Necessary Credit Score To Buy A Home May 2026

The Role of Credit Scores in Securing a Home Mortgage While there is no single "magic number" required to buy a home, your credit score is the most critical factor in determining whether you qualify for a loan and what interest rate you will pay. Generally, a score of is the standard minimum for most conventional loans, though certain government programs allow for scores as low as 500 with a higher down payment. Minimum Score Requirements by Loan Type