Can a family member assume an FHA loan?

Asked by: Aylin Mohr  |  Last update: October 18, 2025
Score: 4.5/5 (55 votes)

You can only assume a government-backed loan, such as an FHA or VA loan. Most conventional mortgages aren't assumable. Some borrowers seek out assumable mortgages in order to get a better interest rate than what's on the market today. An assumable loan can be tough to find, however.

Can you transfer an FHA loan to a family member?

The lender typically will not let you assign/transfer the loan to anyone else once you sign. It would require lender permission and I have very rarely heard of it happening; and typically when a spouse dies the other spouse wants to assume the loan and keep the house.

Is it hard to assume an FHA mortgage?

To be approved for an FHA mortgage assumption, the buyer must meet the following requirements: Your credit score must be at least 580 to make a 3.5% down payment or between 500 and 579 to make a 10% down payment. Your debt-to-income (DTI) ratio must be 43% or less.

Can you assume a loan from a family member?

No lender is going to automatically allow someone else (A child of the deceased, or anyone else) to simply assume a loan that they may or may not qualify for. First, all the debts of the estate have to be paid, or the estate has to exhaust all funds (including selling off all the assets).

Which loan is not allowed to be assumed?

Not assumable means that the buyer cannot assume the existing mortgage from the seller. Conventional mortgages are non-assumable. Some mortgages have non-assumable clauses, preventing buyers from assuming mortgages from the seller.

Loan Assumption - What You Need To Know Before Assuming a Loan

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How to take over a mortgage from a family member?

If you are considering assuming a mortgage from a family member, there are several essential steps you need to follow to ensure a smooth and successful process.
  1. Step 1: Communicate with the Lender. ...
  2. Step 2: Review the Existing Mortgage Terms. ...
  3. Step 3: Complete the Assumption Application.

What are the downsides of an assumable mortgage?

As mentioned, lenders must approve an assumable mortgage. If done without approval, sellers run the risk of having to pay the full remaining balance upfront. Sellers also risk buyers missing payments, which can negatively impact the credit score of both the buyer and seller.

Can a family member assume a FHA loan?

Most government-backed loans, including all FHA loans, are assumable, as long as the lender approves the sale. However, additional rules apply: For loans originated on or after Dec.

Can a family member take over a loan?

Most personal loans cannot be transferred to someone else. There are rare exceptions to this rule, such as mortgages and car loans, but even then, it is easier to qualify for a new mortgage or car loan to pay off the existing loan.

Can my son assume my home loan?

You may be able to transfer your mortgage loan to your child (or into a trust for them), but it depends on your lender and what type of mortgage loan you have. Contact your loan servicer and ask what transfer options are available to you.

How much does it cost to assume an FHA mortgage?

Pay the closing costs

To assume an FHA loan, you must also pay the lender an assumption fee and closing costs. Assumption fees range from 0.05% to 1% of the original loan amount, whereas closing costs range from 2% to 5% of the remaining loan balance. These fees are typically paid upfront at the time of closing.

Why do sellers not want a FHA loan?

Some reasons a seller might refuse an FHA loan include misconceptions about longer closing times, stricter property requirements, or the belief that FHA borrowers are riskier.

What is the FHA 85% rule?

FHA loan rules do not forbid identity of interest transactions are permitted, but many want to know why the higher down payment may be a factor. According to HUD 4000.1: “The maximum LTV percentage for Identity-of-Interest transactions on Principal Residences is restricted to 85 percent.

Can you inherit an FHA loan?

If you have inherited property secured by an FHA-insured Home Equity Conversion Mortgage (HECM), you have certain options regarding disposition of the property and satisfaction of the HECM loan.

Can I pass my mortgage to my son?

While most mortgages aren't transferable, some lenders might make an exception for transfers between parents and children. You'll need to speak with your lender to see if you're eligible and understand the requirements.

Can I assume a loan from a family member?

A family member (or sometimes even non-relatives) can assume an existing mortgage on a home they've inherited. If one person is awarded sole ownership of a property in divorce proceedings, that person can assume the full existing mortgage themselves.

Do you need a down payment for an assumable mortgage?

You Pay the Seller Instead of Making a Down Payment

When you assume a loan, you do not have to make a down payment. Instead, you pay the seller compensation for the equity they have built in the home, or the difference between their mortgage balance and what the home is worth.

How much money can be legally given to a family member as a loan?

For 2021, you can forgive up to $15,000 per borrower ($30,000 if your spouse joins in the gift) without paying gift taxes or using any of your lifetime exemption. (These amounts are the same as in 2020.) But you will still have interest income in the year of forgiveness. Forgive (don't forget).

Can you transfer an FHA loan to another person?

Request a transfer.

For example, if you have an FHA loan, you'll need to submit a “release of liability” form, and the new owner will have to meet creditworthiness criteria.

Does FHA allow purchase by family member?

FHA identity of interest exceptions

Family member purchase: The exemption can apply if the property being purchased is the primary residence of a spouse, fiance, or family member. However, the condition here is that you must have lived in the house for at least six months.

What type of mortgage is generally not assumable by a buyer?

FHA, USDA, or VA are all assumable by default. Conventional mortgages are generally not assumable, but if you want to read your mortgage contract maybe yours is, but not likely.

How much does it cost to assume a FHA loan?

How much can mortgagees charge for processing an FHA loan assumption? As of the recent update to the Single Family Housing Policy Handbook 4000.1, mortgagees can charge up to $1,800 for processing an FHA loan assumption. This is a significant increase from the previous maximum of $900.

What credit score do you need for an assumable mortgage?

FHA Loan Assumption Requirements

Buyers wishing to assume an FHA mortgage must have a minimum credit score of 620, although buyers with scores above 580 may be eligible with additional restrictions.

Can you assume someone's mortgage without refinancing?

A mortgage that can be transferred to a new owner without the need to refinance means that if something happens in the future, such as an increase in interest rates or other factors affecting affordability, there are no problems with transferring the mortgage over to another person who can continue paying it on time ...