FHA loans in Colorado — 3.5% down, real flexibility.
The most popular first-time buyer program in Colorado. We pair FHA with CHFA and metro DPA programs to get buyers into homes with minimal cash to close.
Why FHA works in Colorado
- 3.5% down with a 580+ credit score (10% down from 500–579)
- More flexible credit and DTI guidelines than conventional
- 100% of the down payment can be gifted
- Sellers can contribute up to 6% toward closing costs
- Pairs with CHFA and metro DPA programs for near-zero out-of-pocket
FHA is especially powerful in mid-priced CO markets — Colorado Springs, Pueblo, Aurora, Thornton, Greeley, Loveland, Grand Junction — where loan amounts fit comfortably under the FHA county limit. On the Western Slope, see our mortgage broker in Grand Junction page for local pricing and county limits. In Denver metro and Boulder, FHA works for entry-level homes and condos.
2026 FHA loan limits — Colorado counties
| County | 1-Unit FHA Limit |
|---|---|
| Denver metro (Denver, Adams, Arapahoe, Broomfield, Douglas, Jefferson, Elbert, Park, Gilpin, Clear Creek) | $862,500 |
| Boulder | $879,750 |
| Eagle (Vail, Avon, Edwards, Gypsum) | $1,249,125 |
| Garfield (Glenwood Springs, Rifle, Silt) | $1,249,125 |
| Pitkin (Aspen, Snowmass) | $1,249,125 |
| Summit (Breckenridge, Frisco, Dillon, Keystone, Silverthorne), Lake (Leadville) | $1,092,500 |
| Routt (Steamboat Springs) | $1,089,050 |
| San Miguel (Telluride) | $1,045,350 |
| Grand (Winter Park, Granby, Fraser, Tabernash) | $883,200 |
| Ouray (Ridgway, Ouray) | $750,950 |
| La Plata (Durango, Bayfield), Gunnison (Crested Butte) | $747,500 |
| Larimer (Fort Collins), Weld (Greeley), El Paso (Colorado Springs), Pueblo, and most other CO counties | $541,287 |
2–4 unit FHA limits are higher. Full CO loan limits →
Pair FHA with Colorado down payment assistance
CHFA's flagship programs (CHFA FirstStep, CHFA Preferred, and the CHFA DPA Grant) layer on top of FHA to cover the 3.5% down payment and a portion of closing costs. Denver and Boulder buyers can also stack metroDPA. Most first-time buyers we close are in for $1,500–$3,000 total out of pocket. For a program-by-program breakdown, read our 2026 DPA guide.
Colorado FHA loan FAQs
What's the minimum credit score for FHA in Colorado?+
580 with 3.5% down is standard, though we work with lenders that go to 500 with 10% down. Pricing improves significantly above 660, and best FHA pricing kicks in at 720+.
Can I use down payment assistance with an FHA loan in CO?+
Yes — FHA pairs well with CHFA, metroDPA (Denver/Boulder), and Adams County HOME programs. Some pairings can get you into a home with under $1,000 out of pocket.
Is FHA mortgage insurance permanent?+
On most FHA loans put down with less than 10%, yes — MIP runs for the life of the loan. The escape route is to refinance into conventional once you reach 20% equity and 680+ credit, which we help clients do regularly.
Can I buy a condo with FHA in Colorado?+
Yes, but the condo project must be FHA-approved or qualify via the single-unit approval (SUA) process. We can run the project for you before you write an offer.
What's the difference between FHA and CHFA?+
FHA is the loan program (insured by HUD). CHFA is a Colorado state agency that layers down payment assistance and grants on top of FHA, conventional, or VA — so FHA + CHFA is one of the most common first-time buyer combos in CO.
Can FHA be used on a 2–4 unit property?+
Yes — you must occupy one unit as your primary residence, but FHA on a duplex/triplex/fourplex is a powerful house-hacking tool in CO. The rental income from the other units helps you qualify.
Get pre-approved with FHA in Colorado
Free, no obligation. We'll show you FHA, conventional, and any DPA pairings side-by-side.