware
If you have minimal down payment savings or less-than-perfect credit, it can be a challenge to find a Delaware home that you can both qualify for and afford. A mortgage backed by the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) can help borrowers buy a home with as little as 3.5% down.
However, the FHA limits how much you can borrow based on where you decide to buy property. Delawareans in Kent and Sussex Counties have FHA loan limits up to $541,287 for single-family homes. But homebuyers in pricier New Castle County may be approved for an FHA loan up to $630,200.
Delaware FHA loan limits by county
| County name | One unit | Two units | Three units | Four units | Median sales price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| KENT COUNTY | $541,287 | $693,050 | $837,700 | $1,041,125 | $349,000 |
| NEW CASTLE COUN | $630,200 | $806,750 | $975,200 | $1,211,950 | $548,000 |
| SUSSEX COUNTY | $541,287 | $693,050 | $837,700 | $1,041,125 | $446,000 |
How are FHA loan limits determined?
The FHA reviews the loan limits it sets annually to account for changing home prices. It uses a formula outlined in the National Housing Act to do so. Maximum FHA loan sizes are based on a percentage of the national conforming loan limit for conventional mortgages owned or backed by government-sponsored entities Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.
In 2026, homebuyers in most U.S. counties can get an FHA loan up to the loan limit “floor” of $541,287, or 65% of the national conforming loan limit of $832,750. Those buying in major cities or other pricey areas can borrow more, potentially up to the loan limit “ceiling” amount of $1,249,125, or 150% of the national conforming loan limit.
How to qualify for an FHA loan in Delaware
Since the government will reimburse lenders if you default on your mortgage payments with an FHA loan, this home financing option is designed to have accessible mortgage requirements.
To get approved for an FHA loan, you’ll need to meet the following criteria:
- Credit score of at least 500: While you can qualify with a minimum credit score between 500 and 579, you’ll need to make a higher down payment if your credit score is at least 580.
- Wait at least one year post-bankruptcy: Borrowers with a past bankruptcy event will have to wait at least one to two years after the bankruptcy is discharged to qualify.
- Minimum down payment of 3.5% or 10%: You can finance all but 3.5% of your home purchase through an FHA loan if your credit score is 580 or higher. Those with a lower credit score must put down 10% or more to get approved.
- Maximum debt-to-income (DTI) ratio of 43%: FHA lenders require applicants to have a DTI ratio of 43% or less. The higher the DTI ratio, the riskier a borrower you’re perceived to be. If your ratio tops 43%, you may still qualify, but you’ll need to meet additional qualifications, such as a credit score of at least 580, cash reserves, prove your new mortgage payment won’t be much higher than your current housing payment or more.
- Live in the purchased home: FHA loans cannot be used to buy vacation homes or rental properties. Any home purchased with an FHA loan must be used as your primary residence for at least one year.
- Pay FHA mortgage insurance: FHA loans require two types of mortgage insurance: an upfront mortgage insurance premium equal to 1.75% of the total loan, and an annual mortgage insurance premium, which costs between 0.15% and 0.75% of the total loan amount and is generally added to the monthly payment.
- Get an FHA appraisal: Homes bought with an FHA loan must undergo and pass an FHA appraisal to verify the value and condition of the property.
- Stable work history: While FHA loans have no specific income requirements, lenders will still request to see pay stubs, W-2s, 1099s or other documents for at least the past two years to prove your income and employment.
Buying a multifamily property with an FHA loan
FHA loans can help you secure a home for yourself and generate some rental income if they’re used to buy a multifamily property. Buying a multifamily home with income potential, such as a house with a walkout basement or garage apartment, can be an effective house-hacking strategy if your current income is too low to meet the DTI threshold.
Co-buying a multiunit home with friends or family could also give you considerably more buying power than if you purchased a single-family home on your own.
To get a multifamily FHA loan, you’ll need:
- A minimum credit score of 500
- A 3.5% to 10% down payment, depending on your credit score
- A combined DTI ratio between 43% and 50%
- Adequate income and work history (a portion of your anticipated rental earnings may also be considered)
- To live in one of the units for at least a year
| Number of units | Low-cost FHA loan limit |
|---|---|
| Two | $693,050 |
| Three | $837,700 |
| Four | $1,041,125 |
FHA lenders in Delaware
| Lender | LendingTree rating | Min. FHA credit score | |
|---|---|---|---|
 |
Expert review from LendingTree.
| 580 | |
 |
Expert review from LendingTree.
| 580 | |
 |
Expert review from LendingTree.
| 580 | |
 |
Expert review from LendingTree.
| 580 | |
 |
Expert review from LendingTree.
| 580 |
Compare FHA Loans for Free