Español

Este sitio también está en español. Leer en español

Buying a home

Data from November 2026

Buying a home in Texas

A typical home in Texas is worth $283,800 (Average 2020–2024). The FHA limit for one unit is $541,287–$813,050 depending on the county. Here is the minimum down payment each loan type asks at that price, every county’s limit, and the state’s assistance programs.

Minimum down payment Limits by county
WhatsApp
Typical home
$283,800
median value, Average 2020–2024
15% less than the U.S.
FHA limit
$541,287–$813,050
one unit, by county
In 25 of the 254 counties, 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
$9,933
3.5% of a $283,800 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 $283,800 home, the typical value in Texas. 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 $283,800 home in Texas

  1. FHA Program rule

    Minimum down3.5%

    In dollars$9,933

    Per month$1,855

    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$8,514

    Per month$1,865

    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$1,923

    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$1,923

    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$42,570

    Per month$1,634

    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 county

FHA sets the limit by area: 25 of the 254 counties in Texas 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 county page has the full table. Source: FHA mortgage limits (HUD) Data from 2026 data FHA mortgage limits (HUD)

Down payment help

Texas programs for buyers

7 verified programs that put money toward the down payment or closing costs, or give a tax credit. With the source wording and the date we checked it.

Some help is a grant you never repay; other help is a second loan that is forgiven over the years or repaid when you sell. Each program’s tag says which kind it is.

See all 7 programs

  • My First Texas Home

    Verified November 5, 2026

    Texas state program for first-time buyers: a 30-year mortgage with down payment assistance

    • Deferred
    • Forgivable
    See details

  • My Choice Texas Home

    Verified November 5, 2026

    Texas state program with down payment assistance for any buyer, not only first-time buyers

    • Deferred
    • Forgivable
    See details

  • Texas Mortgage Credit Certificate (MCC)

    Limited funds remain, per the source

    Verified November 5, 2026

    Texas state certificate that turns part of your mortgage interest into a credit on your federal tax return

    • Tax credit
    See details

What the state publishes

Texas 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 Texas

Exemptions and caps

  • School-district homestead exemption

    School districts must take $140,000 off the value of your main home before taxing it; owners 65 or older or with a disability get $60,000 more taken off.

    Tex. Tax Code §11.13(b), (c) · Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts · Verified October 15, 2026

  • Local-option homestead exemption

    Any taxing unit (county, city, district) may add its own exemption on your main home. The Comptroller's page says it can reach 20 percent of the value and cannot be less than $5,000.

    Tex. Tax Code §11.13(n) · Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts · Verified October 15, 2026

When the sale is recorded

  • The constitution bars new real estate transfer taxes

    The Texas Constitution says that after January 1, 2016, no law may be passed that imposes a transfer tax on a transaction conveying fee simple title to real property. This does not stop a tax on issuing title insurance or a change in the rate of a tax that already existed on January 1, 2016.

    Tex. Const. art. VIII, §29 · Texas Constitution (Texas Legislature) · Verified October 16, 2026

Your next steps

Where to go next in Texas

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

  2. Check whether you qualify for help

    Each program says what it gives, who qualifies and when we checked it.

  3. Talk to a counselor for free

    51 HUD-approved agencies help you prepare to buy; 39 say they serve in Spanish.

  4. 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 Texas?

For a $283,800 home (typical value, Average 2020–2024), the FHA minimum (3.5%) is $9,933 and the conventional minimum (3%) is $8,514. VA and USDA ask no down payment if you qualify. State programs can cover part of it.

Are there high-cost counties in Texas?

Yes. In 2026 data, 25 of the 254 counties in Texas have an FHA limit above the national floor ($541,287); the highest is Glasscock County ($813,050).

What is the conforming loan limit in Texas?

In 2026 data, the conforming limit for one unit is $832,750 in every county in Texas: 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 Texas?

With $283,800, the FHA minimum down payment ($9,933) and the 7.18% average rate (November 5, 2026), principal and interest over 30 years comes to about $1,855 a month. Tax, insurance and mortgage insurance are missing: the calculator adds them.

What down payment help is there in Texas?

We have verified 7 state programs in Texas that put money toward the down payment or closing costs, or give a tax credit. Each shows the source wording, who qualifies and the date we checked it.