FHA Loan Limits in York County, SC: What Buyers Should Know for 2026
FHA loans are a popular choice for homebuyers in the Shelby, Kings Mountain, Gastonia, and York County areas because they allow for lower down payments and more flexible credit requirements. One important rule to understand is the FHA loan limit, which is the maximum loan amount the FHA will insure in each county.
FHA updates these limits every year based on home price trends. As home values have increased, FHA loan limits for 2026 have also gone up, giving buyers more room to shop in today’s market.
What Is an FHA Loan Limit?
An FHA loan limit is the highest mortgage amount that can be used with an FHA loan for a specific county and property type. Limits vary depending on whether you’re buying a single-family home, duplex, triplex, or four-unit property, and they also vary by location.
Most of Cleveland County, NC and York County, SC fall into standard-cost areas, which still allow FHA loan amounts well into the mid-$500,000 range for single-family homes — enough to cover many properties in our local market.
Why Limits Are Different by Area
FHA adjusts loan limits to reflect local home prices. Areas with higher home values are allowed higher loan limits, while more affordable counties have slightly lower limits. This system helps keep FHA loans available to buyers across a wide range of markets, from rural areas to growing suburbs.
Basic FHA Loan Requirements
To qualify for an FHA loan, buyers typically need:
A credit score of 580 or higher for a 3.5% down payment
A debt-to-income ratio around 43% or less
The home must be your primary residence
The property must meet FHA safety and condition guidelines
These flexible standards make FHA loans especially helpful for first-time buyers and buyers who are still building their credit.
How This Affects Local Buyers
In most parts of Shelby, Kings Mountain, Cherryville, Clover, and surrounding communities, FHA loan limits are high enough to support a wide range of home prices. However, buyers shopping near the top of their budget should always confirm that the home price fits within FHA limits before making an offer.
Thinking About Buying With an FHA Loan?
FHA can be a great option, but it’s not the only one. The best approach is to review your budget, down payment options, and monthly payment comfort level before choosing a loan program.
If you’re buying in York County and want help understanding what loan options fit your goals, I’m happy to connect you with trusted local lenders and walk you through the process from start to finish.
