FHA Loan Limits in Essex County, Massachusetts (2026)
In Essex County — anchored by Essex County — the 2026 FHA loan limit for a single-family home is $1,249,125. As a high-cost county, that ceiling runs above the $541,287 national floor.
| Property Type | 2026 FHA Loan Limit |
|---|---|
| One-unit (single family) | $1,249,125 |
| Two-unit (duplex) | $1,599,225 |
| Three-unit (triplex) | $1,933,200 |
| Four-unit (fourplex) | $2,402,475 |
From Essex County to the edges of Essex County, the figures above govern FHA borrowing; buyers here frequently compare them with nearby Middlesex and Norfolk Counties.
Affording a home in Essex County & Essex County
With Essex County's median sale price estimated near $580,000 (think Essex County), the FHA down payment is roughly $20,300. Factoring Massachusetts property taxes near 1.14%, expect about $4,431 monthly, pointing to income near $172,000 — above Massachusetts's $96,505 median household income, so budget carefully.
FHA payment scenarios in Essex County
Here is what an FHA payment looks like at three Essex County budgets, all with 3.5% down at a 6.25% example rate:
| Purchase Price | Down (3.5%) | Est. Monthly Payment |
|---|---|---|
| Entry-level — $418,000 | $14,630 | $3,226 |
| Local median — $580,000 | $20,300 | $4,431 |
| At the FHA limit — $1,249,125 | $43,719 | $9,408 |
Estimates include FHA MIP plus Massachusetts property taxes and insurance. Rates move daily near Essex County too — get notified.
First-time buyers make up much of FHA activity in Essex County and across Essex County, drawn by the 3.5% down payment, 580 minimum score, and the option to use gift funds toward the $20,300 needed on a median Essex County home.
Multi-unit FHA limits in Essex County
Looking at a duplex or fourplex near Essex County? FHA allows up to $1,599,225 on two units and $2,402,475 on four in Essex County, with the same low 3.5% down for owner-occupants.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the FHA loan limit in Essex County for 2026?
- In Essex County (Essex County), the 2026 FHA limit is $1,249,125 for one unit, $1,599,225 for a duplex, $1,933,200 for a triplex, and $2,402,475 for a fourplex.
- What income do I need to buy in Essex County with FHA?
- For a median-priced ($580,000) Essex County home, plan on income around $172,000 at a 31% housing ratio — about $4,431/month including taxes, insurance, and MIP.
- How much is the FHA down payment in Essex County?
- 3.5% with a 580+ score — roughly $20,300 on a $580,000 Essex County-area home. Gift funds are allowed.
- Is Essex County a high-cost FHA area?
- Yes — Essex County's $1,249,125 one-unit limit tops the $541,287 national floor.