Can you qualify for FHA if you're married?

Asked by: Kris Buckridge  |  Last update: August 6, 2025
Score: 4.5/5 (68 votes)

Unlike government backed loans such as Fannie Mae loans the FHA views married couples jointly. This means joint responsibility and joint liabilities. FHA Loans require the lender pulls credit on the debt of the spouse even if the spouse is not on the mortgage.

Can I get an FHA loan if I'm married?

If your partner buys the home, you wait to get married, and then you buy a house, you will be able to qualify for FHA because you are not a homeowner. Once you get married, you are considered a homeowner regardless of who bought the house.

Can you be a first time home buyer if you're married?

They define a first-time homebuyer as any of the following: "An individual who has had no ownership in a principal residence for a period of three years as of the date they purchase the new property. This includes a spouse (if either meets the above test, they are considered first-time homebuyers)."

What will disqualify you from an FHA loan?

You may be denied for an FHA loan if you have declared bankruptcy but you have not had the bankruptcy discharged. You may be denied if you are delinquent on federal taxes or otherwise owe money to the federal government but without an approved payment plan.

Is it easier to get approved for a house if you're married?

A husband and wife jointly applying for a home loan generally mean higher chances of the loan being approved. Lenders are usually more comfortable with two people repaying the loan as it means the family has two incomes and is in good financial standing.

Can You Get an FHA Loan Without Your Spouse

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Does being married affect mortgage approval?

The Influence of Marriage on Your Mortgage

Marriage can significantly impact your mortgage in various ways. One of the most common is the ability to apply for a joint mortgage. This allows both spouses to combine their incomes, potentially qualifying for a larger loan.

Can I get an FHA loan if my spouse has bad credit?

When the non-purchasing spouse must submit to a credit check FHA loan rules dictate that bad credit reports on the non-purchasing spouse can't be used to deny an FHA mortgage to the borrower, but the credit check is required nevertheless.

Who is not eligible for FHA?

The three primary factors that can disqualify you from getting an FHA loan are a high debt-to-income ratio, poor credit, or lack of funds to cover the required down payment, monthly mortgage payments or closing costs.

What disqualifies you as a first time home buyer?

Credit score requirements

Most first-time home buyer programs require a minimum credit score, often around 620, to qualify for conventional loans. However, some programs, like FHA loans, are more lenient, allowing scores as low as 580 or even lower with higher down payments.

What happens if you buy a house while married?

Community Property States

If you and your spouse live in a community property state, this means that all the assets you gain during marriage are owned by both of you. These nine states are community property states: Arizona. California.

Can a married couple buy a house with one income?

It's no problem if you use only your income to qualify for a mortgage and share a bank account with your spouse. It won't affect your ability to pay your monthly mortgage payment from the joint account as long as you can legally access the funds and your name is on the account.

Can spouse's income be considered for a mortgage?

Income: Using the combined income of both spouses means you can usually expect to be eligible for a larger mortgage. Debt to income ratio: Your debt to income ratio considers the total amount of monthly debt payments divided by how much pre-tax money you earn each month.

What are the income requirements for a FHA loan?

The answer to this question is "no." There are no minimum income requirements for FHA loans.

Do couples lose first-time buyer status if one partner bought in the past?

You will qualify as a first-time buyer if your partner hasn't owned a home in over 3 years. But if your spouse has owned a home in that timespan or currently owns one, you will not qualify.

Does FHA require a separation agreement?

A copy of the signed divorce decree, separation agreement, maintenance agreement or other legal order is required to document the payment and the number of remaining payments.

What would disqualify a house from an FHA loan?

The property needs to be free of known hazards that affect health and safety, the home's use, or may affect the structural soundness of the house and its marketability. These include, but are not limited to: Toxic chemicals. Radioactive materials.

What is the FHA 75% rule?

FHA Rule 75 states that 75% of the rental income must exceed the monthly mortgage for the property to be self-sufficient. This percentage must be at least enough to cover the mortgage payment, known as PITI (Principal, Interest, Taxes, and Insurance.)

What is the downside to an FHA loan?

FHA Loan: Cons

Here are some FHA home loan disadvantages: An extra cost – an upfront mortgage insurance premium (MIP) of 2.25% of the loan's value. The MIP must either be paid in cash when you get the loan or rolled into the life of the loan. Home price qualifying maximums are set by FHA.

Why would an FHA loan be denied?

Common reasons for FHA loan denial include low credit scores, high debt-to-income ratios, insufficient income, insufficient funds for a down payment, and properties not meeting FHA guidelines.

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.

What is the minimum down payment for an FHA loan?

For instance, the minimum required down payment for an FHA loan is only 3.5% of the purchase price.

Do you qualify for FHA if you're married?

However, if you're trying to obtain an FHA or VA loan, your lender may have to consider your spouse's debts when you apply. This may impact your eligibility. If you live in a common law state, it's less complicated. Your lender cannot factor in your spouse's finances if they're not on the mortgage application.

What is the lowest credit score you can have for an FHA loan?

Credit score: While the FHA has set the minimum credit score at 500, many FHA-approved lenders require higher minimum FICO scores of at least 620. Down payment: Obtaining an FHA loan requires you to make a down payment.

What credit score is needed for a married couple to buy a house?

While credit score requirements vary based on loan type, lenders generally require a credit score of at least 620 to buy a house with a conventional mortgage.