If you’re buying a home in California in 2026, it’s important to understand the updated conforming loan limits. These limits, set annually by the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA), determine how much you can borrow with a conforming loan, a mortgage eligible for purchase by Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac. Staying within these limits can help you qualify more easily and secure lower interest rates.
In this guide, we’ll break down the 2026 California conforming loan limits, explain how they’re set, and show you what they mean for your homebuying journey.
2026 Conforming Loan Limits for California
For 2026, the FHFA has increased the baseline conforming loan limit for a single-family home to $832,750 in most areas. In high-cost counties throughout California, the limit can reach as high as $1,249,125 for a one-unit property. These limits apply to conventional loans eligible for purchase by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.
Breakdown of 2026 Conforming Loan Limits:
-
Standard (Baseline) Limit: $832,750
-
High-Cost Areas: Up to $1,249,125
These limits vary by county. Counties with significantly higher median home prices qualify for higher conforming loan thresholds. Buyers in areas such as Los Angeles, San Francisco, Orange, and Santa Clara counties often benefit from these elevated limits.
| County Name | 1 Unit | 2 Units | 3 Units | 4 Units |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alameda County | $1,249,125 | $1,599,375 | $1,933,200 | $2,402,625 |
| Alpine County | $832,750 | $1,066,250 | $1,288,800 | $1,601,750 |
| Amador County | $832,750 | $1,066,250 | $1,288,800 | $1,601,750 |
| Butte County | $832,750 | $1,066,250 | $1,288,800 | $1,601,750 |
| Calaveras County | $832,750 | $1,066,250 | $1,288,800 | $1,601,750 |
| Colusa County | $832,750 | $1,066,250 | $1,288,800 | $1,601,750 |
| Contra Costa County | $1,249,125 | $1,599,375 | $1,933,200 | $2,402,625 |
| Del Norte County | $832,750 | $1,066,250 | $1,288,800 | $1,601,750 |
| El Dorado County | $832,750 | $1,066,250 | $1,288,800 | $1,601,750 |
| Fresno County | $832,750 | $1,066,250 | $1,288,800 | $1,601,750 |
| Glenn County | $832,750 | $1,066,250 | $1,288,800 | $1,601,750 |
| Humboldt County | $832,750 | $1,066,250 | $1,288,800 | $1,601,750 |
| Imperial County | $832,750 | $1,066,250 | $1,288,800 | $1,601,750 |
| Inyo County | $832,750 | $1,066,250 | $1,288,800 | $1,601,750 |
| Kern County | $832,750 | $1,066,250 | $1,288,800 | $1,601,750 |
| Kings County | $832,750 | $1,066,250 | $1,288,800 | $1,601,750 |
| Lake County | $832,750 | $1,066,250 | $1,288,800 | $1,601,750 |
| Lassen County | $832,750 | $1,066,250 | $1,288,800 | $1,601,750 |
| Los Angeles County | $1,249,125 | $1,599,375 | $1,933,200 | $2,402,625 |
| Madera County | $832,750 | $1,066,250 | $1,288,800 | $1,601,750 |
| Marin County | $1,249,125 | $1,599,375 | $1,933,200 | $2,402,625 |
| Mariposa County | $832,750 | $1,066,250 | $1,288,800 | $1,601,750 |
| Mendocino County | $832,750 | $1,066,250 | $1,288,800 | $1,601,750 |
| Merced County | $832,750 | $1,066,250 | $1,288,800 | $1,601,750 |
| Modoc County | $832,750 | $1,066,250 | $1,288,800 | $1,601,750 |
| Mono County | $832,750 | $1,066,250 | $1,288,800 | $1,601,750 |
| Monterey County | $994,750 | $1,273,450 | $1,539,350 | $1,913,000 |
| Napa County | $1,017,750 | $1,302,900 | $1,574,900 | $1,957,250 |
| Nevada County | $832,750 | $1,066,250 | $1,288,800 | $1,601,750 |
| Orange County | $1,249,125 | $1,599,375 | $1,933,200 | $2,402,625 |
| Placer County | $832,750 | $1,066,250 | $1,288,800 | $1,601,750 |
| Plumas County | $832,750 | $1,066,250 | $1,288,800 | $1,601,750 |
| Riverside County | $832,750 | $1,066,250 | $1,288,800 | $1,601,750 |
| Sacramento County | $832,750 | $1,066,250 | $1,288,800 | $1,601,750 |
| San Benito County | $1,249,125 | $1,599,375 | $1,933,200 | $2,402,625 |
| San Bernardino County | $832,750 | $1,066,250 | $1,288,800 | $1,601,750 |
| San Diego County | $1,104,000 | $1,413,350 | $1,708,400 | $2,123,100 |
| San Francisco County | $1,249,125 | $1,599,375 | $1,933,200 | $2,402,625 |
| San Joaquin County | $832,750 | $1,066,250 | $1,288,800 | $1,601,750 |
| San Luis Obispo County | $1,000,500 | $1,280,850 | $1,548,250 | $1,924,100 |
| San Mateo County | $1,249,125 | $1,599,375 | $1,933,200 | $2,402,625 |
| Santa Barbara County | $941,850 | $1,205,750 | $1,457,450 | $1,811,300 |
| Santa Clara County | $1,249,125 | $1,599,375 | $1,933,200 | $2,402,625 |
| Santa Cruz County | $1,249,125 | $1,599,375 | $1,933,200 | $2,402,625 |
| Shasta County | $832,750 | $1,066,250 | $1,288,800 | $1,601,750 |
| Sierra County | $832,750 | $1,066,250 | $1,288,800 | $1,601,750 |
| Siskiyou County | $832,750 | $1,066,250 | $1,288,800 | $1,601,750 |
| Solano County | $832,750 | $1,066,250 | $1,288,800 | $1,601,750 |
| Sonoma County | $897,000 | $1,148,350 | $1,388,050 | $1,725,050 |
| Stanislaus County | $832,750 | $1,066,250 | $1,288,800 | $1,601,750 |
| Sutter County | $832,750 | $1,066,250 | $1,288,800 | $1,601,750 |
| Tehama County | $832,750 | $1,066,250 | $1,288,800 | $1,601,750 |
| Trinity County | $832,750 | $1,066,250 | $1,288,800 | $1,601,750 |
| Tulare County | $832,750 | $1,066,250 | $1,288,800 | $1,601,750 |
| Tuolumne County | $832,750 | $1,066,250 | $1,288,800 | $1,601,750 |
| Ventura County | $1,035,000 | $1,325,000 | $1,601,600 | $1,990,450 |
| Yolo County | $832,750 | $1,066,250 | $1,288,800 | $1,601,750 |
| Yuba County | $832,750 | $1,066,250 | $1,288,800 | $1,601,750 |
How Are Loan Limits Determined?
The FHFA sets conforming loan limits each year based on changes in average U.S. home prices. The Housing and Economic Recovery Act (HERA) of 2008 established the formula used to calculate these limits. Under this framework, the baseline limit increases when national home prices rise.
For high-cost areas, if 115% of a county’s median home value exceeds the baseline limit, the loan limit is adjusted upward, capped at 150% of the baseline amount. This system ensures loan limits keep pace with housing market trends while providing flexibility for borrowers in higher-priced markets.
View mortgage rates for
April 19, 2026
Why Do Loan Limits Matter?
Loan limits define the maximum amount you can borrow and still qualify for a conforming loan. These limits play a major role in determining your loan options, qualification requirements, and overall borrowing costs.
Benefits of Staying Within Loan Limits:
-
Lower Interest Rates: Conforming loans typically offer more competitive interest rates than jumbo loans, which can lead to substantial savings over time.
-
Easier Qualification: Because conforming loans carry less risk for lenders, they often allow lower minimum credit scores and higher allowable debt-to-income (DTI) ratios.
-
Lower Down Payment Options: Many conforming loan programs allow down payments as low as 3% to 5%, compared to jumbo loans that often require 20% or more.
-
Access to More Loan Programs: Staying within loan limits can make you eligible for certain conventional and government-backed programs not available with jumbo financing.
Implications of Exceeding Loan Limits:
If your loan amount exceeds the conforming loan limit, you’ll need a jumbo loan, which is not backed by Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac. Jumbo loans generally involve:
-
Stricter Qualification Standards: Higher credit score requirements, lower debt-to-income ratios, and more extensive financial documentation.
-
Higher Interest Rates and Fees: Because jumbo loans carry more risk for lenders, they often come with higher rates and additional costs.
Understanding loan limits helps you plan your home purchase more effectively and choose the financing option that best aligns with your financial goals.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the 2026 conforming loan limit for a single-family home in California?
The standard conforming loan limit for 2026 is $832,750, while high-cost counties can have limits as high as $1,249,125.
What happens if my loan exceeds the limit?
If your loan exceeds the conforming limit, you’ll need a jumbo loan. Jumbo loans typically require higher credit scores, often 700 or above, lower debt-to-income ratios, larger down payments, commonly 20% or more, and more detailed financial documentation. They may also carry higher interest rates and fees compared to conforming loans.
Do these limits change every year?
Yes. The FHFA reviews and updates conforming loan limits annually based on nationwide home price trends.
Questions About Getting a Mortgage in California?
Knowing the 2026 loan limits in your county can help you secure better loan terms and simplify the approval process. If you’re planning to buy a home in California, let JVM Lending’s experts guide you every step of the way.
Contact us today, we’re available seven days a week to help you find the right mortgage for your needs.
