FHA refinance seasoning: there is no single waiting period that applies to every FHA refinance.
The correct timing test depends on whether the transaction is Streamline, Simple, Rate and Term or Cash-Out and on the history of the mortgage and property.
Streamline's three-part timing test
The commonly searched Streamline seasoning rule is not just “210 days.” FHA generally requires: six payments made, six full months since the first payment due date, and 210 days since closing of the mortgage being refinanced.
Payment history is separate from seasoning
A loan can be old enough but still fail the applicable payment-history requirement. FHA analyzes mortgage payment performance under the refinance type's current rules.
Recently acquired property
Recent acquisition or title changes can affect maximum financing and transaction eligibility. The date the borrower acquired legal title is therefore important in addition to the age of the mortgage being paid off.
Recent first or second mortgage
A borrower who recently replaced a first mortgage, added a HELOC/second, or borrowed against the property should not be given a generic “FHA requires X months” answer. The lender must identify the new refinance classification, lien history and use of prior proceeds.
Official FHA policy baseline
Primary source: HUD/FHA Single Family Housing Policy Handbook 4000.1, Update 18, revised August 12, 2026. FHA identifies Cash-Out, Rate and Term, Simple and Streamline as refinance types. Section 203(k) rehabilitation refinances remain in Mortgage Navigator's separate future renovation-loan section.