Conventional Loan Guide · South Carolina
Conventional Loan Requirements in South Carolina (2026)
Everything a South Carolina buyer needs to know to qualify for a Conventional Loan — credit score, down payment, DTI limits, and local considerations.
Conventional Loan at a glance
Conventional loans conform to Fannie Mae / Freddie Mac guidelines and aren't backed by the government. They're the most common loan type in the U.S. and offer the widest range of terms, property types, and borrower profiles.
Eligibility in South Carolina
- 620+ FICO minimum (740+ for best pricing)
- 45% DTI standard, up to 50% with strong compensating factors
- 3% down for first-time buyers (HomeReady/Home Possible) or 5% otherwise
- Primary, second home, and investment properties all eligible
- Two years of employment history preferred
South Carolina closing cost realities
South Carolina's average effective property tax rate is 0.57%, and homeowners insurance averages around $1,900/yr. Both are collected in your escrow account and factored into the DTI your lender uses to qualify you — so a Conventional approval in a high-tax South Carolina county requires more income than the same purchase price in a low-tax state.
Frequently asked questions
What is the minimum credit score for a Conventional loan in South Carolina?
620 is the standard minimum for a Conventional Loan in South Carolina. Some lenders will go lower with compensating factors like a larger down payment or strong reserves.
What is the minimum down payment for a Conventional loan in South Carolina?
Conventional Loan borrowers in South Carolina need at least 3% down. Down payment assistance programs in South Carolina can cover part or all of this.
Does a Conventional loan require mortgage insurance?
Conventional Loan: PMI required if <20% down, but drops off automatically at 78% LTV.
Who is a Conventional loan best for in South Carolina?
Conventional Loans in South Carolina are best suited for buyers with 680+ credit and 5%+ down who want to avoid FHA's lifetime MIP.
What is the Conventional loan limit in South Carolina?
Most South Carolina counties use the base Conventional limit of $806,500 for a single-unit home in 2026. High-cost counties in South Carolina may allow substantially higher loan amounts.
Am I actually ready for a Conventional loan?
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