Conforming Loan Limits 2026 by State: Complete Guide
FHFA announces $832,750 baseline limit (+$26,250 from 2025). High-cost areas up to $1,249,125. Find your county's exact limit and what it means for your mortgage.
📊 2026 Conforming Loan Limits at a Glance
🎯 Check Your Mortgage Eligibility
With higher 2026 limits, you may now qualify for a conforming loan instead of a jumbo. Compare rates from top lenders:
📋 In This Guide
What Changed for 2026?
On November 26, 2025, the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) announced the 2026 conforming loan limits for mortgages acquired by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. The baseline limit increased by $26,250 (3.26%) to reflect continued home price appreciation.
💡 Key Insight: The 3.26% increase is smaller than 2025's 5.5% jump, signaling a cooling housing market. However, higher limits mean more buyers can access conforming loan rates instead of pricier jumbo loans.
2025 vs 2026 Comparison
| Property Type | 2025 Limit | 2026 Limit | Increase |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-Unit (Single Family) | $806,500 | $832,750 | +$26,250 |
| 2-Unit | $1,032,650 | $1,066,350 | +$33,700 |
| 3-Unit | $1,248,150 | $1,288,950 | +$40,800 |
| 4-Unit | $1,551,250 | $1,601,450 | +$50,200 |
2026 Conforming Loan Limits by State
Most U.S. counties use the baseline limit of $832,750. However, high-cost areas have elevated limits based on local median home prices. Here's a state-by-state breakdown:
| State | Baseline Counties | High-Cost Max | Notable High-Cost Areas |
|---|---|---|---|
| California | $832,750 | $1,249,125 | SF, LA, San Diego, Orange County |
| New York | $832,750 | $1,249,125 | NYC (all 5 boroughs), Long Island |
| Hawaii | N/A | $1,249,125 | All counties (special exception) |
| Alaska | N/A | $1,249,125 | All counties (special exception) |
| Washington | $832,750 | $1,037,300 | King, Snohomish, Pierce Counties |
| Colorado | $832,750 | $1,012,000 | Denver, Boulder, Eagle County |
| Massachusetts | $832,750 | $1,149,825 | Nantucket, Dukes County |
| Virginia | $832,750 | $1,249,125 | Arlington, Fairfax, Loudoun |
| Maryland | $832,750 | $1,249,125 | Montgomery, Howard, Calvert |
| New Jersey | $832,750 | $1,249,125 | Bergen, Essex, Hudson, Morris |
| Florida | $832,750 | $1,149,825 | Monroe County (Keys) |
| Texas | $832,750 | $832,750 | All counties at baseline |
| Other States | $832,750 | Varies | Check FHFA lookup tool |
🔍 Find Your County's Exact Limit
Need to know your specific county's 2026 limit? Get pre-approved and our lender partners will confirm your exact conforming loan limit:
Check Your Limit + Get Pre-ApprovedHigh-Cost Area Limits Explained
High-cost areas are counties where 115% of the local median home price exceeds the baseline limit. These areas get elevated conforming loan limits, up to the ceiling of $1,249,125 (150% of baseline).
2026 High-Cost Area Ceiling Limits
| Property Type | 2026 Ceiling Limit | Applies To |
|---|---|---|
| 1-Unit | $1,249,125 | SF, NYC, Hawaii, Alaska, etc. |
| 2-Unit | $1,599,525 | Duplexes in high-cost areas |
| 3-Unit | $1,933,425 | Triplexes in high-cost areas |
| 4-Unit | $2,402,175 | Fourplexes in high-cost areas |
Multi-Unit Property Limits
Investing in multi-family properties? The 2026 limits scale up significantly for 2-4 unit properties, making conforming financing more accessible for house hackers and small investors.
💰 House Hacking Opportunity
With 2026 limits, you can buy a 4-unit property up to $1,601,450 (or $2,402,175 in high-cost areas) with a conforming loan. Live in one unit, rent the others, and let tenants pay your mortgage!
Compare Multi-Unit Loan RatesConforming vs Jumbo Loans: Key Differences
Understanding the difference between conforming and jumbo loans is crucial for choosing the right mortgage:
| Feature | Conforming Loan | Jumbo Loan |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 Loan Amount | Up to $832,750 (or $1.249M) | Above conforming limits |
| Interest Rates | Lower (6.5-7%) | Slightly higher (6.75-7.25%) |
| Down Payment | 3-5% minimum | 10-20% typically |
| Credit Score | 620+ minimum | 700+ typically |
| Backed By | Fannie Mae/Freddie Mac | Private lenders |
| Approval Process | Faster, standardized | More documentation |
💡 Pro Tip: If your loan amount is close to the conforming limit, consider making a larger down payment to stay under the threshold. The savings from conforming loan rates can be significant over 30 years.
How Higher Limits Benefit You
✅ Lower Interest Rates
Conforming loans typically have rates 0.25-0.5% lower than jumbo loans, saving thousands over the loan term.
✅ Lower Down Payment
Put down as little as 3% on conforming loans vs. 10-20% for jumbo loans.
✅ Easier Qualification
Lower credit score requirements (620 vs 700+) and more flexible DTI ratios.
✅ Faster Approval
Standardized underwriting means quicker closings and less paperwork.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the conforming loan limits for 2026?
The 2026 conforming loan limit is $832,750 for most U.S. counties (baseline), up from $806,500 in 2025. High-cost areas can go up to $1,249,125. This 3.26% increase reflects rising home prices nationwide.
What is the conforming loan limit for high-cost areas in 2026?
High-cost area conforming loan limits in 2026 range from $832,750 to $1,249,125 depending on local median home prices. Areas like San Francisco, NYC, and Hawaii qualify for the maximum ceiling limit.
When do 2026 conforming loan limits take effect?
The 2026 conforming loan limits take effect January 1, 2026 for all new mortgage applications. Loans delivered to Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac in 2026 will use the new limits, even if originated in late 2025.
What happens if my loan exceeds the conforming limit?
Loans exceeding conforming limits become jumbo loans, which typically require higher credit scores (700+), larger down payments (10-20%), and may have slightly higher interest rates.
How are conforming loan limits calculated?
FHFA calculates conforming loan limits annually based on the average U.S. home price change. The 2026 increase of 3.26% reflects the year-over-year home price appreciation measured by FHFA's House Price Index.
🚀 Ready to Take Advantage of 2026 Limits?
Higher conforming loan limits mean more buying power for you. Get pre-approved today and lock in competitive rates before they change.
Meet David
Refinance & Rate Specialist
David Rodriguez is a seasoned refinancing expert with over 10 years of experience in mortgage rate analysis and market trend forecasting. As a Certified Rate Lock Specialist, he has saved homeowners millions in interest payments through strategic refinancing timing. His expertise in Federal Reserve policy impact and mortgage-backed securities makes him a go-to expert for rate predictions and refinancing strategies.
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