How long do you have to pay mortgage insurance with FHA?

Asked by: Jefferey Berge  |  Last update: October 11, 2025
Score: 4.4/5 (17 votes)

How long will you pay FHA MIP? If you get a 30-year FHA loan and put 3.5 percent down, you'll be paying MIP for the entire term (or for as long as you have the loan). If you put down at least 10 percent, you'll pay for 11 years.

When can I stop paying FHA mortgage insurance?

The only way to eliminate the MIP is to pay off your FHA mortgage by selling the home or refinancing it with a conventional loan. On the other hand, you may cancel FHA MIP after 11 years if your initial down payment when you bought the home was 10% or more and you made all your payments on time.

How long do you pay FHA mortgage insurance?

For recent FHA loans, you will need to pay insurance premiums for at least 11 years, and you may need to pay them for the life of the loan. Some FHA homeowners refinance into a Conventional loan to stop paying for mortgage insurance. Learn more about how to stop paying for mortgage insurance.

What is the FHA six month rule?

This timeframe is defined by the Federal Housing administration (FHA), and it has set the standard that other lenders follow. It's also driven by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac guidelines to qualify for a conventional loan. Employment gap lender rule of thumb: <Six months is okay. >Six months is an employment gap.

How do I avoid paying PMI on FHA?

That depends on how much equity you have. If you have a home equity stake worth 20 percent or more of the home's value, you won't need to pay PMI.

How Long Do You Have To Pay FHA Mortgage Insurance? - InsuranceGuide360.com

22 related questions found

Do FHA loans have PMI forever?

No, FHA loan PMI removal is technically impossible because PMI is for conventional mortgages only. FHA loans have MIP, which usually lasts 11 years or the life of the loan. To remove MIP, you must refinance into a conventional loan once you have enough equity.

What is the FHA 75% rule?

If you're currently in the market looking to buy a triplex or fourplex with FHA financing, you need to see if the property's rents pass the Self-Sufficiency Test. To be “self-sufficient” means that 75% of the property's rents need to cover the monthly payments.

What is the minimum income for a FHA loan?

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

What is the 2 FHA loan rule?

Exceptions to the Rule: When You Can Have Multiple FHA Loans

The FHA recognizes that life circumstances can necessitate having more than one FHA loan. To be eligible for a second FHA loan, you must have at least 25% equity in your home or have paid down the FHA loan balance to 75% in certain circumstances.

How long until I don't have to pay mortgage insurance?

Loan servicers must cancel PMI once you reach a 78 percent LTV ratio, based on the home's original appraised value, or halfway through your loan's term (15 years into a 30-year mortgage, for example).

Can I put $20 down on an FHA loan?

If you put 20% down on an FHA loan, you would pay a lower annual mortgage insurance premium. The premium requirement would also stop after 11 years. However, if you have 20% to put down and your credit score is 620 or higher, you may want to pursue a conventional loan instead.

Do I have to wait 2 years to remove PMI?

Get an Appraisal

Many lenders (like Fannie Mae) also require a two-year “seasoning requirement,” meaning you can't have PMI removed until you've made two years' worth of on-time payments—even if your equity has grown above 20%. If it's been less than five years, you might even be required to have 25% worth of equity.

Can you get out of an FHA loan early?

Yes. You can pay off your FHA mortgage early. Unlike many traditional mortgages, FHA loans do not charge prepayment penalties.

How can I lower my mortgage payment?

Options to reduce mortgage payments include:
  1. Refinance to lower your payment.
  2. Recast your mortgage.
  3. Eliminate your mortgage insurance.
  4. Modify your loan.
  5. Lower your taxes.
  6. Shop around for a lower homeowners insurance rate.
  7. Apply for mortgage forbearance.

How much income do I need for a 400k FHA loan?

What income is required for a 400k mortgage? To afford a $400,000 house, borrowers need $55,600 in cash to put 10 percent down. With a 30-year mortgage, your monthly income should be at least $8200 and your monthly payments on existing debt should not exceed $981.

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.

What is the FHA 12 month rule?

FHA First Mortgage

Borrower must have owned property for 12 months AND if encumbered by a mortgage made payments for the last 12 months within the month due. Otherwise limited to 85% LTV. Standard 31/43 ratios, may be exceeded with compensating factor(s).

Is FHA always 3.5% down?

Down payments and gift funds

The minimum down payment required for an FHA loan is 3.5% if you have a credit score of 580 or higher. If you have a credit score from 500 to 579, you'll have to put down at least 10% of the purchase price.

How do I pass an FHA appraisal?

FHA appraisal and inspection checklist
  1. Must have an undamaged exterior, foundation and roof.
  2. Must have safe and reasonable property access.
  3. Must not contain loose wiring and exposed electrical systems.
  4. Must have all relevant utilities, including gas, electricity, water and sewage functioning properly.

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.

Can I rent out my FHA home after 1 year?

Can I rent out my FHA home after the first year? Yes, after fulfilling the initial one-year occupancy requirement, you can rent out your FHA home. However, if you plan to purchase another property with an FHA loan, you will need to meet specific conditions and justifications for maintaining the original FHA loan.

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.