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Safe Rate LocalHalf Moon Bay index·Updated August 17, 2026

First-Time Homebuyer Mortgage Rates in Half Moon Bay

6.014%Rate
6.780%APR
$9,589monthly mortgage payment
$0points (0 pts)
Loan Amount $1,483,733; and Downpayment $52,889
Local Fast Facts
CA31708
Typical Home Value
$1,511,103
YoY Appreciation
+2.0%
Area Median Income
$154,835
Estimated Property Taxes
$9,541/yr
Est. Property Tax Rate
0.63%
Conforming Loan Limit (1-unit)
$806,501
FHA Loan Limit (1-unit)
$1,209,750
Jumbo Threshold (1-unit)
> $806,501
Average Loan to Value
73.1%

Select your Scenario

3.5% Down (minimum)

6.014%

30-year fixed

Payment$9,589/mo
Down$52,889
Loan$1,483,733

10% Down

6.014%

30-year fixed · shorter MIP

Payment$8,943/mo
Down$151,110
Loan$1,383,793

15-Year FHA

6.014%

Faster payoff

Payment$13,212/mo
Down$52,889
Loan$1,483,733

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First-Time Homebuyer Programs in Half Moon Bay

Compare the top low-down-payment programs side by side

FHA
Min. down3.5% ($52,889)
Min. credit580+
Rate6.014%
Est. P&I$2,904/mo
Est. MIP/PMI+$668/mo
Easiest credit qualification
MIP for life of loan (<10% down)
VA
Min. down0% ($0)
Min. credit620+
Rate6.010%
Est. P&I$3,019/mo
0% down, no monthly mortgage insurance
VA eligibility required; funding fee applies
HomeReady
Min. down3% ($45,333)
Min. credit620+
Rate6.794%
Est. P&I$3,112/mo
Est. MIP/PMI+$916/mo
Reduced PMI vs standard conventional
Income limits apply by area
Conventional 20% down
Min. down20% ($302,221)
Min. credit620+
Rate6.887%
Est. P&I$2,591/mo
No PMI; lowest long-term cost
Largest upfront down payment
Pro tip for first-time buyers in Half Moon Bay

Most states offer first-time homebuyer assistance programs that can be stacked with FHA or HomeReady loans — covering down payment or closing cost assistance. Ask your Safe Rate loan officer about programs available in California for additional savings.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are current first-time homebuyer rates today in Half Moon Bay, CA?

Today's leading benchmark rate for first-time homebuyer rates in Half Moon Bay, CA is 6.887% (with an estimated monthly payment of $2,591). Calibrated directly to Half Moon Bay, CA's local housing market, Safe Rate shows up-to-the-minute interest rates and points across Conventional, FHA, VA, and Jumbo loan programs daily.

What is the recent trend for first-time homebuyer rates in Half Moon Bay, CA?

Mortgage rates for first-time homebuyer rates have shown typical daily fluctuations driven by inflation data and bond yields. Over the past 90 days, rates for first-time homebuyer rates in Half Moon Bay, CA have hovered between a low of 6.390% and a high of 6.889%. You can track these daily movements by using the 90-day rate history and trajectory chart featured on this page.

Is an FHA or Conventional loan more cost-effective in Half Moon Bay, CA?

Choosing between FHA and Conventional depends on your down payment budget and credit score. For a typical home priced at $1,511,103 in Half Moon Bay, CA, a standard 20%-down Conventional loan requires an upfront cash down payment of $302,221 but keeps your monthly payment lower at $2,591/mo (at 6.887% interest) with no monthly PMI. In comparison, an FHA loan requires only $52,889 (3.5% down) but has an estimated payment of $2,904/mo (at 6.014% interest) due to mandatory FHA mortgage insurance (MIP). Local Nuance: The typical local FHA loan amount of $1,458,214 exceeds the local HUD FHA limit of $1,209,750 for a 1-unit property, meaning entry-level buyers here will likely require conventional financing or a larger down payment to comply with government limits.

What is the maximum conforming loan limit in Half Moon Bay before needing a Jumbo loan?

The 2025 conforming conventional loan limit for a 1-unit property in Half Moon Bay is $806,501. With a typical local home value of $1,511,103 in , a standard 20%-down mortgage requires a loan size of $1,208,882. Since this exceeds the conforming limit of $806,501, most typical transactions in require a non-conforming Jumbo loan, which demands stricter underwriting guidelines, higher credit scores, and larger asset reserves.

How does the median home value in Half Moon Bay, CA impact estimated mortgage payments?

The median home value in Half Moon Bay, CA is estimated at $1,511,103. Buying a typical home here with a standard 20% down payment ($302,221) translates to an estimated starting monthly mortgage payment of $2,591 (principal and interest). Compared to the local area median household income of $154,835 ($12,903/mo), this basic housing payment represents approximately 20.1% of gross monthly household income. This housing cost is well within standard lender affordability guidelines (under the 36% DTI benchmark), demonstrating healthy local purchasing power.