FHA loans were 8.4% of Los Angeles County mortgage originations in 2025 and VA loans 2.2% (CFPB/FFIEC HMDA). FHA mortgage insurance premiums are set by HUD and are the same at every lender, so compare FHA lenders on rate, lender fees and points using their Loan Estimates.
Median owner-occupied home value (Census ACS 2020–2024 5-year): $921,200
FHA share of mortgage originations (Los Angeles County, HMDA 2025): 8.4%
Conventional share of mortgage originations (Los Angeles County, HMDA 2025): 89.4%
Median real estate taxes paid by homeowners (Los Angeles County, ACS 2024 5-year): $5,675 a year
Data from U.S. Census Bureau, HMDA
FHA Loans in Los Angeles: 2026 Market Snapshot
If you're weighing an FHA loan in Los Angeles right now, it helps to understand the landscape you're stepping into. The median owner-occupied home value in Los Angeles is $921,200 (Census ACS 2020–2024 5-year).
In 2025, 89.4% of Los Angeles County mortgage originations were conventional loans, 8.4% were FHA and 2.2% were VA (CFPB/FFIEC HMDA). It's worth understanding why so many borrowers land on either side.
Don't forget ongoing costs beyond the mortgage itself. Los Angeles County homeowners paid a median $5,675 a year in real estate taxes (Census ACS 2024 5-year), about 0.68% of the county's $834,200 median owner-occupied home value in the same survey.
Before committing, compare offers from several lenders, read every disclosure carefully, and ask questions until the terms are clear. A little homework now protects your finances later.
Los Angeles County Data for Los Angeles Home Buyers
Lenders reported 106,684 mortgage originations in Los Angeles County in 2025, and 0.5% of the county's residential structures are in a FEMA special flood hazard area.
Los Angeles County, CA: originations, flood exposure, income and population, by source and date
What is the average mortgage rate in Los Angeles right now?
Los Angeles, CA borrowers price against the national 30-year fixed average: 7.28% in Freddie Mac's Primary Mortgage Market Survey for the week of October 1, 2026, with the 15-year fixed at 6.60%. Local quotes vary by credit score, down payment, loan type and lender.
What credit score do I need for a mortgage in California?
In California, most lenders require 620 (FHA) / 660+ (conventional) to qualify. FHA loans accept scores as low as 580 with 3.5% down (or 500 with 10% down). Conventional loans above 740 typically receive the best rates — improving your score by even 40 points before applying can lower your rate by 0.25–0.5%.
How much down payment is typical in Los Angeles?
First-time buyers in Los Angeles commonly put down 3.5% on FHA loans or 5–20% on conventional loans. The CalHFA MyHome Assistance Program — deferred-payment junior loan for down payment and closing costs. A 20% down payment eliminates PMI and reduces your monthly payment, but is not required.
What are California-specific first-time buyer programs?
California offers the CalHFA MyHome Assistance Program — deferred-payment junior loan for down payment and closing costs. These programs typically have income limits of 80–120% of area median income and require completion of an HUD-approved homebuyer education course. Ask your lender to run a combined FHA + assistance program quote alongside a conventional loan.
FHA vs. conventional in Los Angeles — which is more common?
Conventional loans are far more common: in 2025, 89.4% of Los Angeles County mortgage originations were conventional and 8.4% were FHA (CFPB/FFIEC HMDA). A conventional loan above the county's conforming limit is a jumbo loan; FHA has its own county limit, set by HUD from local home prices, with a 2026 one-unit ceiling of $1,249,125. FHA loans are easier to qualify for but carry an upfront MIP fee (1.75% of loan amount) plus annual MIP. Once you have 20% equity, conventional loans allow PMI cancellation — making them more cost-effective long-term for buyers who can qualify.
How long does closing take in California?
The typical mortgage closing timeline in California is 45–55 days from application to closing. Pre-approval before making an offer can shorten this to 30–35 days. Delays most often occur at appraisal, title search, or underwriting — your loan officer can flag issues early if you provide all documentation upfront.
