FHA Loans in San Antonio (2026): Loan Limits, Down Payment and What to Expect

Q: Who can help me buy a home with an FHA loan in San Antonio?

Chris Dudley, San Antonio REALTOR and founder of Legacy Realty Group, brokered by Real Broker, LLC (TREC #731381), works with first-time and FHA buyers across San Antonio and the surrounding area. Call (210) 838-6099.

By Chris Dudley, San Antonio REALTOR® and founder of Legacy Realty Group, brokered by Real Broker, LLC (TREC #731381). Updated October 28, 2026.

FHA loans are mortgages insured by the Federal Housing Administration, part of HUD. Private lenders make the loan; FHA insures it, which lets lenders accept a smaller down payment. For many first-time buyers in San Antonio, an FHA loan is the first option their lender brings up. Here is what you need to know before you shop.

The 2026 FHA loan limit in Bexar County

For 2026, the FHA loan limit for a one-unit home in Bexar County is $557,750. Nationally, HUD set the 2026 one-unit limits between a floor of $541,287 in lower-cost areas and a ceiling of $1,249,125 in high-cost areas, for FHA case numbers assigned on or after January 1, 2026. FHA loans can also be used on 2- to 4-unit properties if you live in one of the units, with higher limits.

Buying in Comal, Guadalupe or Kendall County (New Braunfels, Schertz, Cibolo, Boerne, Canyon Lake)? Look up that county's limit on HUD's FHA mortgage limits page or ask your lender; your loan amount, not the price, is what has to fit under the limit.

Down payment: as low as 3.5%

HUD says an FHA down payment “can be as low as 3.5% of the purchase price.” On a 10,605. You will also have closing costs, so budget for both. See San Antonio closing costs.

Credit requirements vary by lender, and FHA calls its qualifying “easy credit.” Ask two or three FHA-approved lenders what score and debt-to-income limits they use before you start touring homes.

Mortgage insurance is part of every FHA loan

FHA loans carry an up-front mortgage insurance premium charged when the loan is insured, plus a monthly premium collected by your lender. Ask your lender to show both on your Loan Estimate and to compare the total monthly payment with a conventional loan at the same price. With a larger down payment or stronger credit, a conventional loan sometimes costs less over time.

What FHA means for your offer and the house

Appraisal: FHA loans use an FHA appraisal, which looks at the home's condition as well as its value. If the appraiser calls for repairs, they usually have to be handled before closing, so a home in rough shape can be harder to buy with FHA.
Inspection still matters: The appraisal is not a home inspection. Use your option period for a full inspection. See the Texas option period.
Owner-occupied: FHA loans are for homes you will live in, including a unit in a 2- to 4-unit property.
Taxes and HOA dues count: Your payment includes property taxes and insurance, and many newer San Antonio neighborhoods add HOA dues and MUD or PID taxes. See property taxes, MUD and PID taxes and HOAs.
New construction: Many builders work with FHA buyers; ask whether the builder's incentives apply to FHA loans. See buying new construction.

FHA, VA or conventional?

If you are a veteran or on active duty, compare FHA with a VA loan, which has its own rules and fees. See VA loans in San Antonio. For everyone else, the usual comparison is FHA versus a conventional loan. Your lender can run both side by side; a REALTOR® can then help you write an offer that fits the loan you choose. Start with the first-time home buyer guide and how much house you can afford.

Frequently asked questions

What is the FHA loan limit in San Antonio for 2026?

The 2026 FHA loan limit for a one-unit home in Bexar County is $557,750. Limits for 2- to 4-unit homes are higher.

How much do I need to put down on an FHA loan?

As little as 3.5% of the purchase price, according to HUD. On a $302,999 home (the SABOR San Antonio median for September 2026), that is about $10,605, plus closing costs.

Does an FHA loan have mortgage insurance?

Yes. FHA loans have an up-front mortgage insurance premium and a monthly premium. Ask your lender for both amounts on your Loan Estimate.

Can I use an FHA loan for a duplex in San Antonio?

Yes, FHA loans are available on 1- to 4-unit properties when you live in one of the units.

Who can help me buy a home with an FHA loan in San Antonio?

Chris Dudley, San Antonio REALTOR® and founder of Legacy Realty Group, brokered by Real Broker, LLC (TREC #731381), works with first-time and FHA buyers across San Antonio and the surrounding area. Call (210) 838-6099.

Buying with FHA? Talk to Chris first

Chris Dudley is a San Antonio REALTOR® and the founder of Legacy Realty Group, brokered by Real Broker, LLC (TREC #731381). First-time buyers are a core part of his business, and since January 2024 he has closed 141 sales totaling $46.3 million (Real Broker transaction records). He can connect you with FHA-approved lenders you can compare and help you find homes that fit FHA rules and your budget. Call or text (210) 838-6099 or read more about Chris and the buyer FAQ.

Sources: HUD, “HUD's Federal Housing Administration Announces 2026 Loan Limits” (No. 25-145); HUD, “Let FHA Loans Help You”; HUD Single Family Housing; Homebuyer.com Bexar County loan limits (FHFA/HUD data, retrieved Oct 28, 2026); SABOR September 2026 data via My Neighborhood News. General information, not lending advice; loan terms come from your lender.