New Jersey FHA Loans at a Glance: just 3.5% down · FICO from 580 · North Jersey limit up to $1,249,125 · pairs with NJHMFA DPA up to $22,000 · NMLS #1826020
New Jersey FHA Home Loans · Direct Lender Since 1998

FHA Loans New Jersey

Buy a New Jersey home with as little as 3.5% down and a credit score from 580. In NYC-commuter North Jersey, FHA finances up to $1,249,125 – now above the conforming limit – and it stacks with NJHMFA down-payment help worth up to $22,000.

  • 3.5% down with a 580+ FICO (10% down from 500-579)
  • Stack NJHMFA DPA – $15,000, or up to $22,000 for first-generation buyers
  • North Jersey FHA limits reach the $1,249,125 ceiling
  • South Jersey (Philadelphia metro) FHA limit of $630,200
  • Gift funds welcome; seller can pay up to 6% of closing costs

Start My New Jersey FHA Application →

Get Pre-Approved for a New Jersey FHA Loan

Fast, friendly, no obligation.

Get Your Free Quote! No Credit Pull Required.

★ 3.5% down★ 580 credit OK★ NJHMFA DPA★ Up to $1,249,125★ First-time friendly★ Serving NJ since 1998

Why an FHA loan works in New Jersey

An FHA loan is a government-insured mortgage that helps New Jersey buyers qualify with flexible credit, a low down payment and higher debt-to-income than conventional financing. In NYC-commuter North Jersey, FHA’s ceiling-level limit now beats the conforming limit – a real edge for buyers.

New Jersey is a dual market: high-cost commuter counties in the north and value-priced Philadelphia-metro and Shore towns in the south. Whether you are buying near Chatham’s top schools or a first home in Camden County, an FHA loan stacked with NJHMFA help gets you to closing with less cash down. Start your application →

New Jersey FHA loan requirements (2026)

Minimum down payment3.5% with a 580+ credit score (10% down with a 500-579 score)
Minimum credit scoreFrom 580; we also work with buyers rebuilding credit
Mortgage insurance (MIP)1.75% upfront (financed into the loan) plus an annual MIP around 0.15%-0.55%, paid monthly
Debt-to-income (DTI)Generally up to 43%-50% with compensating factors and automated approval
Down-payment sourceYour own funds, gift funds from family, or eligible down-payment assistance
Seller concessionsThe seller can contribute up to 6% toward your closing costs
Property typesSingle-family, FHA-approved condos, townhomes, and 2-4 unit owner-occupied New Jersey homes
OccupancyPrimary residence (you will live in the home)
Co-borrowersNon-occupant co-borrowers (e.g., a parent) are allowed to help you qualify

2026 New Jersey FHA loan limits by county

FHA loan limits are set by county. NYC-metro North Jersey reaches the national ceiling, the Philadelphia-metro south runs mid-tier, and a few counties sit at the floor:

North Jersey / NYC metro (1-unit)$1,249,125 (Bergen, Hudson, Passaic, Essex, Union, Middlesex, Monmouth, Ocean, Morris, Somerset, Sussex, Hunterdon)
Philadelphia-Camden metro (1-unit)$630,200 (Camden, Burlington, Gloucester, Salem)
Standard counties (1-unit)$541,287 (Atlantic, Cape May, Cumberland, Warren, Mercer)
2-4 unit propertiesHigher limits apply – ask us for your county’s exact figures

2026 one-unit FHA limits set annually by HUD; 2-4 unit limits are higher. We confirm the exact limit for your New Jersey county before you write an offer.

Ready to see how much home you can buy in New Jersey with 3.5% down? Get pre-approved today.
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New Jersey FHA loan calculators

Run the numbers on your New Jersey FHA loan in seconds. These estimators are for planning only – apply for your exact, personalized figures.

1. FHA monthly payment

Estimate your full monthly payment including FHA mortgage insurance.

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Total monthly payment
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Principal, interest & MIP

2. Down payment & cash to close

See your down payment and estimated cash after seller credits.

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Estimated cash to close
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Down payment amount

3. How much home can I afford?

Estimate your FHA price range from income and monthly debts.

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Estimated home price
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Max housing payment

4. FHA loan amount + MIP

See your base loan plus the 1.75% upfront MIP financed in.

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Total financed (with UFMIP)
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Base loan / 1.75% UFMIP

Estimates only and not a commitment to lend. FHA charges 1.75% upfront MIP (financed) plus a monthly annual premium (~0.55% here for illustration). Actual figures depend on your property, credit and qualification.

First-time buyer, family, or 55+ mover - we have a New Jersey FHA program for you.
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New Jersey down payment assistance you can pair with FHA

Your FHA loan stacks with the New Jersey Housing and Mortgage Finance Agency (NJHMFA) - including a first-generation bonus that pushes total help to $22,000:

NJHMFA Down Payment Assistance

Up to $15,000 as a 0% interest, 5-year forgivable second - no monthly payment, fully forgiven after 5 years as your primary residence.

NJ First-Generation Homebuyer

An extra $7,000 (0%, 5-year forgivable) for buyers whose parents never owned a home - total assistance up to $22,000.

Who qualifies

First-time buyers (no ownership in 3 years), county income and purchase-price limits, and a primary residence.

NJHMFA first mortgage

The assistance pairs with an NJHMFA 30-year fixed first mortgage, including FHA - we set up the combination.

Homebuyer education

An approved class unlocks the assistance and helps you close with confidence.

Gift funds & seller credits

Combine gift funds and up to 6% in seller credits with FHA and NJHMFA help to minimize cash to close.

Ask about NJHMFA - up to $22,000 in forgivable down-payment help.
See If You Qualify

Assistance programs have income, price and funding limits, are first-come while funds last, and are subject to change and eligibility. We confirm what you qualify for.

Stack NJHMFA help with FHA - up to $22,000 forgivable.
See If I Qualify
Buy a New Jersey home with an FHA loan - apply nowYour New Jersey home is closer than you think →

New Jersey FHA highlights

  • 3.5% down - keep more cash in your pocket
  • 580 credit accepted; flexible, common-sense underwriting
  • Gift funds & NJHMFA help can cover your down payment
  • Buy a home, condo or up to a 4-unit you live in
  • Refinance later with an FHA Streamline - no appraisal needed

Get My FHA Pre-Approval →

New Jersey cities we serve for FHA loans

As a direct FHA lender since 1998, we help buyers across every New Jersey metro. A few of the cities where we finance FHA purchases and refinances:

  • Newark
  • Jersey City
  • Paterson
  • Elizabeth
  • Edison
  • Woodbridge
  • Toms River
  • Hamilton
  • Trenton
  • Camden
  • Clifton
  • Cherry Hill
  • Passaic
  • East Orange
  • Union City
  • Bayonne
  • New Brunswick
  • Vineland
  • Sayreville
  • Hoboken

Do not see your city? Start your application → - we lend statewide across New Jersey.

Best New Jersey places for families & top schools

Buying where the schools are strong protects your family and your home's value. These New Jersey districts consistently earn top marks:

Princeton & Montgomery Township

Among New Jersey's very top school districts in the Mercer/Somerset area.

Chatham (Morris)

Elite, walkable NYC-commuter town with top schools.

Millburn / Short Hills (Essex)

Premier schools and a quick Midtown Direct commute.

Ridgewood (Bergen)

Sought-after Bergen County town with strong schools.

Westfield (Union)

Classic commuter town with highly rated schools.

Moorestown & Haddonfield (South Jersey)

Top Philadelphia-side districts with historic charm.

Best New Jersey 55+ & active-adult communities

New Jersey has a growing 55+ market, and FHA can finance a home in an age-restricted community (condos must be FHA-approved). Popular options include:

Four Seasons communities (K. Hovnanian)

A large family of active-adult communities across Ocean, Monmouth and Burlington counties.

Leisure Village (Ocean County)

One of NJ's original and most popular 55+ communities.

Renaissance at Manchester

Amenity-rich active-adult living in Ocean County.

Greenbriar communities (Monroe, Whittingham)

Established 55+ neighborhoods in central and southern NJ.

Venue at developments

Newer active-adult neighborhoods near the Shore and suburbs.

Condominium communities (statewide)

FHA-approved 55+ condos with low upkeep.

Start your New Jersey FHA loan today

Whether it is your first home, a bigger place near great schools, or a fresh start in a 55+ community, we match you to the right FHA program and get you pre-approved fast - with as little as 3.5% down.

  • Same-week pre-approval
  • Down-payment assistance and gift funds welcome
  • Friendly, local New Jersey guidance since 1998

Apply for My New Jersey FHA Loan →

Apply for your New Jersey FHA home loanGet pre-approved with 3.5% down →

New Jersey FHA loan programs

FHA Purchase

3.5% down to buy a New Jersey home, condo or 2-4 unit you live in.

FHA Streamline Refinance

Lower your rate or payment with reduced documentation and no new appraisal required.

FHA 203(k) Renovation

Roll the purchase price and renovation costs into one FHA loan.

FHA Cash-Out Refinance

Tap your New Jersey home equity up to FHA limits.

FHA Condo Loans

Financing for units in FHA-approved New Jersey condominium projects.

Down-Payment Assistance

Pair your FHA loan with New Jersey DPA and gift funds to buy with less cash.

How to get a New Jersey FHA loan

Get pre-approved

Apply online in minutes and we confirm your budget, rate and down payment - with as little as 3.5% down.

Find your home

Shop with confidence in the New Jersey community and school zone you want; your pre-approval makes your offer stronger.

Underwrite & appraise

We handle the FHA appraisal and approval - flexible on credit, gift funds and DTI.

Close & move in

Sign, get your keys, and start building equity in your New Jersey home.

New Jersey housing & FHA outlook for 2027

What New Jersey FHA buyers should watch heading into 2027:

North Jersey ceiling beats conforming

The $1,249,125 FHA limit now sits above conforming in NYC-metro counties - commuters can finance near-jumbo homes with 3.5% down.

First-Generation bonus stands out

The extra $7,000 (up to $22,000 total) is a strong 2026-27 differentiator for new-wealth and immigrant-family buyers.

Two funnels at the Shore

Ocean and Monmouth blend first-time FHA demand with a deep 55+/active-adult retiree market.

South Jersey value lane

Camden, Burlington and Gloucester ($630,200) offer a lower-cost, Philadelphia-commuter entry point distinct from the pricey north.

Outlook only, not a guarantee or financial advice. Market conditions change; we give you current, personalized numbers when you apply.

New Jersey FHA loan FAQ

What are the 2026 FHA loan limits in New Jersey?

NYC-metro North Jersey counties (Bergen, Hudson, Passaic, Essex, Union, Middlesex, Monmouth, Ocean, Morris, Somerset, Sussex, Hunterdon) reach the 2026 ceiling of $1,249,125 for a one-unit home. The Philadelphia-Camden metro (Camden, Burlington, Gloucester, Salem) is $630,200, and the remaining counties are at the $541,287 floor.

How much NJHMFA down-payment help can I get?

NJHMFA offers up to $15,000 as a 0% interest, 5-year forgivable second, plus an extra $7,000 for first-generation buyers - up to $22,000 total. It is for first-time buyers within income limits and pairs with an NJHMFA FHA first mortgage.

How much down payment do I need for an FHA loan in New Jersey?

Just 3.5% of the purchase price with a credit score of 580 or higher (10% down if your score is 500-579). Your down payment can come from savings, a gift from family, or eligible down-payment assistance.

Can I use an FHA loan to buy a condo in New Jersey?

Yes - the condominium project must be on the FHA-approved list, or we can request single-unit (spot) approval. We check your specific building.

Can I use an FHA loan as a first-time buyer in New Jersey?

Absolutely - FHA is the most popular loan for first-time buyers thanks to 3.5% down, a 580 credit minimum and gift-fund allowance, and it pairs with NJHMFA down-payment assistance.

Is CambridgeHomeLoan.com a direct FHA lender?

Yes - we are a direct lender (NMLS #1826020) serving homebuyers since 1998, with friendly guidance from application to closing.

Apply for your New Jersey FHA loan

Get pre-approved in minutes - 3.5% down, credit from 580, gift funds and down-payment assistance welcome. A direct FHA lender serving New Jersey since 1998.

Get Pre-Approved for a New Jersey FHA Loan

Fast, friendly, no obligation.

Get Your Free Quote! No Credit Pull Required.

Start My Application →

Serving New Jersey homebuyers Since 1998!
© 2026 CambridgeHomeLoan.com  ·  NMLS #1826020  ·  4830 W Kennedy Blvd, Tampa, FL 33609  ·  (800) 826-5077  ·  Equal Housing Lender  ·  NMLS Consumer Access

Rates, terms, FHA loan limits and program guidelines are for 2026, subject to change, and depend on the property, credit and qualification. Not a commitment to lend. This is not a government agency. Equal Housing Lender.


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