 TITLE: What Credit Score Do I Need to Buy a Multi-Unit Property? CONTENT: What Is the Minimum Credit Score to Get a Multi-Unit Property Mortgage?\n-----------------------------------------------------------------------\nProperties with up to four units can qualify for a residential mortgage, while those with five or more units are considered commercial real estate. For the purposes of this article, we'll focus on residential mortgages. If you plan to purchase and live in a property with four units or fewer, you may be able to do so using a conventional mortgage loan. This is essentially a loan not affiliated with any government program.\nTo qualify for a conventional multi-family mortgage, you'll likely have to meet the same type of credit requirements as you would on a mortgage for a single-family home. Many lenders require credit scores of 660 or higher for conventional loans, though you may be able to qualify with a score as low as 620. Freddie Mac Home Possible loans—conventional loans for owner-occupants that allow smaller down payments and lower income requirements—require a minimum credit score of 700. Conventional loans are typically the only option available to investors who don't plan to live on-site.\nFuture owner-occupants can also look into government-backed loans. Federal Housing Authority (FHA) loans may be easier to qualify for than most conventional loans, since credit score requirements are lower and the down payment requirement is as little as 3.5% if you purchase four units or less.\nThe Department of Veterans Affairs also offers multi-family mortgages and does not have a minimum credit requirement. The lender you go through for your VA loan, however, may have their own requirements for your credit, income and assets. END