To buy a house in 2026, you generally need a credit score of at least for a low down payment government-backed loan or 620 for a conventional mortgage . While Fannie Mae recently shifted away from strict numeric minimums to a more holistic risk assessment, most lenders still maintain an internal baseline of 620. Credit Score Minimums by Loan Type
For high-value properties exceeding roughly $832,750, you usually need a 700–720 or higher. How Your Score Affects Your Costs
What is a good credit score to buy a house? - Fidelity Investments what kind of credit score to buy a house
Lenders typically look for a 640 for automated approval, though lower scores may be manually reviewed.
Your specific target score depends heavily on which mortgage program you choose: To buy a house in 2026, you generally
Meeting the minimum gets you in the door, but higher scores lead to massive long-term savings. On a $400,000 mortgage, a borrower with a score can save over $190,000 in interest compared to someone with a score in the 620–639 range.
The most accessible option. You can qualify with a 580 for just a 3.5% down payment, or as low as 500 if you can provide a 10% down payment. How Your Score Affects Your Costs What is
Typically require a 620 minimum. These are best for those with strong credit (680+) to avoid high mortgage insurance costs.