About this FHA Loan
FHA loans are backed by the Federal Housing Administration and are popular with first-time buyers because they require a lower down payment (3.5%) and allow lower credit scores. However, they come with unique costs: Upfront Mortgage Insurance (UFMIP) and Annual Mortgage Insurance (MIP).
Accuracy and testing
Review formula sources, default test cases, assumptions, unit handling, rounding rules, and changelog for this calculator.
How this calculator works
Inputs explained
Home Price
The purchase price of the property.
Down Payment
Minimum 3.5% for credit scores 580+. If score is 500-579, 10% down is required.
Annual MIP Rate
Usually 0.55% for loans with >5% down, or 0.85% for loans with <5% down. This is paid monthly.
Understanding your results
Example scenarios
Min Down Payment
Price $300k, Down 3.5% ($10,500). Base Loan $289,500. Upfront MIP (1.75%) is $5,066. Total Loan $294,566. Monthly MIP ~$205.
Larger Down Payment
Price $300k, Down 10% ($30,000). Base Loan $270,000. Annual MIP rate drops (often to 0.50% or 0.55%), lowering monthly costs.
Key Features
- Upfront MIP Calculation
- Monthly MIP Integration
- Low Down Payment Logic
Things to Keep in Mind
MIP rates can vary based on loan term and amount. This calculator uses standard 30-year fixed rates.
Tips & Best Practices
- FHA MIP usually lasts for the life of the loan if you put less than 10% down. To get rid of it, you must refinance into a conventional loan later.
- Check FHA loan limits for your county. You cannot borrow more than the cap set by HUD.
Glossary of Terms
- UFMIP
- Upfront Mortgage Insurance Premium. A one-time fee (1.75%) added to the loan balance.
- Annual MIP
- A recurring insurance premium paid monthly.
- DTI
- Debt-to-Income ratio. FHA loans often allow higher DTI ratios (up to 50-57%) than conventional loans.