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FHA multifamily loans are a great option for those looking to purchase a home with several units, living in one and renting out the others. These loans are backed by the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) and designed to finance multi-unit properties.
Whether you’re planning to buy a small duplex, triplex, or fourplex, FHA multifamily loans provide a blend of government-backed security and attractive loan conditions, making them a popular choice.
Let’s explore everything you need to know about getting an FHA multifamily loan.
Defining FHA Multifamily Loans
While many consider a home with more than one unit to be a multifamily home, the FHA refers to properties with four units or less as single-family homes as long as the borrower occupies it as their primary residence.
If you’re looking to invest in a property that has five or more units, the FHA commercial loan program may be a better option.
Going forward, we are referring to owner-occupied multifamily homes of four units or less when we mention FHA multifamily loans.
FHA Multifamily Loan Requirements
Requirements for FHA multifamily loans are very similar to those of a traditional FHA loan. Below is a brief recap of FHA loan requirements:
- Credit score of at least 580 for a 3.5% down payment (500 to 579 for a 10% down payment)
- Debt-to-income ratio less than 43%.
- Must be the borrower’s primary residence for at least a year
- Borrower must have no obvious investment purposes
- Borrower must have a steady income and proof of employment
- Mortgage insurance is required (upfront premium and annual premium)
However, there are two big differences when it comes to qualifying for a home with multiple units.
Rental Income
When qualifying for an FHA multifamily loan, potential rental income from the property plays a significant role in the borrower’s financial assessment. The FHA allows borrowers to include the expected income from renting out units in their debt-to-income ratio calculations. This can be particularly advantageous, as it may increase the borrower’s qualifying income, making it easier to meet the loan’s requirements.
To consider this rental income, lenders typically require a fair estimation of the potential rent, which can be derived from a market analysis or existing rent schedules if the property is already occupied. However, the FHA usually only allows a percentage of this potential income to be counted to account for vacancies and maintenance costs. This helps provide a more realistic view of the income that the property will generate.
Loan Limits
A loan limit refers to the maximum amount of money that a borrower can obtain from a lender for a home purchase. It’s important to understand that the loan limits can vary significantly based on the size of the property and its location. FHA sets higher loan limits for homes with multiple units, recognizing the increased value and investment potential of these properties. These limits are adjusted based on the number of units in the property–a duplex will have a higher loan limit than a one-unit home.
Additionally, the FHA adjusts these limits geographically, reflecting the differing real estate market conditions across the United States. Areas with higher property values, such as major metropolitan cities or regions with a high cost of living, will have higher loan limits.
The FHA wants to ensure that the loan amounts are realistic and practical, enabling borrowers to access sufficient funds for their investment in different areas. Borrowers should always check the current FHA loan limits for their specific area and property type to understand the maximum amount they can finance with an FHA multifamily loan.
» MORE: See today’s refinance rates
Pros and Cons of FHA Multifamily Loans
FHA multifamily loans offer a unique opportunity for individuals to invest in real estate while also fulfilling their housing needs. However, like any financial decision, they come with their own set of advantages and disadvantages:
| Pros | Cons |
| Low down payment | Must live in one of the units (for at least 1 year) |
| Flexible credit requirements | FHA loan limits |
| Potential for rental income | Strict property standards |
| Lower interest rates due to government backing | Mortgage insurance is required |
Applying for an FHA Loan for Multifamily
If you want to get an FHA loan for an owner-occupied multifamily home, be aware that a lender will review your credit, income, and assets. You should have any key financial documents, such as your W-2s, tax returns, and 1099s, ready to go.
It’s also important to provide statements from any bank and investment accounts you plan to use for qualifying for the mortgage. The best advice is to find a real estate agent and get preapproved with a mortgage lender that finances FHA loans for multi-unit properties.