Virginia’s FHA loan landscape reflects the state’s dramatic split between its two major housing markets. Northern Virginia’s DC Metro counties carry the $1,249,125 national FHA ceiling — one of only a handful of regions in the country where FHA financing reaches this threshold, giving first-time buyers in Arlington and Fairfax
meaningful access at elevated price points. Hampton Roads, Richmond, and most of the rest of Virginia follow the $541,287 national FHA floor.
For Virginia’s large active-duty and veteran community, FHA is often a strong option that pairs well with Virginia Housing DPA programs — particularly for buyers who want low credit requirements and flexible underwriting.
580 for 3.5% down; 500–579 may qualify with 10% down
3.5% with a 580+ credit score
Up to 57% in some cases; 43–50% typical
Upfront (1.75% of loan amount) and annual (paid monthly)
Vary significantly by county — see tiers below
$1,249,125 — Northern Virginia DC Metro high-cost counties: Arlington County, Alexandria, Fairfax County, Falls Church, Fairfax City, Loudoun County, Prince William County, Manassas, and Manassas Park — and likely Stafford and Spotsylvania counties in the Fredericksburg corridor. FHA buyers in Northern Virginia have access to the full national FHA ceiling, enabling FHA financing on properties that would typically require conventional or Jumbo financing in most of the country.
$541,287 (national floor — Hampton Roads and most of Virginia): Virginia Beach, Norfolk, Chesapeake, Newport News, Hampton,
Portsmouth, Suffolk, James City County (Williamsburg area),
Richmond/Henrico/Chesterfield, Charlottesville, Roanoke, and most other Virginia counties and independent cities.
Note on Richmond/Henrico/Chesterfield: The Richmond MSA may carry a modestly elevated FHA limit above the $541,287 floor. Your Bookspan Baker loan officer can confirm the exact 2026 figure for your specific county.
In Northern Virginia, where median home prices regularly exceed $600,000–$750,000 in Fairfax County and approach or exceed $1 million in premium ZIP codes, the $1,249,125 FHA ceiling creates a genuine financing window. A first-time buyer in Alexandria or Reston with a 580+ credit score can use FHA financing — 3.5% down — at price points that simply aren’t accessible through FHA elsewhere in the country.
Hampton Roads — centered on Virginia Beach, Norfolk, Chesapeake, Newport News, and Hampton — is home to one of the country’s densest concentrations of active-duty military, veterans, and military family members. While VA loans are typically the preferred option for eligible veterans, FHA serves buyers who haven’t yet established full VA entitlement, surviving spouses, and buyers whose specific
situations make FHA the right fit.
Virginia Housing’s FHA loan products pair with the DPA Grant and Plus Second Mortgage for eligible buyers in Hampton Roads.
$1,249,125 — the national high-cost ceiling. Applies to Arlington, Alexandria, Fairfax, Loudoun, and Prince William counties.
$541,287 — the national floor. Applies to most Hampton Roads
jurisdictions and the majority of Virginia counties.
Yes. Virginia Housing’s FHA loan products pair with the DPA Grant (2–2.5% non-repayable) and Plus Second Mortgage (up to 5%). Minimum 640 credit score for Virginia Housing programs.
