Best Jumbo Lenders in California 2026: Top 8 for $1M+ Homes
Jennifer Wu
California Jumbo Loan Expert | 22+ Years Experience
January 23, 2026
Looking for the best jumbo lenders in California? California is the #1 jumbo loan market in America. These 8 lenders dominate the CA luxury market with the best rates and terms for $1M-$10M+ homes.
6.75%
Avg Jumbo Rate
$2.5M
Avg Jumbo Loan
15%
Min Down
$10M
Max Loan
🏆 Top 8 Jumbo Lenders California 2026
Wells Fargo Private Bank - Best Jumbo Lender California
12,000+ CA jumbo loans
Why #1:
- 💰 Best jumbo rates: 6.65%-6.85% APR
- 🏆 Up to $10M loans
- ⚡ 10% down minimum
- 📍 Dominant in Bay Area + LA luxury markets
- 🎯 Relationship banking perks (private banking)
Best For:
High-net-worth CA buyers purchasing $2M-$10M homes
📊 California Jumbo Loan Markets 2026
| Market | Median Luxury Home | Jumbo Threshold | Hot Neighborhoods |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco | $3.2M | $1,149,825+ | Pacific Heights, Nob Hill |
| San Jose | $2.8M | $1,149,825+ | Willow Glen, Almaden |
| Los Angeles | $2.5M | $1,149,825+ | Beverly Hills, Bel Air |
| San Diego | $2.2M | $1,149,825+ | La Jolla, Del Mar |
| Orange County | $2.0M | $1,149,825+ | Newport Beach, Laguna |
💡 California Jumbo Loan Requirements 2026
Basic Requirements
Credit Score:
700+ minimum (720+ for best rates)
Down Payment:
10-20% ($250K-$500K on $2.5M)
DTI Ratio:
43% max (36% preferred)
Reserves:
6-12 months PITI in savings
California-Specific Info
Property Taxes:
1.0% avg (Prop 13 cap)
Closing Costs:
2-4% ($50K-$100K on $2.5M)
No PMI:
Jumbo loans don't require PMI
Appraisal:
$800-$1,500 (luxury properties)
❓ FAQ: California Jumbo Loans 2026
What is a jumbo loan in California?
A jumbo loan exceeds conforming loan limits:
- High-cost CA counties (SF, LA, SD, OC): $1,149,825
- Standard CA counties: $766,550
- Jumbo loan: Any loan above these limits
- Example: $2.5M SF home = $1,350,175 jumbo portion
How much down payment for jumbo loan in California?
California Jumbo Down Payment Requirements:
- Minimum: 10% ($250K on $2.5M)
- Recommended: 20% ($500K on $2.5M)
- Best rates: 25%+ down ($625K+ on $2.5M)
Higher down payment = lower rate + better terms
What income do I need for a $2.5M jumbo loan in California?
Example: $2.5M home in San Francisco
Scenario 1: 20% down ($500K)
- Loan amount: $2M
- Monthly payment: $13,500 (P&I + taxes + insurance)
- Required income: $375,000/year (36% DTI)
Scenario 2: 10% down ($250K)
- Loan amount: $2.25M
- Monthly payment: $15,200
- Required income: $422,000/year (36% DTI)