Every year, the FHFA (Federal Housing Finance Agency) sets conforming loan limits — the maximum mortgage amount that Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac will purchase. Staying under the limit means better rates and easier qualifying. Going over puts you in jumbo territory. Here’s what California buyers need to know in 2026.
2026 Baseline Conforming Loan Limit
The 2026 baseline conforming loan limit for most U.S. counties is $806,500 for a single-family home. In high-cost areas where median home prices are significantly above the baseline, limits can go up to $1,209,750 — the national ceiling.
California High-Cost County Loan Limits (2026)
Most of coastal California qualifies as a “high-cost area,” meaning buyers can borrow more before crossing into jumbo loan territory:
| County | 2026 Conforming Limit (1-Unit) |
|---|---|
| Marin County | $1,209,750 |
| San Francisco County | $1,209,750 |
| San Mateo County | $1,209,750 |
| Santa Clara County | $1,209,750 |
| Alameda County | $1,209,750 |
| Contra Costa County | $1,209,750 |
| Los Angeles County | $1,209,750 |
| Orange County | $1,209,750 |
| Ventura County | $1,209,750 |
| Santa Cruz County | $1,209,750 |
| Napa County | $1,017,750 |
| Sonoma County | $897,000 |
| San Diego County | $1,006,250 |
| Sacramento County | $806,500 |
| Fresno County | $806,500 |
| Riverside County | $806,500 |
What Does “Conforming” Actually Mean?
When a loan is within the conforming limit, it can be sold to Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac after closing. This creates a liquid secondary market, which keeps rates lower and qualifying criteria more flexible than jumbo loans. Conforming loans typically offer:
- Lower interest rates (often 0.25–0.75% below jumbo)
- Down payments as low as 3–5%
- Easier DTI and credit score requirements
- More lender competition = better pricing
What Is a Jumbo Loan?
Any mortgage exceeding the conforming limit for that county is a “jumbo loan.” In most of coastal California, that means any loan over $1,209,750. Jumbo loans require:
- Typically 10–20% down (some lenders go to 5–10%)
- Credit score of 700–740+
- DTI typically under 43%
- 12 months of reserves in liquid assets
- Full income documentation
Multi-Unit Property Limits (2026)
| Property Type | Baseline Limit | High-Cost Max |
|---|---|---|
| 1-Unit (SFR / Condo) | $806,500 | $1,209,750 |
| 2-Unit (Duplex) | $1,032,650 | $1,548,975 |
| 3-Unit | $1,248,150 | $1,872,225 |
| 4-Unit | $1,551,250 | $2,326,875 |
How to Stay Under the Conforming Limit
If your purchase price puts you just over the conforming limit, there are a few strategies to keep the loan conforming:
- Increase your down payment to bring the loan amount under the limit
- Negotiate the purchase price down slightly
- Use a piggyback loan (80-10-10 structure) to split the financing
Questions About Your Loan Amount?
DiVita Home Finance has been originating conforming and jumbo loans in California since 2007. Whether you’re right at the limit or clearly in jumbo territory, we’ll find the most competitive financing available. Contact us for a free consultation.
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