Conforming Loan Limits
California's maximum conventional loans for 2026
California's maximum conventional loans for 2026
The Federal Housing Finance Agency establishes conforming loan limits each year. These caps determine the largest mortgage amount Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac will purchase or securitize. Loans that stay at or below the limit qualify for the best available interest rates and terms.
In 2026 the national baseline limit for a single-family home stands at $832,750. California high-cost counties now have a ceiling of $1,249,125 for one-unit properties. This higher threshold keeps financing affordable in expensive markets.
| County | 1-Unit | Duplex | Triplex | Fourplex |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles County | $1,249,125 | $1,599,375 | $1,933,200 | $2,402,625 |
| Orange County | $1,249,125 | $1,599,375 | $1,933,200 | $2,402,625 |
| San Diego County | $1,104,000 | $1,413,350 | $1,708,400 | $2,123,100 |
| Riverside 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 |
| Santa Clara | $1,249,125 | $1,599,375 | $1,933,200 | $2,402,625 |
| San Mateo County | $1,249,125 | $1,599,375 | $1,933,200 | $2,402,625 |
| San Francisco County | $1,249,125 | $1,599,375 | $1,933,200 | $2,402,625 |
| Contra Costa County | $1,249,125 | $1,599,375 | $1,933,200 | $2,402,625 |
| Alameda County | $1,249,125 | $1,599,375 | $1,933,200 | $2,402,625 |
| Sacramento County | $832,750 | $1,066,250 | $1,288,800 | $1,601,750 |
Loan limits are shown in California's major metropolitan areas.
Consider a lower first mortgage amount and a piggyback second mortgage on 1-2 units to avoid PMI.
Higher limits allow purchasers to borrow more while keeping the loan in the conforming category. Buyers avoid the stricter underwriting and higher rates typical of jumbo mortgage lenders in California. A family buying in Orange County can finance up to $1,249,125 at competitive rates with as little as three percent down on certain programs. Staying under the county-specific ceiling preserves access to lower-cost financing although PMI is still required for conforming products above 80 LTV.
Existing owners gain new refinancing opportunities when limits increase. Homeowners with mortgages originated under prior lower limits can now refinance larger balances at the new conforming rates. This means cash-out refinances become possible at higher loan amounts too. Property owners in Los Angeles or San Francisco often tap into their substantial equity without crossing into jumbo territory.
L.A. County. A buyer goes under contract for a $1.5 million condo in Hollywood Hills. The 2026 one-unit limit in L.A. county is $1,249,125.
The buyer has a 745 middle credit score and makes a twenty percent down payment of $300,000. The resulting loan amount is $1,200,000.
This figure exceeds the national baseline yet it remains conforming because it's below the county's high balance ceiling.
The lender offers a 30-year fixed rate at a lower rate than a jumbo loan. The buyer closes under standard conforming guidelines and avoids private mortgage insurance.
San Diego County. A homeowner in Carlsbad owns a single-family residence now valued at $1,300,000. Their outstanding mortgage balance stands at $890,000 with a 7.25 percent rate. The 2026 one-unit limit in San Diego County is currently $1,104,000.
The owner refinances into a new $980,000 loan at six percent. Monthly principal and interest drops from $6,070 to $5,950.
The transaction includes a lender credit towards closing costs due to a better LTV and their credit score of 772.
After closing, the owner has lowered their payment by $120 a month and may make extra payments to shortern the term. The entire process qualifies as a high-balance conforming refinance.
The information above is accurate until December 2026.
Sources:
• U.S. Federal Housing Data FHFA loan limits
• Fannie Mae Underwriting limits