Wondering how much house you can afford? The answer depends on more than your salary. Your down payment, mortgage rate, existing debts, credit profile, property taxes, homeowners insurance, mortgage insurance, HOA fees and other household expenses all affect the home price that fits your budget.
If you’re considering an FHA mortgage, understanding the FHA loan down payment is one of the first things you should know. For eligible borrowers, the minimum required investment can be as low as 3.5% of the property’s adjusted value, although the amount you need can change based on your credit profile, property price, and available assistance.
Learn how mortgage pre-approval really works, why applications get denied, and the exact steps to improve approval chances and lower mortgage rates in 2026.