Buying
What Credit Score Do You Need to Buy a House?
By David Golovin · September 14, 2026 · 3 min read
What credit score do you need to buy a house? The minimum depends on the loan type, not one universal number.
Source: HUD FHA loan requirements
| Loan type | Min score | Key notes |
|---|---|---|
| FHA | 580 | 3.5% down. Score of 500 to 579 requires 10% down. |
| VA | 620* | No official minimum. Most lenders require at least 620. |
| Conventional | 620 | Fannie Mae / Freddie Mac standard floor. |
| Jumbo | 700+ | Varies by lender; some require 740 or higher. |
| Assumable (FHA/VA) | 620* | Lender floor matches the underlying loan type. |
How your score changes the cost
Meeting the minimum gets you in the door. A higher score lowers your rate. On a $400,000 conventional loan, the difference between a 620 and a 760 score is roughly $300 to $500 per month.
What if your score is not there yet
Pay down revolving balances below 30% of your credit limit and avoid new credit applications for 60 to 90 days. Both moves can add 20 to 50 points quickly. Roots has over 20,000 active assumable listings at an estimated average rate of 4.83%. When you assume a seller loan, the rate is already locked in from when they originally borrowed, so the scoring gap between 620 and 760 affects the cost less.
FAQ
What is the minimum credit score to buy a house?
FHA loans allow scores as low as 580 with 3.5% down, or 500 with 10% down. Conventional loans typically require 620. VA loans have no official minimum but most lenders set a 620 floor.
Does your credit score affect your mortgage rate?
Yes. A higher score typically means a lower rate. The difference between a 620 and a 760 score can be 0.5 to 1.5 percentage points on a conventional loan, adding hundreds of dollars per month.
Can you assume a mortgage with a lower credit score?
The credit requirements for assuming a loan are similar to getting a new one. Most servicers require 620 or higher, though the exact floor depends on the loan type and servicer.