For many first-time home buyers, an FHA loan makes homeownership possible with a low down payment and flexible credit standards. But FHA loans require mortgage insurance, which adds to your monthly payment. The big question is: when can you remove FHA mortgage insurance? Understanding the rules will help you plan your long-term strategy and reduce costs.
What Is FHA Mortgage Insurance?
FHA loans include Mortgage Insurance Premiums (MIP) to protect lenders if a borrower defaults. According to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, MIP is mandatory and has different cancellation rules compared to private mortgage insurance (PMI) on conventional loans.
Two types of FHA MIP apply:
Upfront Mortgage Insurance Premium (UFMIP): Paid at closing, typically 1.75% of the loan amount.
Annual MIP: Added to your monthly mortgage payment.
When Can Mortgage Insurance Be Removed from an FHA Loan?
Whether you can remove FHA mortgage insurance depends on when your loan was issued and your down payment:
Loans Before June 3, 2013
MIP can be canceled once you reach 78% loan-to-value (LTV) and have made at least 5 years of payments.
Loans After June 3, 2013
With a 10% down payment or more, MIP lasts 11 years.
With less than 10% down, MIP remains for the life of the loan.
HUD explains these rules in its FHA mortgage insurance guidance. For many buyers, the only way to remove FHA mortgage insurance is to refinance into a conventional mortgage.
How First-Time Buyers Can Remove FHA Mortgage Insurance
Here’s how you can eventually cancel or remove MIP:
Build Equity. Once you’ve reached 20% equity, you may qualify for a refinance. Estimate your timeline with our mortgage calculator.
Refinance to Conventional. A new loan allows you to remove FHA mortgage insurance entirely. Learn more in Fannie Mae’s guidelines.
Plan Early. If you’re considering FHA now, review our FHA Loan First Time Home Buyer guide to see how MIP affects long-term affordability.
Why Removing FHA Mortgage Insurance Matters
For many first-time home buyers, FHA is a smart entry point. But over time, mortgage insurance adds up. Planning a path to remove FHA mortgage insurance will lower your payment and help you build wealth faster.
Compare loans for first-time home buyers to find flexible options.
Start with a mortgage pre-approval to see what you qualify for.
How to Remove FHA Mortgage Insurance (Step-by-Step)
Step 1 — Confirm your FHA case date & down payment.
Rules changed on June 3, 2013. Loans after this date with <10% down keep MIP for life. Loans with ≥10% down keep MIP for 11 years.
Step 2 — Track your equity.
Use our mortgage calculator to check your LTV. Aim for ≤80% LTV before refinancing.
Step 3 — Review your credit & DTI.
Better credit and manageable debt improve your refinance terms. (See Fannie Mae guidelines.)
Step 4 — Get pre-approved for a refi.
Apply for a conventional refinance: Start your pre-approval here.
Step 5 — Get a new appraisal.
Most lenders require an appraisal to confirm your home’s value.
Step 6 — Compare savings.
Review payment changes vs. closing costs to confirm the benefit.
Step 7 — Lock and close.
Once your new loan funds, you officially remove FHA mortgage insurance.
👉 Not sure when to refinance? Schedule a consult today.
FAQ: Removing FHA Mortgage Insurance
1) Can I remove FHA mortgage insurance without refinancing?
Only for loans endorsed before June 3, 2013. Loans after that usually require refinancing.
2) What’s the difference between MIP and PMI?
MIP applies to FHA; PMI applies to conventional loans and can usually be canceled at 80% LTV.
3) How long does MIP last on FHA loans?
Loans after June 3, 2013: 11 years with ≥10% down or life of the loan with <10% down.
4) Can FHA Streamline remove MIP?
No. Streamline lowers your rate but does not remove FHA mortgage insurance.
5) What credit score is needed to refinance out of FHA MIP?
Conventional refis often start around the mid-600s, with better rates at higher scores.
Key Takeaways
FHA mortgage insurance is required on all FHA loans.
To remove FHA mortgage insurance, you usually must refinance to a conventional loan after building 20% equity.
Planning early gives first-time buyers a clear path to lower housing costs.
👉 Ready to remove MIP and save money? Schedule a consultation with Unlimited Mortgage Lending today.