📋 What Are Conforming Loan Limits?
Conforming loan limits are the maximum loan amounts that Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac can purchase or guarantee. Loans within these limits typically have:
✅ Benefits of Conforming Loans
- • Lower interest rates than jumbo loans
- • Lower down payments (as low as 3%)
- • Easier qualification requirements
- • More lender options available
- • Lower PMI costs typically
⚠️ Above the Limit = Jumbo Loan
- • Higher interest rates (0.25-0.5% more)
- • Larger down payments (10-20% typical)
- • Stricter credit requirements
- • More documentation needed
- • Fewer lender options
💡 Why This Matters to You
The higher 2026 limits mean you can borrow up to $832,750 (or more in high-cost areas) and still get the best rates and terms. If you were previously pushed into jumbo territory, you might now qualify for a conforming loan!
📊 2026 Conforming Loan Limits by Property Type
| Property Type | Baseline (Most Areas) | High-Cost Areas | Change from 2025 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-Unit (Single Family) | $832,750 | $1,249,125 | +$26,250 |
| 2-Unit (Duplex) | $1,066,350 | $1,599,525 | +$33,600 |
| 3-Unit (Triplex) | $1,288,950 | $1,933,425 | +$40,650 |
| 4-Unit (Fourplex) | $1,601,950 | $2,402,925 | +$50,500 |
🏙️ High-Cost Area Limits (Select Markets)
In expensive housing markets, the conforming loan limit is higher. Here are some major high-cost areas with the maximum $1,249,125 limit:
🌴 California
- • Los Angeles County
- • San Francisco County
- • San Diego County
- • Orange County
- • Santa Clara County
🗽 Northeast
- • New York City (all boroughs)
- • Nassau County, NY
- • Westchester County, NY
- • Bergen County, NJ
- • Fairfield County, CT
🏛️ Other Markets
- • Washington, D.C.
- • Seattle, WA
- • Denver, CO (parts)
- • Boston, MA area
- • Hawaii (all counties)
🔍 Check Your County's Limit
Limits vary by county. Get pre-approved to find out exactly how much you can borrow in your area with conforming loan rates!
Check My County's Limit →📈 Conforming Loan Limits: Historical Trend
| Year | Baseline Limit | High-Cost Limit | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | $832,750 | $1,249,125 | +3.26% |
| 2025 | $806,500 | $1,209,750 | +5.21% |
| 2024 | $766,550 | $1,149,825 | +5.56% |
| 2023 | $726,200 | $1,089,300 | +12.21% |
| 2022 | $647,200 | $970,800 | +18.05% |
📊 What This Trend Means
Conforming loan limits have increased $185,550 (28.7%) since 2022, reflecting rising home prices. The slower 2026 increase (3.26%) suggests home price growth is moderating.
🎯 Who Benefits from Higher Limits?
✅ Buyers in the $806,500-$832,750 Range
If you're buying a home in this price range, you can now get a conforming loan instead of a jumbo. This could save you 0.25-0.5% on your rate and require a smaller down payment.
✅ High-Cost Area Buyers ($1.2M-$1.25M)
In expensive markets, the ceiling jumped to $1,249,125. Buyers in this range can now avoid jumbo loan requirements.
✅ Refinancers with Higher Balances
If your current loan balance is between the old and new limits, you may now qualify for a conforming refinance with better rates.Check refinance rates
✅ Multi-Family Property Investors
Limits for 2-4 unit properties also increased. You can now finance a fourplex up to $1,601,950 (baseline) or $2,402,925 (high-cost) with conforming rates.
❓ 2026 Loan Limits FAQ
When do 2026 limits take effect?
The new limits apply to loans acquired by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac starting January 1, 2026. However, many lenders start using new limits in late 2025.
What if my loan is above the limit?
Loans above the conforming limit are called "jumbo loans." They typically have higher rates, larger down payment requirements, and stricter qualification criteria.
Do FHA limits also increase?
Yes, FHA loan limits are tied to conforming limits. The 2026 FHA floor is $498,257 and the ceiling is $1,149,825 for high-cost areas.See FHA requirements
🏠 Take Advantage of Higher Limits!
Higher conforming loan limits mean more buying power with better rates. Get pre-approved today and see exactly how much home you can afford in 2026!