Can I buy a house with a 500 credit score?

Short answerIt is possible with an FHA loan and 10% down, since FHA allows scores from 500 to 579 with that down payment, but few lenders approve scores that low. Raising your score to 580 or higher opens the 3.5% down option and more lenders.

Reviewed by Juan Fernando Romero, NMLS 2557318Updated October 14, 2026

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Home loan

FHA Loans

An FHA loan is a government-insured mortgage that allows 3.5% down with a credit score of 580 or higher, or 10% down with a score from 500 to 579.

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Self-employed

Non-QM Loans

A non-QM (non-qualified mortgage) loan is any mortgage that documents income or credit outside the standard Qualified Mortgage rules, using bank statements, a P&L, 1099s, assets or rent instead of W-2s and tax returns.