FHA Mortgage Points & Buydowns
FHA Mortgage Points & Buydowns: what to know and how to act in 2026.
What to know
One discount point costs 1% of the loan and typically lowers the rate about 0.25%. A temporary 2-1 buydown cuts the rate 2% in year one and 1% in year two, often seller-funded.
What affects your FHA rate
- Your credit score and down payment
- Loan term (15- vs 30-year)
- Discount points purchased
- The bond market and Fed policy
- Lender margins — which is why comparing quotes matters
Example payment by rate
| Rate | P&I on a $300,000 loan (30-yr) |
|---|---|
| 5.50% | $1,703 |
| 5.75% | $1,751 |
| 6.00% | $1,799 |
| 6.25% | $1,847 |
| 6.50% | $1,896 |
| 6.75% | $1,946 |
| 7.00% | $1,996 |
Rates move daily. Join the free FHA Notification Program for rate-change alerts so you can lock at the right time.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- FHA Mortgage Points & Buydowns — the quick answer?
- One discount point costs 1% of the loan and typically lowers the rate about 0.25%. A temporary 2-1 buydown cuts the rate 2% in year one and 1% in year two, often seller-funded.
- Are FHA rates lower than conventional?
- FHA base rates are often similar to or slightly below conventional, but FHA mortgage insurance can make the all-in cost higher. Compare total monthly cost, not just the rate.