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The Global Insight

Is it harder to get a mortgage for a condo?

Author

Michael Gray

Updated on March 08, 2026

Hear this out loudPauseGetting a mortgage for a condo is generally harder than getting a mortgage for a house. A condo unit is part of a multi-unit development, so the borrower’s finances are intertwined with others — and lenders see this type of home as a riskier investment.

Can a condo be mortgaged?

Hear this out loudPauseWhen you are purchasing a new condominium unit, the developer is legally required to provide a copy of any mortgage or proposed mortgage that affects the title to the unit.

Does first time homebuyer credit apply to condos?

Hear this out loudPauseFirst-time buyers often look to loans backed by the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) because they have relaxed credit requirements and require down payments as low as 3.5% of the purchase price. In order to secure an FHA loan to purchase a condo, however, the condo you are purchase must be FHA-approved.

Can my son and I buy a house together?

Hear this out loudPauseThere are no lending rules against purchasing a home with someone who is not your spouse or family. Some common relationships that co-own a house together are as follows. An adult child buying with his or her father, mother, or step-parent. Two or more families buying a large home to live in together.

What credit score do you need to buy a condo?

Hear this out loudPauseYou’ll need a credit score of at least 580 to qualify for the program’s lowest 3.5% down payment. When you’re looking for condos, use the condominium search tool offered by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to see if the project is approved, or has been submitted for approval.

How long is a mortgage on a condo?

Hear this out loudPauseYou typically have the choice between a 15- and 30-year repayment term. A longer term makes the most sense for borrowers who want to keep payments low, while a shorter term saves interest over time. Consider the types of 30-year loans and the condo’s qualifications before selecting a loan program.

Is it better to rent or buy condo?

Hear this out loudPauseAlso, renting is easier than home buying. And you don’t have to worry about saving up for the down payment and closing costs when you rent. Plus, renting doesn’t put you in debt. When you buy a condo, you’re typically taking out a sizeable mortgage loan that you’ll pay back with interest over 15-30 years.

Is living in a condo cheaper than a house?

Hear this out loudPauseA condo is usually less expensive than a free-standing house. Condos are much smaller in square footage, and maintenance is typically cheaper because you’re only responsible for the interior of your home. The condo board or HOA covers those. Oh, yes, condos typically charge HOA fees.

Which is cheaper condo or townhouse?

Hear this out loudPauseCondos are often cheaper than townhouses because they come with no land; the exterior and land are considered common areas shared by all residents. Condo owners pay monthly homeowner association (HOA) fees that can be significantly higher than those on townhouses, partly because they cover exterior maintenance.

Do you have to qualify for a mortgage to buy a condo?

Not only that, but in addition to having to qualify for the mortgage yourself, the homeowners’ association where you’re buying a condo has to pass muster as well.

Can a parent give their child a mortgage?

Parents wanting to give mortgaged homes to their adult offspring must be creative to do so. If she’s mortgage-qualified, your daughter could buy your home at a price equal to its mortgage balance, perhaps. If your child can’t qualify for a mortgage to buy your already mortgaged home, consider cosigning.

What’s the difference between a condo and a home loan?

That’s because condominium mortgages are considered somewhat riskier loans than are mortgages for single-family homes. On a conventional mortgage backed by Fannie Mae, the rate on a condo will usually run about one-eighth to one-quarter of a percent (0.125-0.250 percentage points) higher than what you’d pay on…

Can you add your daughter to your mortgage?

Due-on-sale clauses allow mortgage lenders to call in their loans if the homes backing them are transferred to others. You may be able to add another person such as an adult daughter to your mortgaged home’s title, though. First Time Home Buyer?