You can refinance an FHA loan as soon as about 6–7 months after closing in most cases, but the exact timing depends on the type of refinance and whether you are staying with FHA or switching to a conventional loan.

FHA-to-FHA refinance timing

• FHA Streamline refinance: You generally must wait at least 210 days from the date you closed on your current FHA loan, and you must have made at least six on-time monthly payments on that loan.

• FHA rate-and-term refinance: Typically allowed after at least six months, with no more than one late payment in the last 12 months.

• FHA cash-out refinance: Usually requires at least 12 months of ownership and a clean 12‑month payment history.

FHA to conventional refinance

• Many lenders allow you to refinance from FHA to a conventional loan at any time, as long as you qualify on credit, income, equity, and any “net tangible benefit” rules they apply.

• In practice, lenders often like to see at least six payments made and that you are current on the mortgage, even if there is no formal FHA waiting-period rule when moving to conventional.

Practical next steps

• Check your closing date and count 210 days, and confirm you have at least six on-time payments if you want an FHA Streamline.
• If you are considering a conventional refi, ask a few lenders whether they have their own minimum time or payment-history requirements and run numbers to be sure the savings exceed closing costs.