How much is the down payment on an FHA loan?

FHA's general minimum is around 580 for the lowest 3.5% down payment, with a larger down payment, roughly 10%, required for scores from 500 to 579. In practice many lenders set their own higher minimums, so the score you actually need depends on the lender.

It depends on your down payment. With the minimum down payment it generally lasts for the life of the loan, and the usual way to get rid of it is to refinance. With 10% or more down, it typically drops off after 11 years.

A standard FHA loan requires the home to meet minimum property standards at appraisal, so a home needing major repairs can be a problem. FHA also offers a renovation loan option that rolls repair costs into the mortgage, which is worth asking a lender about.

Neither is better for everyone. Buyers with strong credit often pay less per month with a conventional loan and PMI, while buyers with lower scores or less savings often come out ahead with FHA. A lender can price both for your situation so you can compare.