Sometimes, but for most foreign buyers a Honduran mortgage isn’t the realistic path. Most pay cash, often raised back home through savings, a home equity line or a refinance, and some negotiate financing directly with the seller or developer. Honduran citizens living abroad have more options: state housing programs through BANHPROVI and a few banks with mortgage products designed for Hondurans in the US.
If you’re a foreign buyer: what people actually do
Let’s be honest. Local bank lending to non-residents is limited, and we couldn’t find a Honduran bank that publishes a mortgage program for foreigners without residency. Lenders that do consider a foreign applicant generally want legal residency in Honduras, a local bank account and income they can verify, and often a larger down payment than they’d ask of a local. If that’s you, ask a couple of banks directly and get the answer in writing.
In practice, these are the routes foreign buyers tend to use. We’re describing them, not recommending one over another:
- Cash from savings or investments. The simplest and most common.
- Borrowing at home. Some buyers use a home equity line of credit (HELOC) or a cash-out refinance on a property in the US or Canada, then buy in Honduras as a cash buyer. Your home becomes the collateral, so the risk sits there, not in Honduras.
- Seller or developer financing. Some sellers and developers accept a substantial down payment and the balance in installments over a few years. Terms vary widely; have your attorney put everything in writing, including late payments, and record the title transfer and any lien properly.
Keep in mind that buying property doesn’t by itself give you residency, and foreigners face specific rules on the coast and near borders (Decree 90-90).
If you’re a Honduran citizen living abroad
BANHPROVI: the state housing programs
BANHPROVI (Banco Hondureño para la Producción y la Vivienda) is a state development bank that funds home loans at below-market rates. According to what the institution and the Honduran press published in 2026, it runs two lines:
- Social housing: about 4% a year, for homes up to roughly 1.2 to 1.3 million lempiras (sources differ by date), with terms of up to 30 years.
- Middle-class housing: about 7% a year, with maximums published in 2026 between 2.5 and 4 million lempiras, also up to 30 years.
As a reference published in June 2026, a social-housing loan of 700,000 lempiras over 30 years at 4% comes to around 3,300 lempiras a month, before insurance and closing costs. These caps have changed several times, so treat them as a guide, not an offer.
BANHPROVI has promoted these loans among Hondurans in the US, with staff at mobile consulates to answer questions and take applications. The requirements published for applicants living in the US included a valid Honduran ID or passport, a completed application, a registered deed and lien certificate for the property, an appraisal by a valuer registered with the banking regulator (CNBS), a signed purchase agreement, six months of bank statements or pay stubs, and a power of attorney for your representative in Honduras, registered with the Instituto de la Propiedad.
Much of BANHPROVI’s money flows through partner banks and credit unions, which apply their own criteria. Dates and cities for mobile consulates change every year, so check the official BANHPROVI site before you start gathering papers.
Private banks with products for Hondurans abroad
Some Honduran banks offer mortgages to customers who live outside the country. Ficohsa, for example, advertises home and land financing for Hondurans in the US, in dollars or lempiras, with remote pre-qualification and closing through a representative in Honduras. What they typically look for:
- Proof of income from the country where you live (tax returns, W-2s or pay stubs, depending on the bank).
- Credit history.
- A down payment. For housing, banks commonly finance up to 80 to 90% of the value, so plan on at least 10 to 20% of your own, possibly more depending on the bank and your immigration status.
- A power of attorney for someone in Honduras, usually registered.
Private rates are higher than BANHPROVI’s and aren’t always published. Ask for a written quote with the rate, term, insurance and fees.
Before you start, whoever you are
- Budget the whole thing. Payments, insurance, upkeep and closing costs (notary, taxes, registration), without draining your emergency cushion.
- Expect it to take time. The Honduran press has reported that BANHPROVI funds run out quickly and that its process is slower than other options. Think months, not weeks.
- Choose your representative carefully. A limited special power of attorney is safer than a general one; we explain why in buying property in Honduras from abroad.
If you’re looking along the north coast or the islands, browse La Ceiba real estate, properties in Trujillo or Roatan real estate.
The short version
Most foreign buyers pay cash, raised at home or from savings, and some use seller or developer financing; Honduran bank mortgages for foreigners are limited and usually tied to residency. Hondurans living abroad can look at BANHPROVI (about 4% and 7%, up to 30 years) or banks with products for Hondurans in the US. Check current terms at the official sources, since they change often. If you have questions about a specific property, write to us.
Related questions
Can a US citizen get a mortgage from a Honduran bank?
In some cases, usually with Honduran residency, local income and a bigger down payment. Ask each bank; there’s no single rule.
Does BANHPROVI lend for land or construction?
Its programs include buying a home and other uses. Confirm with the institution or the partner bank which ones apply to your case.
Do I have to travel to sign?
Usually not; a representative signs for you with a power of attorney.
General information only: not a substitute for advice from a Honduran attorney or notary. Some technical details and costs vary from one area to another and can change without notice; we do our best to keep this information up to date. If you have more recent information or spot something that needs fixing, we’d be truly grateful if you let us know.