Jumbo Loan Limits 2026 by State: Complete Guide + Requirements
🔥 2026 Jumbo Loan Limits INCREASED!
FHFA raised conforming loan limits for 2026. Anything above these limits = jumbo loan.
- ✓ Baseline Limit: $806,500 (up from $766,550 in 2025)
- ✓ High-Cost Areas: Up to $1,209,750 (CA, NY, MA, etc.)
- ✓ Lower Rates: Jumbo rates now competitive with conforming
- ✓ Flexible Terms: 10-20% down, 700+ credit score
✓ Competitive rates ✓ 10% down options ✓ Jumbo specialists
Jumbo loans are mortgages that exceed the conforming loan limits set by the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA). In 2026, the baseline limit increased to $806,500, with high-cost areas going up to $1,209,750.
📊 2026 Loan Limits by County Type
| County Type | 2025 Limit | 2026 Limit | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Baseline (Most Counties) | $766,550 | $806,500 | +$39,950 |
| High-Cost (150% of baseline) | $1,149,825 | $1,209,750 | +$59,925 |
| Alaska/Hawaii/Guam/USVI | $1,149,825 | $1,209,750 | +$59,925 |
💡 What This Means:
If you're buying a home ABOVE these limits, you need a jumbo loan. Example: $900K home in Austin, TX (baseline county) = jumbo loan. $900K home in San Francisco, CA (high-cost) = conforming loan.
🗺️ 2026 Limits by State (Top 20)
| State | Max Limit | High-Cost Counties |
|---|---|---|
| California | $1,209,750 | LA, SF, San Diego, Orange, Santa Clara, Marin |
| New York | $1,209,750 | NYC (5 boroughs), Nassau, Suffolk, Westchester |
| Massachusetts | $1,209,750 | Suffolk, Norfolk, Middlesex, Plymouth |
| Washington | $1,209,750 | King, Snohomish, Pierce |
| Colorado | $1,209,750 | Boulder, Pitkin, Eagle, Summit |
| New Jersey | $1,209,750 | Bergen, Essex, Hudson, Morris, Union |
| Hawaii | $1,209,750 | All counties (special status) |
| Alaska | $1,209,750 | All counties (special status) |
| Virginia | $1,065,375 | Arlington, Fairfax, Loudoun |
| Maryland | $1,065,375 | Montgomery, Howard, Anne Arundel |
| Florida | $806,500 | All baseline (no high-cost counties) |
| Texas | $806,500 | All baseline (no high-cost counties) |
| Arizona | $806,500 | All baseline |
| Nevada | $806,500 | All baseline |
| Oregon | $806,500 | All baseline |
| North Carolina | $806,500 | All baseline |
| Georgia | $806,500 | All baseline |
| Illinois | $806,500 | All baseline |
| Pennsylvania | $806,500 | All baseline |
| Ohio | $806,500 | All baseline |
*Check FHFA.gov for complete county-by-county limits
✅ Jumbo Loan Requirements (2026)
1. Credit Score
- → Minimum: 680-700 (varies by lender)
- → Competitive Rates: 720+
- → Best Rates: 760+
Higher credit score = lower rate. 760+ can save 0.50-0.75% vs 700 score.
2. Down Payment
- → Minimum: 10-20% (varies by lender)
- → Best Rates: 20%+ down
- → No PMI: Jumbo loans don't require PMI
Example: $1M home = $100K-200K down payment
3. Debt-to-Income Ratio (DTI)
- → Maximum: 43-45% (stricter than conforming)
- → Preferred: 36% or lower
- → Calculation: (Total monthly debt ÷ gross income) × 100
Example: $15K/month income, $6K debt = 40% DTI (acceptable)
4. Cash Reserves
- → Minimum: 6-12 months PITI in savings
- → PITI: Principal, Interest, Taxes, Insurance
- → Liquid Assets: Cash, stocks, bonds (not retirement)
Example: $8K/month PITI × 12 months = $96K reserves needed
5. Income Documentation
- → W-2 Employees: 2 years tax returns, 2 recent pay stubs
- → Self-Employed: 2 years business tax returns, P&L statement
- → Stable Employment: 2+ years same field/industry
6. Property Appraisal
- → Full Appraisal: Required (no waivers)
- → Second Appraisal: May be required for loans $1M+
- → Cost: $500-1,500 depending on property value
💰 Jumbo Loan Rates (January 2026)
Current Rates
| Loan Type | Conforming Rate | Jumbo Rate | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 30-Year Fixed | 6.50% | 6.25% | -0.25% (LOWER!) |
| 15-Year Fixed | 5.95% | 5.75% | -0.20% (LOWER!) |
| 7/1 ARM | 6.00% | 5.85% | -0.15% (LOWER!) |
🎉 Good News:
Jumbo rates are now LOWER than conforming rates! This is unusual but great for high-end buyers. Lenders compete aggressively for jumbo borrowers with strong credit.
📋 How to Get Approved
Check Your Credit Score
Aim for 720+. Pay down credit cards, dispute errors, avoid new credit.
Calculate DTI Ratio
Total debt ÷ gross income. Aim for 36% or lower. Pay off high-interest debt first.
Build Cash Reserves
Save 6-12 months PITI + down payment. Keep in liquid accounts (not retirement).
Find Jumbo Specialist Lender
Compare jumbo lenders who offer competitive rates and flexible terms.
Get Pre-Approved
Submit application with full documentation. Receive pre-approval letter (shows sellers you're serious).
🏠 Ready for Jumbo Loan?
Compare rates from top jumbo lenders - rates now LOWER than conforming!
Compare Jumbo Rates →❓ Common Questions
Are jumbo loan rates higher than conforming?
Not anymore! As of January 2026, jumbo rates are 0.15-0.25% LOWER than conforming. This is unusual but great for high-end buyers.
Do jumbo loans require PMI?
No! Jumbo loans never require PMI, even with less than 20% down. This saves $200-500/month vs conforming loans.
Can I get jumbo loan with 10% down?
Yes! Some lenders offer 10% down jumbo loans, but you'll get better rates with 20%+ down. Check with jumbo specialists.
What credit score needed for jumbo loan?
Minimum 680-700, but 720+ gets competitive rates. 760+ gets best rates (0.50-0.75% lower than 700 score).
Can self-employed get jumbo loans?
Yes! Need 2 years business tax returns, P&L statement, and strong reserves. Self-employed borrowers face stricter scrutiny but can qualify with solid financials.
🎯 Key Takeaways
- ✓ 2026 Limits Increased: $806,500 baseline, $1,209,750 high-cost
- ✓ Rates Now LOWER: Jumbo rates 0.15-0.25% below conforming
- ✓ No PMI Required: Save $200-500/month
- ✓ Stricter Requirements: 700+ credit, 10-20% down, 6-12 months reserves
- ✓ State-by-State Limits: Check FHFA.gov for your county
💪 Bottom Line
2026 is a great year for jumbo loans. Higher limits mean more homes qualify as conforming, and jumbo rates are now LOWER than conforming. If you have strong credit (720+) and solid reserves, jumbo loans offer excellent terms for high-end properties.
Get Started Today →