California’s 2026 conforming loan limits vary by county. San Francisco, Marin, and San Mateo counties have the highest limit in the state at $1,249,125. Most other high-cost coastal counties (LA, OC, Santa Clara, Alameda, Contra Costa, San Diego, Ventura, Santa Cruz) are at $1,209,750. Inland baseline counties (Riverside, San Bernardino, Sacramento, Fresno, Kern) use the national baseline of $832,750. Any loan above the county limit is jumbo.
2026 California conforming limits by county
San Francisco, Marin, San Mateo: $1,249,125 single-unit. Los Angeles, Orange, Santa Clara, Alameda, Contra Costa, San Diego, Ventura, Santa Cruz: $1,209,750 single-unit. Inland baseline counties (Riverside, San Bernardino, Sacramento, Fresno, Kern): $832,750. Some mid-tier counties fall between the baseline and the high-cost ceiling — always verify your specific county before structuring your down payment around the conforming threshold.
High-balance conforming: between baseline and the county ceiling
Loans between $832,750 and your county’s conforming ceiling are “high-balance conforming” — still Fannie/Freddie eligible. In SF/Marin/San Mateo, high-balance goes up to $1,249,125. In LA/OC/Santa Clara, up to $1,209,750. Rates run 0.125–0.375% above baseline conforming, but still better than true jumbo. Important distinction: a $1.1M loan in LA County is NOT jumbo — it’s high-balance conforming.
Multi-unit limits: significant opportunity
In the $1,209,750 high-cost counties, the 4-unit conforming limit is $2,326,875 — and you can house-hack, living in one unit while renting the other three. In SF/Marin/San Mateo ($1,249,125 tier), multi-unit limits are proportionally higher. This is one of the most powerful wealth-building strategies in California and it works with conventional conforming financing.
Why the limit matters for down payment strategy
If your loan amount will be $1,215,000 — just above the $1,209,750 limit in LA County — putting $5,251 more down switches you from jumbo to high-balance conforming. In Marin County, the same strategy applies at the $1,249,125 threshold. This can save 0.25–0.50% on your rate, worth thousands per year. Run the numbers before finalizing your down payment amount.
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Michael G. DiVita, Broker of Record | CA DRE #01372066 | NMLS #241655
DiVita Home Finance, Inc. | CA DRE #01818285 | NMLS #323700
