Can You Buy a House With a Green Card in Austin?
Green card holders can buy a house in Austin with the same FHA and conventional loans as citizens. Learn the documents, costs, and programs before you start.
Can You Buy a House With a Green Card in Austin?
Last Updated: September 2026
TL;DR: Yes. A green card (lawful permanent resident status) lets you buy a home in Austin under the same mortgage terms as a U.S. citizen. FHA, conventional, VA, and USDA loans are all on the table, with the same down payment minimums, rates, and assistance programs available to anyone else.
Key Takeaways
- Green card holders qualify for FHA, conventional, VA, and USDA mortgages under the same terms as U.S. citizens, per HUD, Fannie Mae, and Freddie Mac guidelines.
- Since May 25, 2025, FHA-insured loans are limited to U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents — green card holders keep full access; temporary visa holders do not.
- Austin's citywide median sale price was $577,000 (Unlock MLS data, August 2026); the statewide Texas median was $342,900 (Texas A&M Real Estate Research Center, June 2026).
- FHA allows as little as 3.5% down with a 580+ FICO score; conventional loans can start at 3% down for qualifying first-time buyers.
- Down payment assistance in Austin is based on income and first-time buyer status — not citizenship.
Table of Contents
- Can you buy a house with a green card in Austin?
- What loans can green card holders use in Austin?
- What documents do you need as a green card buyer?
- How much money do you need to buy in Austin?
- Can you get down payment assistance with a green card?
- How does a green card compare to other immigration statuses?
- Honest pros and cons of buying with a green card
- How do you buy a house step by step?
- FAQ
According to Sully Ruiz, a bilingual licensed Texas REALTOR® with Sully Realty Group who has helped more than 46 families buy homes in Central Texas, green card holders ask this question more often than almost any other. Nearly one in five Austin residents was born outside the United States, according to U.S. Census Bureau estimates, and many hold green cards, work stable jobs, and assume owning a home is harder than it actually is.
The short version: your green card is an advantage, not an obstacle. It puts you in the strongest financing position of any non-citizen buyer — stronger than a work visa, and far stronger than having no Social Security number at all. If you are still deciding whether you need a green card at all, see Do I Need a Green Card to Buy a House in Texas?. This guide focuses on what happens once you have one.
Can you buy a house with a green card in Austin?
Yes. Texas does not require U.S. citizenship to hold title to real estate, and federal mortgage rules treat lawful permanent residents — green card holders — the same as citizens. FHA, Fannie Mae, and Freddie Mac all allow permanent residents to qualify under identical terms: the same credit standards, down payments, and mortgage rates.
That statement is written into the rules, not an opinion. HUD's reference guide for lenders states that permanent resident aliens are eligible for FHA-insured mortgages "under the same terms as U.S. citizens." Fannie Mae's Selling Guide says the same for conventional loans: mortgages to lawful permanent residents are made "under the same terms that are available to U.S. citizens." A green card (USCIS Form I-551) is the document that puts you in that category.
A 2025 rule change actually made green card holders' position clearer. Effective May 25, 2025, HUD limited FHA-insured single-family mortgages to U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents. If you hold a green card, nothing changed for you — you remain fully eligible. But buyers on temporary work visas lost FHA access, which makes permanent resident status more valuable in the mortgage market than it was before.
The demand shows in the data. Foreign buyers — people who are not U.S. citizens — purchased $45.3 billion of U.S. residential real estate between April 2025 and March 2026, according to the National Association of REALTORS®. Of those purchases, 37,600 homes — 56% of the total — were bought by recent immigrants and visa holders already living in the United States. Buying while legally resident, rather than from abroad, is the dominant pattern, and Austin attracts its share of it.
What loans can green card holders use in Austin?
Green card holders can use every mainstream loan program available to citizens: FHA, conventional, VA (for qualifying veterans), and USDA. The deciding factors are the same as for anyone else — credit score, income, debts, and down payment — not your immigration status.
Here is how the options compare for Austin buyers holding a green card:
| Loan program | Typical minimum down | Key requirement | Green card holder eligibility |
|---|---|---|---|
| FHA | 3.5% with a 580+ FICO score | Mortgage insurance premiums (MIP) apply | Fully eligible — same terms as citizens |
| Conventional | 3%–5% | PMI until you reach 20% equity; better pricing with stronger credit | Fully eligible — same terms as citizens |
| VA | 0% | Qualifying military service and a Certificate of Eligibility | Eligible for qualifying permanent-resident veterans |
| USDA | 0% | Property in an eligible area plus income limits | Eligible — permanent residents qualify as "qualified aliens" |
| Jumbo | Typically 10%–20% | Larger loan amounts; lender requirements vary | Available; terms vary by lender |
| ITIN loan | Often 10%–20% | For buyers with no Social Security number | Not needed — green card holders have SSNs |
A few of these deserve a quick note. FHA's 3.5% minimum applies when your FICO score is 580 or higher under HUD Handbook 4000.1. Conventional 3% programs are generally designed for first-time buyers. USDA loans are for designated rural and outer-suburban areas — parts of the Austin metro's outer counties still qualify, and our USDA loan guide for the Austin area maps the details.
ITIN loans, by contrast, are not for you — they exist for buyers who cannot get a Social Security number. If you hold a green card, you already have one, which is exactly what puts you in the citizen-equivalent lane. (Buyers without one can read How to Buy a House in Texas with an ITIN Number for that separate path.)
What documents do you need as a green card buyer?
A green card buyer needs the same documents as any citizen applicant, plus proof of lawful residency. Lenders will ask for your Permanent Resident Card (Form I-551), your Social Security number, and standard income and identification documents.
In practice, Austin lenders typically request:
- Your green card (Permanent Resident Card, Form I-551) for every applicant on the loan
- Social Security number and card
- Government-issued photo ID (green card, passport, or driver license)
- Two years of income history — pay stubs, W-2s, or tax returns; self-employed buyers can use bank statements or profit-and-loss statements
- Two months of bank statements showing down payment and closing funds
- Address and residency history
If your U.S. credit file is thin because you arrived recently, that is workable. FHA and Fannie Mae both allow "nontraditional" or alternative credit — rent payments, utility bills, insurance payments — when you do not have an established credit history. Our guide on building credit as an immigrant covers how to build a file fast, and our credit score guide explains what number actually gets you approved.
How much money do you need to buy in Austin?
Austin's citywide median sale price was $577,000 in August 2026 (Unlock MLS data), and the statewide Texas median was $342,900 as of June 2026 (Texas A&M Real Estate Research Center). With FHA's 3.5% minimum, the down payment on the Austin median is about $20,195 — plus closing costs, taxes, and insurance.
Those are the real anchor numbers, and they matter more than your immigration status ever will. Here is what they translate to in cash:
| Purchase price | FHA 3.5% down | Conventional 5% down |
|---|---|---|
| $577,000 (Austin city median) | $20,195 | $28,850 |
| $450,000 (typical suburban listing) | $15,750 | $22,500 |
| $342,900 (Texas statewide median) | $12,002 | $17,145 |
At the Freddie Mac weekly survey average of 6.71% for a 30-year fixed mortgage (September 3, 2026), a $556,805 loan on the Austin median price works out to roughly $3,600 per month in principal and interest — before property taxes, homeowner's insurance, and any mortgage insurance. Texas relies on property taxes more than most states, so the full monthly payment is often substantially higher. Our guide on how much money you need to buy in Austin and our piece on closing costs in Texas break these numbers down line by line.
None of these costs change because you hold a green card. The price is the price; the rate is the rate; the property taxes are the property taxes. If you are renting while you decide, our rent vs. buy in Austin analysis walks through the tradeoffs.
Can you get down payment assistance with a green card?
Yes. Down payment assistance programs in Austin and Travis County are based on income, purchase price limits, and first-time buyer status — not citizenship. Green card holders can apply to the same programs as anyone else, including grants and forgivable second liens worth thousands of dollars.
The programs to know about:
- Texas State Affordable Housing Corporation (TSAHC) — statewide assistance and mortgage credit certificates, open to permanent residents who meet income limits
- Austin and Travis County homebuyer assistance programs — income-based grants and forgivable loans, usually paired with a homebuyer education course
- Lender-specific grants — some lenders layer their own assistance on top
Income limits are the real gate, not your card. Our full guide to down payment assistance in Austin and Travis County lists current program rules, and Homebuyer Assistance Programs in Texas covers statewide options.
How does a green card compare to other immigration statuses?
A green card is the strongest non-citizen position in the U.S. mortgage market. Permanent residents get citizen-equivalent terms everywhere; work-visa holders can still qualify conventionally with restrictions; buyers without Social Security numbers move to ITIN programs; and applicants with a pending case face the tightest choices.
| Your status | What you can use | The catch |
|---|---|---|
| Green card (lawful permanent resident) | FHA, conventional, VA, USDA, jumbo — same terms as citizens | None related to status; standard credit and income rules apply |
| Work visa with work authorization | Conventional — Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac allow non-permanent residents with evidence of continued residency and income | FHA closed since May 25, 2025; lender requirements vary |
| Green card application pending | Conventional may be possible depending on documentation | FHA requires permanent resident status; confirm with a lender and an immigration attorney |
| No Social Security number | ITIN loans | Higher down payments (often 10%–20%) and fewer lenders |
If your status might change mid-process — approval pending, card renewal, extended travel — tell your lender early. Underwriters verify residency at closing, not just at application. This is general mortgage information, not immigration advice; for status questions, talk to a licensed immigration attorney.
Honest pros and cons of buying with a green card
| Advantages | Honest considerations |
|---|---|
| Same mortgage terms, rates, and down payment minimums as citizens | You still need a two-year income history; new arrivals may need time on the job |
| Full access to FHA, conventional, VA, and USDA programs | Thin U.S. credit files can mean manual underwriting or higher pricing at first |
| Texas homestead exemption is based on occupying the home as your principal residence — not citizenship | Keep your green card valid; extended absences abroad can complicate residency verification |
| No extra taxes: property taxes and homestead rules are identical to everyone else's | Austin's median price ($577,000) sits far above the Texas median ($342,900) — budget for the full payment |
| Down payment assistance is open to you based on income, not status | If your card is still pending, FHA is off the table until it is granted |
One clarification worth knowing: when you eventually sell, the FIRPTA withholding rules that can apply to foreign sellers generally target nonresident aliens — not green card holders living in the United States. We cover the mechanics in Selling Your Home in Texas as a Non-Citizen: FIRPTA Rules.
How do you buy a house step by step?
The process for a green card holder is the citizen process — with one extra document in the file.
- Check your credit. Pull your reports and scores early; fix errors and build tradelines if your file is thin.
- Gather your documents. Green card, Social Security card, ID, two years of income history, two months of bank statements.
- Get pre-approved. A lender verifies your residency status, income, and credit, and issues a letter with your price ceiling. Our pre-approval walkthrough shows what to expect.
- Budget the full payment. Principal, interest, property taxes, insurance, and mortgage insurance — our Texas property taxes guide helps you estimate the biggest line.
- Tour, offer, option period. In Texas, your earnest money and option fee buy you inspection and negotiation room — see our earnest money guide.
- Close. Bring your ID and green card, sign, fund, and take the keys.
A REALTOR® who works with immigrant buyers regularly can match you with lenders that fit your profile instead of taking the first quote you get.
FAQ
Does a green card count as citizenship for buying a house?
No — and it does not need to. Citizenship is not required to hold title in Texas, and for financing purposes lawful permanent residents are treated the same as citizens by FHA, Fannie Mae, and Freddie Mac.
Is buying with a green card better than buying with an ITIN?
For loan choice, yes. A green card comes with a Social Security number, which opens FHA, conventional, VA, and USDA programs at standard down payments. ITIN loans exist for buyers without a Social Security number and typically require larger down payments — often 10%–20%.
Can I buy a house while my green card application is still pending?
FHA loans require lawful permanent resident status as of May 25, 2025, so a pending application generally will not work there. Conventional financing may be possible depending on your work authorization and documentation. Confirm your options with both a lender and an immigration attorney before you start shopping.
Do green card holders pay extra property taxes in Texas?
No. Property taxes are based on your property's assessed value and local tax rates. The general homestead exemption is based on owning and occupying the home as your principal residence, not on citizenship, per the Texas Comptroller — confirm details with your county appraisal district.
Can I get down payment assistance as a green card holder in Austin?
Yes. Austin and Travis County programs, TSAHC statewide programs, and lender grants all base eligibility on income and first-time buyer status. Your permanent resident status does not disqualify you.
Will buying a house affect my citizenship application?
Owning property is generally not a factor in naturalization decisions, but this is not legal advice. For questions about your specific case, consult a licensed immigration attorney.
Ready to see what you qualify for in Austin? Start with Sully Ruiz at Sully Realty Group — bilingual guidance, real numbers, and lenders who work with green card buyers every week.
About the Author Sully Ruiz is a licensed Texas REALTOR® (TREC #0742907) with Sully Realty Group / Keller Williams Austin NW. She is a bilingual real estate professional serving the Austin metro and has helped 46+ families purchase homes using ITIN loans, while helping qualifying buyers access up to $30K in grant assistance. She is a member of NAR, Texas REALTORS®, ABOR, and NAHREP. Book a free consultation →
Market data is for informational purposes only and is subject to change. Sources are believed to be reliable but are not guaranteed. Contact Sully Ruiz for a personalized market analysis.
Sources
- USCIS — Green Card (lawful permanent residence) — accessed September 2026
- HUD HOC Reference Guide — Citizenship and Immigration Status — accessed September 2026
- HUD — Revisions to Residency Requirements (TI-490, effective May 25, 2025) — accessed September 2026
- Fannie Mae Selling Guide B2-2-02 — Non–U.S. Citizen Borrower Eligibility Requirements — accessed September 2026
- NAR — Foreign Buyers Purchased $45.3 Billion Worth of U.S. Homes (April 2025–March 2026) — accessed September 2026
- Freddie Mac — Primary Mortgage Market Survey — accessed September 2026
- Texas A&M Real Estate Research Center — Texas Housing Insight (August 2026) — accessed September 2026
- Unlock MLS — Central Texas Housing Reports and Statistics — accessed September 2026
- Texas Comptroller — Property Tax Exemptions — accessed September 2026
- U.S. Census Bureau QuickFacts — Austin city, Texas — accessed September 2026
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