Published:
December 17, 2018
Last updated:
September 1, 2026
Maximum FHA Loan Limit in Seattle Increases to $1,063,750 in 2026

Key Takeaways

  • The 2026 FHA loan limit for a single-family home in King, Pierce, and Snohomish counties is $1,063,750.
  • All Washington counties have 2026 FHA loan limits, with Seattle-area counties set higher because of local home values.
  • The FHA loan limit caps the loan amount FHA can insure, not the home purchase price.
  • FHA loans require at least 3.5% down and include mortgage insurance premiums that typically last for the life of the loan.
In This Article

Federal housing officials announced that FHA loan limits for Seattle would increase in 2026. Other counties will also see increases. We also mentioned that HUD officials would follow suit with a similar announcement of their own.

If your planned loan amount stays within that limit, FHA financing may still be an option. If it goes above the limit, you may need to consider a different loan structure or program.

New FHA Loan Limit for Seattle Area: $1,063,750

In the Seattle area, the FHA loan limit for a single-family property remains at $1,063,750 in 2026. This figure applies to all of King, Pierce and Snohomish counties. Those three counties have higher loan limits than the rest of the state, due to higher home values across the Seattle area. All other counties in Washington have lower limits in 2026.

Related: 5 common questions about FHA loan in Washington state

FHA loan limits increased for all counties in Washington.

The new limits will apply to FHA loans with case numbers assigned on or after January 1, 2026, and they will remain at that level through the end of the year. (These limits are typically reviewed at the end of each year, and adjusted when rising home prices warrant it.)

As of July 31, 2026, Zillow’s home value index for Seattle was around $851,471.

Today’s Seattle Mortgage

The following table outlines the new FHA loan limits in King, Pierce, and Snohomish counties:

County Name1 Unit2 Units3 Units4 Units
KING$1,063,750$1,361,800$1,646,100$2,045,700
PIERCE$1,063,750$1,361,800$1,646,100$2,045,700
SNOHOMISH$1,063,750$1,361,800$1,646,100$2,045,700

Check out our mortgage loan limit tool for conventional, FHA, and VA loans, as well as the 2026 FHA loan limits for Washington State.

Fast Facts: How This Mortgage Program Works

For Seattle-area buyers, the key thing to know is that the FHA loan limit caps the size of the loan FHA can insure, not necessarily the home price itself. Your down payment, other financing details, and total loan amount all affect whether a purchase fits within the limit.

  • The Federal Housing Administration insures these loans against default-related losses. While this insurance primarily protects Seattle mortgage lenders that generate the loans, it also results in flexible qualification requirements for borrowers.
  • FHA loans require a minimum down payment of 3.5%. This appeals to borrowers with limited funds in the bank, including many first-time buyers. But the program is not limited to first-time buyers.
  • This program requires borrowers to pay mortgage insurance premiums. While conventional (non-FHA) loans also require mortgage insurance in low-down-payment situations, it can be canceled when the homeowner reaches a certain equity level. The annual insurance premium for FHA loans, on the other hand, typically has to be paid for the life of the loan.
  • The National Housing Act requires FHA to set maximum loan limits by area, and in high-cost markets the ceiling for a one-unit property can reach 150% of the national conforming loan limit. Limits also vary by county and are reviewed in relation to local home prices.

Related: FHA loan requirements for Washington state home buyers

Home Prices in the Metro Area

Seattle-area counties have higher FHA limits because loan limits are tied to local home values. HUD’s loan limit resources let borrowers look up the FHA or GSE mortgage limits for specific areas, along with the median price estimates used for loan limit determination.

For buyers in King, Pierce, and Snohomish counties, the practical takeaway is simple: use the FHA limit as a planning tool. If your estimated loan amount is close to or above the county limit, compare your down payment options and financing choices early so you can see whether an FHA loan still fits your budget.

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Have Questions About Mortgages?

Sammamish Mortgage can help. We serve clients across Washington, Idaho, Colorado, Oregon, and California. Since 1992, we’ve been providing several mortgage programs and products with flexible qualification criteria to borrowers across the Pacific Northwest. Visit our website to get an instant rate quote or to use our online mortgage calculator. Or, reach out to us if you are ready to get pre-approved for a mortgage.

FAQs

What is the Seattle FHA loan limit for 2026?

The 2026 FHA loan limit for a single-family home in the Seattle area is $1,063,750.

Is the 2026 FHA loan limit the same in King, Pierce, and Snohomish counties?

Yes. The 2026 FHA loan limit for a one-unit property is $1,063,750 in King, Pierce, and Snohomish counties.

What are the loan limits for King County in 2026?

For FHA financing on a single-family home, King County has a 2026 loan limit of $1,063,750. The same FHA limit also applies in Pierce and Snohomish counties.

What is the maximum FHA loan limit in Washington State for 2026?

The highest FHA loan limit mentioned for Washington in 2026 is $1,063,750 for a single-family property in the Seattle-area counties of King, Pierce, and Snohomish. Other Washington counties have lower limits.

What is the new FHA loan limit for 2026 in the Seattle area?

The new 2026 FHA loan limit for a one-unit home in the Seattle area is $1,063,750.

Does the FHA loan limit cap the home price or the loan amount?

It caps the loan amount FHA can insure, not necessarily the purchase price of the home. Your down payment and financing structure affect whether the purchase fits within the limit.

Can I still use an FHA loan if the home price is above the Seattle-area FHA limit?

Possibly. A home price can be above the FHA limit if your actual loan amount stays at or below $1,063,750. If the planned loan amount goes above that limit, a different loan structure or program may be needed.

When do the 2026 FHA loan limits apply?

The 2026 FHA loan limits apply to FHA loans with case numbers assigned on or after January 1, 2026, and they remain in effect through the end of the year.

Why are FHA loan limits higher in the Seattle area than in other Washington counties?

King, Pierce, and Snohomish counties have higher FHA loan limits because home values are higher across the Seattle area. FHA loan limits are reviewed in relation to local home prices.

How can I check FHA loan limits in other Washington counties?

HUD loan limit resources can be used to look up FHA mortgage limits by county, including the local price estimates used for loan limit determination.