Michigan statewide median — below the national $417,700 median
+5.4% YoYFHA Loans in Michigan:
Requirements, Limits & Local Programs
The short version
FHA in Michigan at a Glance
FHA loans are government-backed mortgages that let Michigan buyers put as little as 3.5% down with a credit score of 580 or higher.
FHA loans are insured by the Federal Housing Administration and originated by FHA-approved lenders like Intra Mortgage. Michigan's affordability and its statewide MSHDA assistance make FHA a strong fit here — and Detroit stands out, with a city program offering up to $25,000 in down payment help. The one thing to plan for is Michigan's older housing stock, which the FHA appraisal scrutinizes.
Michigan housing market
Local Market Snapshot
Michigan pairs Midwest affordability with rising prices — and one of the most generous city down payment programs in the country in Detroit.
Statewide average — competitive in Grand Rapids and Ann Arbor
StableStatewide, May 2026 — a deep, active market
StableOf U.S. purchase loans are FHA — the flexible-credit path many MI buyers use
National avgMichigan's +5.4% year-over-year price growth is among the stronger figures in our footprint, and Grand Rapids and Ann Arbor are the most competitive metros. Detroit is a different story: prices are lower, the city's $25,000 down payment program is unusually generous, and older homes mean the FHA appraisal deserves attention up front.
Down payment help
Michigan First-Time Buyer Programs
These MSHDA and local programs can be layered on top of an FHA loan to reduce your out-of-pocket costs at closing.
MSHDA MI Home Loan
State standard down payment assistance
- Benefit
- Up to $10,000 zero-interest, non-amortizing second mortgage
- Who qualifies
- First-time buyers (or repeat buyers in targeted areas) with a 640+ score
MSHDA MI Home Loan Flex
Flexible statewide down payment pairing
- Benefit
- Up to $10,000 non-amortizing assistance
- Who qualifies
- First-time and repeat buyers statewide meeting flexible underwriting
Detroit Down Payment Assistance Program
City neighborhood-equity matching grant
- Benefit
- Up to $25,000 direct down payment assistance
- Who qualifies
- Detroit residents who have lived in the city 3+ consecutive years
USDA + FHA (Rural Michigan)
Applicable in eligible rural counties
- Benefit
- 0% down USDA or 3.5% FHA in eligible areas
- Who qualifies
- Properties outside urbanized areas; income limits apply
Real scenarios
Michigan FHA Borrower Profiles
Common buyer combinations we see in Michigan — and how FHA works for each.
Has lived in Detroit 5 years, buying a $185,000 home in the city. Credit 652, W-2 income. May combine the FHA 3.5% down payment, MSHDA assistance, and the Detroit program (up to $25,000 for 3+ year residents) — a stack that can bring cash-to-close very low. We confirm residency documentation early.
Competing for a $310,000 home in fast-moving Grand Rapids. Credit 698, stable income. FHA works, and MSHDA MI Home can add up to $10,000 — but in a competitive metro, a clean pre-approval is what wins. Comfortably below the $524,225 limit.
Buying a $150,000 pre-1950 home. FHA is available, but the appraisal will scrutinize lead paint (pre-1978), the roof, and mechanical systems. We flag likely repair items before the offer so the seller can address them — the most common reason an FHA deal on an older Michigan home slips.
2-year self-employed history, Schedule C income averaging $88,000/year after write-downs, credit 690. FHA accepts a 2-year average. Needs 2 years of tax returns, a year-to-date P&L, and business bank statements. Down payment: 3.5% (~$13,300 on a $380K home).
Run the numbers
Michigan FHA Payment Estimator
Estimate your monthly payment including MIP — the piece most calculators leave out.
Michigan median: $293,956 · FHA limit: $524,225
Rates vary by credit score and lender
Principal & interest
Mortgage insurance premium (MIP)
Before tax & insurance
Estimates only. Does not include property tax, homeowner's insurance, or HOA dues. MIP rate assumes LTV > 90% for loans ≥ 30 years. Not a commitment to lend.
Answers to real questions
Michigan FHA Loan FAQs
From the field
A Michigan Loan Officer's Take on FHA

"Michigan has two things going for FHA buyers that a lot of states don't: MSHDA statewide, and Detroit's program on top of it — up to $25,000 for long-term residents. Where we earn our keep is the appraisal. The housing stock is older, so we flag the roof, the paint, the mechanicals before the offer goes in. Handle that up front and the FHA close is smooth."
Katie Smith
VP of Operations & Senior Loan Officer, Intra Mortgage — Licensed in FL, IN, OH, MIKatie is licensed across Michigan and works with buyers from Detroit and the surrounding metro to Grand Rapids and Ann Arbor. She specializes in helping first-time buyers stack MSHDA and city assistance with FHA — and in getting ahead of the appraisal on older Michigan homes.
What she watches for on Michigan FHA files:
- Property-condition flags on older homes — roof, lead paint, mechanicals
- Detroit program residency documentation (3+ consecutive years)
- Buyers at 580–639 who want MSHDA but need more credit to qualify
Talk to a Michigan FHA specialist
Get straight answers on limits, MSHDA and Detroit assistance, and what you actually need to close — no obligation.