How to Apply for FG Loan to Build or Buy a House 2026: FMBN NHF Mortgage Guide

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The Federal Government of Nigeria offers a housing finance loan through the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN) to persons qualified under the National Housing Fund (NHF). 

Nigerians are able to take this loan to facilitate the purchase, construction, improvement or renovation of their homes at a reduced interest rate.

This guide presents all the salient information concerning the FMBN NHF Mortgage loan including loan eligibility, interest and loan amount, and the application process.

What is FMBN Mortgage Loan?

Being a Federal Government initiative, the NHF Mortgage Loan is administered and disbursed by FMBN through accredited and licensed primary mortgage banks (PMBs). 

Eligible applicants are required to submit their mortgage loan applications through PMBs that are accredited mortgage institutions.

The facilities can be used to:

– Buy a residential property

– Build a house

– Improve an existing house

– Renovate an existing house

The property is pledged as collateral to the mortgage. The NHF Mortgage Loan offers concessionary interest rates and longer repayment periods to the contributors.

Who is Eligible for the NHF Mortgage Loan?

To be qualified for the NHF Mortgage Loan, applicants will need to satisfy the following:

RequirementDetails
CitizenshipMust be a Nigerian citizen
AgeMust be 18 years or above
NHF RegistrationMust be registered under the National Housing Fund
Contribution PeriodMust have made continuous NHF contributions for at least six (6) months
IncomeMust have a stable source of income (self-employed applicants must provide evidence of regular income)
Application ChannelMust apply through an FMBN-accredited and licensed Primary Mortgage Bank/mortgage loan originator
PropertyThe property must meet relevant legal and planning requirements

FMBN also states that loan repayment affordability is assessed using a maximum of one-third (33%) of the applicant’s income.

Note for Diaspora Applicants: Nigerians living abroad can also access the NHF Mortgage Loan. The Diaspora NHF Mortgage Loan was launched in London on August 7, 2026. Eligibility requires registration with NHF for at least six months and verification by the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM)

How Much Can You Borrow?

Per the FMBN administrative rules, each applicant is eligible to receive a loan of N50 million. It should, however, be noted that the approved loan does not necessarily have to be the full amount. This is largely dependent on:

  • The value or cost of the property
  • The applicant’s income and the capacity

FMBN also states that an individual should generally not receive more than 90% of the cost or value of the mortgaged property.

Important Note: Some older FMBN documents still contain a ₦15 million maximum loan figure. Applicants should rely on the latest terms published by FMBN and those provided by their accredited mortgage institution.

Diaspora Loan: For Nigerians living abroad, the maximum loan amount is also up to ₦100 million at a 9% interest rate, with a maximum repayment period of 10 years

What is the Interest Rate?

The interest rate for NHF contributors is not more than 6% per annum.

FMBN provides the facility to accredited Primary Mortgage Banks at 4%, with the PMBs lending to NHF contributors at 6%.

Diaspora Loan: The Diaspora NHF Mortgage Loan attracts an interest rate of 9% per annum.

How Long Do You Have to Repay?

The maximum repayment period for the NHF Mortgage Loan is 30 years. However, the actual repayment period depends on factors such as:

  • The borrower’s age
  • Income level
  • Years in service

Diaspora Loan: For Nigerians abroad, the maximum repayment period is 10 years.

Repayments are made through the mortgage loan originator (Primary Mortgage Bank) through which the applicant obtained the loan

How to Apply

The application process for the FMBN NHF Mortgage Loan follows these steps:

FMBN NHF Mortgage Application portal:

https://fmbn.gov.ng/products/nhf_mortgage_loan

1. Confirm Your NHF Contribution

You must first be registered as an NHF contributor and have made the required continuous contributions. FMBN provides an online personal/individual NHF registration portal for new contributors.

How to Check Your NHF Balance:

  • Via USSD: Dial *219# from the mobile number registered with your NHF account and follow the prompts
  • Via SMS: Send NHF to 35350
  • Via Mobile App: Download the FMBN Mobile App from Google Play Store or Apple App Store to check your contributions
  • Via Online Portal: Visit the FMBN website to check your NHF balance and request statements of account

2. Choose an Accredited Mortgage Institution

Applicants do not apply directly to FMBN. The application is made through a licensed and FMBN-accredited Primary Mortgage Bank (PMB) or mortgage loan originator.

Examples of accredited Primary Mortgage Banks include:

  • Infinity Trust Mortgage Bank Plc
  • Abbey Building Society Plc / Abbey Mortgage Bank Plc
  • First Trust Mortgage Bank Plc
  • Nigeria Police Mortgage Bank
  • Delta Trust Mortgage Bank Ltd
  • ASO Savings & Loans
  • FBN Mortgages
  • Jigawa Savings & Loans
  • City Code Savings & Loans Limited

A complete list of accredited PMBs can be obtained from FMBN’s official website.

3. Obtain the Mortgage Application Form

The mortgage institution will provide the relevant application form and guide you on the documentation required for your particular application.

4. Prepare Your Documents

Depending on the nature of the application, applicants may be required to provide documents such as:

  • Completed mortgage loan application form
  • Evidence of NHF contribution
  • Proof of income
  • Recent payslips or other income evidence
  • Property title documents
  • Valuation report for the property
  • Bill of quantities where the loan is for construction
  • Relevant tax and employment documents
  • Other legal documents required by the mortgage institution

The exact documentation can vary depending on whether the applicant is buying, building, or renovating a property.

5. Submit the Application

The application and supporting documents are submitted to the accredited mortgage institution. The institution processes the application and submits it to FMBN.

6. Property and Legal Checks

The property is subjected to valuation and legal checks. FMBN’s conditions require the mortgaged property to:

  • Provide adequate security for the loan
  • Comply with relevant planning laws and regulations (approved building plan)
  • Possess sufficient value to recover the loan
  • Be insured against hazards
  • Be secured by a first legal mortgage between the applicant and the mortgage loan originator, assigned to FMBN

7. Approval and Disbursement

Once the relevant conditions are satisfied and the loan is approved, the funds are disbursed through the mortgage loan originator for the approved housing purpose.

What Can the Loan Be Used For?

The NHF Mortgage Loan can be used for the following housing purposes:

  • Buy a residential property
  • Build a home
  • Improve an existing home
  • Renovate an existing home

How Can Nigerians Check Their NHF Contributions?

FMBN provides digital channels through which contributors can access information about their NHF accounts:

ChannelMethod
USSD CodeDial *219# from your registered mobile number
SMSSend NHF to 35350
Mobile AppDownload “FMBN Mobile App” from Google Play Store or Apple App Store
Online PortalVisit the FMBN website to register, retrieve NHF numbers, check balances, and request statements

The FMBN website also provides online registration and account services for contributors.

Important Warning for Applicants

Applicants should be careful of individuals who claim they can “secure” an FMBN loan in exchange for money.

FMBN’s official website carries warnings about fraudsters posing as NHF facilitation officers. Applicants should:

  • Deal only with FMBN and its accredited mortgage institutions
  • Verify any request for payment before proceeding
  • Avoid unauthorized recruitment websites or intermediaries

The FMBN warns the public about fraudulent websites claiming to represent the Authority and requesting applications or payments. Applicants are not required to pay any fee at any stage of the NHF loan application process beyond the official fees charged by accredited mortgage institutions.


Summary

FeatureDetails
Loan NameNHF Mortgage Loan
AdministratorFederal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN)
Maximum Loan Amount₦50 million (₦100 million for diaspora)
Interest Rate6% per annum (9% for diaspora)
Maximum Repayment Period30 years (10 years for diaspora)
EligibilityNigerian citizen, 18+, NHF contributor for 6+ months
Application ChannelThrough accredited Primary Mortgage Banks
PurposeBuy, build, improve, or renovate a home

NHF Mortgage Loan Application Portal

Apply Here: https://fmbn.gov.ng/products/nhf_mortgage_loan

References

  1. Vanguard. (2026). FG unveils loan for Nigerians to build or buy houses – How to apply.
  2. Punch. (2026). How to apply for a FG loan to build, buy a house.
  3. FMBN. (2026). Terms and Conditions for NHF Diaspora Loan. fmbn.gov.ng 
  4. FMBN. (2026). Conditions for NHF Loan. fmbn.gov.ng 

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