FHA loan San Diego
Amir Nurani · NMLS #197458 · (619) 366-9494
Get Pre-Approved (619) 366-9494
An FHA loan in San Diego is built for buyers who need a lower down payment and more flexible credit guidelines. Typical minimum down payment is 3.5%, and mortgage insurance applies.
Who is FHA for?
Buyers who want a lower cash-to-close than many conventional programs, and files that need more flexible credit or income documentation. FHA is for a primary residence. Left Coast Leaders is a San Diego mortgage broker. We shop FHA next to conventional and VA on the same file.
If you have VA eligibility, compare both. If you do not, FHA is often the path when 20% down is not realistic. See San Diego mortgage rates for why a published rate is not your quote.
What does 3.5% down mean in plain English?
On a purchase, 3.5% is the typical FHA minimum down payment. On a $700,000 price, that is $24,500 down before closing costs. You still need reserves and closing costs. Mortgage insurance applies on FHA. Under 20% down usually means mortgage insurance on conventional too. We show both monthly numbers on the same file.
What are the FHA loan limits in San Diego for 2026?
FHA uses county loan limits. In San Diego County the 2026 1-unit high-cost conforming line is $1,104,000. Baseline conforming is $832,750. Those figures are the loan amount, not the list price. Confirm the FHA limit for your unit count on loan limits and on your pre-approval.
| Item | 2026 figure |
|---|---|
| 1-unit high-cost conforming | $1,104,000 |
| 1-unit baseline conforming | $832,750 |
How does FHA compare to conventional and VA?
| Down payment | Mortgage insurance | Occupancy | |
|---|---|---|---|
| FHA | Typical minimum 3.5% | MI applies | Primary residence |
| Conventional | Varies by program and lender | Usually required under 20% down | Primary, second home, or investment, depending on the program |
| VA | $0 down is common with full entitlement | No monthly PMI | Primary residence |
How do first-time buyers use FHA in Chula Vista, El Cajon, Oceanside, and Escondido?
Those cities are where FHA often fits the price and the cash-to-close. We work first-time buyers in Chula Vista, El Cajon, Oceanside, and Escondido. We also shop files in La Jolla, Carlsbad, Coronado, and Encinitas when FHA or conventional is the better fit.
How do I estimate a payment?
Use the mortgage calculator for a first pass. Under 20% down usually means mortgage insurance. That is a monthly cost, not just a rate. When you are ready to write, use the San Diego offer sheet.
Planning to refinance later? Read Refinance San Diego. Get a number now with Get Pre-Approved or call (619) 366-9494.
Frequently asked questions
Sometimes. The condo project has to meet FHA guidelines, or the unit has to qualify under the current single-unit rules. We check the project before you write an offer.
Guidelines vary by lender and by the rest of the file. We look at credit, income, down payment, and the property together. We do not quote a cutoff number on this page. Send the file and we will tell you what is possible.
Often yes, if credit, equity, and income support a conventional or other program. That is a new file. See Refinance San Diego or call (619) 366-9494.
Want an FHA number on your file?
Get pre-approved. We shop FHA next to conventional and VA.
Get Pre-ApprovedLeft Coast Leaders, Inc. · San Diego, CA 92111 · (619) 366-9494 · NMLS #2394495 · DRE #02191517 · Amir Nurani NMLS #197458 · Equal Housing Lender