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Buying a home

Data from November 2026

Buying a home in Puerto Rico

A typical home in Puerto Rico is worth $131,500 (Average 2020–2024). The FHA limit for one unit is $541,287–$690,000 depending on the municipality. Here is the minimum down payment each loan type asks at that price, every municipality’s limit, and the state’s assistance programs.

Minimum down payment Limits by municipality
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Typical home
$131,500
median value, Average 2020–2024
60% less than the U.S.
FHA limit
$541,287–$690,000
one unit, by municipality
In 40 of the 78 municipios, the limit is above the national floor ($541,287).
Conforming limit
$832,750
one unit, 2026 data
Above this amount, the loan is a “jumbo” loan.
Minimum FHA down payment
$4,603
3.5% of a $131,500 home
VA and USDA ask for no down payment if you qualify.

Source: American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates Average 2020–2024 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates Source: FHA mortgage limits (HUD) Data from 2026 data FHA mortgage limits (HUD) Source: Conforming loan limits (FHFA) Data from 2026 data Conforming loan limits (FHFA)

Down payment

How much each loan asks up front

For a $131,500 home, the typical value in Puerto Rico. The minimum down payment is each program’s rule. The monthly figure is an example of principal and interest over 30 years at the 7.18% average rate (November 5, 2026): no taxes, insurance or mortgage insurance.

Your price, rate and down payment will differ: run the calculator with your numbers. Closing costs are extra.

Minimum down payment and monthly payment for a $131,500 home in Puerto Rico

  1. FHA Program rule

    Minimum down3.5%

    In dollars$4,603

    Per month$860

    With a credit score of 580 or more. Carries mortgage insurance (MIP) up front and every month.

    HUD Handbook 4000.1 (Update 18), II.A.2.a.iv — Minimum Required Investment · In effect since September 14, 2016

  2. Conventional Program rule

    Minimum down3%

    In dollars$3,945

    Per month$864

    3% is the lowest standard option. With less than 20% down you pay private mortgage insurance (PMI) until you have more equity.

    Fannie Mae Selling Guide B5-6-01 — HomeReady Mortgage Loan and Borrower Eligibility · In effect since January 1, 2024

  3. VA Program rule

    Minimum down0%

    In dollars$0

    Per month$891

    For veterans, service members and some spouses. No down payment as long as the price is not above the appraisal; charges a one-time funding fee.

    VA: Purchase loan — benefits · In effect since January 1, 2020

  4. USDA Program rule

    Minimum down0%

    In dollars$0

    Per month$891

    Only homes in eligible rural areas and households within USDA’s income limit. Finances the full price.

    7 CFR §3555.103 — Maximum loan amount (Guaranteed Rural Housing Program) · In effect since December 9, 2013

  5. ITIN or other Example, not a rule

    Minimum down15%

    In dollars$19,725

    Per month$757

    ITIN loans follow no federal rule: each lender sets its own down payment and rate, and usually asks for more. 15% is an example.

Loan limits

FHA and conforming limit in every municipality

FHA sets the limit by area: 40 of the 78 municipalities in Puerto Rico are high-cost and sit above the national floor ($541,287). The conforming limit is the most Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac will buy; above it, the loan is a “jumbo”.

One unit. For 2- to 4-unit homes, each municipality page has the full table. Source: FHA mortgage limits (HUD) Data from 2026 data FHA mortgage limits (HUD)

What the state publishes

Puerto Rico rules that change the math

Exemptions that lower property tax and taxes paid when the deed is recorded, summarized from the official page each one cites.

Property tax in Puerto Rico

Exemptions and caps

  • Residential exemption

    If you use the property as a home, you pay no tax on the first $15,000 of valuation. That valuation is measured at 1957 replacement cost (the last scientific appraisal), not today's price.

    Código Municipal de P.R., Art. 7.035(a) (21 L.P.R.A. § 7992) · Puerto Rico Municipal Code (Act 107-2020), OGP Virtual Library · Verified October 15, 2026

When the sale is recorded

  • Internal revenue stamps on the deed (notarial fees)

    The original of every document a notary authorizes carries internal revenue stamps according to its amount (the document's stated sum). Above $5,000, the original carries $2 for the first $1,000 and $1 more for each additional $1,000 or fraction.

    Ley de Arancel Notarial, Ley Núm. 101 de 1943, Sec. 2(1)(e) (4 L.P.R.A. § 851) · Notarial Fees Act (Act 101-1943), OGP Virtual Library · Verified October 16, 2026

  • Legal Aid Society stamp on the deed of sale

    The deed of sale carries Legal Aid Society stamps: $5 on the original when the amount is between $25,000 and $50,000, and $5 more on the original for each additional $50,000 or fraction.

    Ley de Arancel Notarial, Ley Núm. 101 de 1943, Sec. 2(2) (4 L.P.R.A. § 851) · Notarial Fees Act (Act 101-1943), OGP Virtual Library · Verified October 16, 2026

  • Property Registry recording fees

    To record each right on a property in the Property Registry, when the property or right is worth more than $25,000, the fee is $50 for the first $25,000 and $4 for each additional $1,000 or fraction.

    Ley Núm. 91 de 1970, Art. 1, Número Dos(c) (30 L.P.R.A. § 1767a) · Property Registry Fee Act (Act 91-1970), OGP Virtual Library · Verified October 16, 2026

  • Registry filing fee and proof-of-payment vouchers

    The filing entry for each document at the Property Registry costs $15. The Registry accepts no document unless it comes with proof-of-payment vouchers for all the fees this law sets.

    Ley Núm. 91 de 1970, Art. 1, Número Uno, y Art. 5 (30 L.P.R.A. §§ 1767a, 1767d) · Property Registry Fee Act (Act 91-1970), OGP Virtual Library · Verified October 16, 2026

Your next steps

Where to go next in Puerto Rico

What you can do today, free and without giving personal information. Go in order: your numbers first, then the help.

  1. Run the numbers with your figures

    The Puerto Rico calculator already has the typical value, the average rate and the state’s property tax.

  2. Talk to a counselor for free

    9 HUD-approved agencies help you prepare to buy; 7 say they serve in Spanish.

  3. Follow the steps to buy a home

    From the budget to the keys, in order.

Frequently asked questions

How much down payment do I need for a typical home in Puerto Rico?

For a $131,500 home (typical value, Average 2020–2024), the FHA minimum (3.5%) is $4,603 and the conventional minimum (3%) is $3,945. VA and USDA ask no down payment if you qualify. State programs can cover part of it.

Are there high-cost municipios in Puerto Rico?

Yes. In 2026 data, 40 of the 78 municipalities in Puerto Rico have an FHA limit above the national floor ($541,287); the highest is Guaynabo Municipio ($690,000).

What is the conforming loan limit in Puerto Rico?

In 2026 data, the conforming limit for one unit is $832,750 in every municipio in Puerto Rico: the most Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac will buy. Above it, the loan is a “jumbo” and each lender sets its own terms.

What would the monthly payment be on a typical home in Puerto Rico?

With $131,500, the FHA minimum down payment ($4,603) and the 7.18% average rate (November 5, 2026), principal and interest over 30 years comes to about $860 a month. Tax, insurance and mortgage insurance are missing: the calculator adds them.