Conventional Mortgage Loan Limits by County: 2026 Guide
Last updated 10/17/2025 by
Ante MazalinEdited by
Andrew LathamSummary:
Conventional mortgage loan limits are the maximum amounts you can borrow and still qualify for a conforming loan backed by Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac standards. These limits vary by county and are updated annually by the FHFA. If your loan amount exceeds your county’s cap, you’ll likely need a non-conforming (jumbo) mortgage with different guidelines.
Understanding your county’s conventional mortgage loan limit is a key step in planning your home purchase. Loan limits determine whether your mortgage is considered “conforming” — eligible for Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac guidelines — or “non-conforming” (jumbo), which typically has stricter underwriting and different pricing.
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What Is a Conventional (Conforming) Loan Limit?
A conventional loan limit is the maximum loan amount that still qualifies as a conforming mortgage under Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac standards. The Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) updates these limits each year based on changes in average U.S. home prices.
- Conforming loans: At or below your county’s limit; follow Fannie Mae/Freddie Mac rules.
- Non-conforming (jumbo) loans: Exceed the county limit; require jumbo financing.
Good to Know: Loan limits are set on the loan amount, not the home price. Your down payment can help you stay under the conforming cap even if the purchase price is higher.
How Loan Limits Are Determined
The FHFA sets a national baseline conforming loan limit annually and adjusts limits upward for designated high-cost areas. Some regions (such as parts of Alaska, Hawaii, and U.S. territories) may also have special higher caps.
- Baseline limit: The standard maximum for most counties.
- High-cost area limit: Higher ceiling in counties where 115% of local median home value exceeds the baseline.
- Special exceptions: Certain regions may have unique adjustments.
Conforming vs. Jumbo: What Changes?
| Feature | Conforming (≤ County Limit) | Jumbo (> County Limit) |
|---|---|---|
| Underwriting Framework | Fannie Mae/Freddie Mac guidelines | Lender-specific overlays; often stricter |
| Credit Score | Typically 620+ minimum | Often higher minimums (e.g., 700+) |
| Down Payment | As low as 3% for eligible buyers | Often 10%–20%+ depending on profile |
| Reserves | Modest or none required | Multiple months of reserves common |
| Pricing | Typically more favorable for strong credit | Can be higher due to added risk |
Where to Check Your County’s Limit
Use the FHFA’s loan limit look-up tool to confirm the current-year cap for your county. If your target loan exceeds that number, explore a larger down payment or jumbo options.
Smart Move: Verify limits early in your search — then adjust your price target or down payment so your conventional mortgage loan amount stays conforming if that’s your goal.
Conventional Mortgage Loan Limits by County 2026
| # | County | State | 1-Unit Conforming Loan Limit 2026 | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Los Angeles County | CA | $1,209,750 | High-Cost |
| 2 | Orange County | CA | $1,209,750 | High-Cost |
| 3 | San Diego County | CA | $1,209,750 | High-Cost |
| 4 | San Francisco County | CA | $1,209,750 | High-Cost |
| 5 | San Mateo County | CA | $1,209,750 | High-Cost |
| 6 | Santa Clara County | CA | $1,209,750 | High-Cost |
| 7 | Alameda County | CA | $1,209,750 | High-Cost |
| 8 | Contra Costa County | CA | $1,209,750 | High-Cost |
| 9 | New York County (Manhattan) | NY | $1,209,750 | High-Cost |
| 10 | Kings County (Brooklyn) | NY | $1,209,750 | High-Cost |
| 11 | Queens County | NY | $1,209,750 | High-Cost |
| 12 | Nassau County | NY | $1,209,750 | High-Cost |
| 13 | Westchester County | NY | $1,209,750 | High-Cost |
| 14 | Cook County (Chicago) | IL | $806,500 | Baseline |
| 15 | Miami-Dade County | FL | $806,500 | Baseline |
Note: Values shown are for 1-unit properties for 2026. Always verify your exact county/year using the FHFA loan-limit lookup tool.
Example: When a Jumbo Loan Is Required
Jordan plans to buy in a high-cost county where the conforming limit is higher than the national baseline. After 10% down on a $900,000 home, the loan amount still exceeds the local conforming cap. Jordan has two options:
- Increase the down payment to bring the loan amount at or below the county limit and remain conforming, or
- Use a jumbo loan, which requires stronger credit, larger reserves, and potentially different pricing.
Running both scenarios with your lender helps you compare total monthly cost, cash-to-close, and approval odds.
Pros and Cons: Staying Conforming vs. Going Jumbo
Alternatives if You Exceed the Limit
If your desired loan amount is above your county’s cap, consider:
- Increase down payment to bring the loan at or below the limit.
- Combo (“piggyback”) loan to keep the first mortgage conforming.
- Jumbo loan if you qualify for stricter standards.
- Compare to government-backed options: FHA, VA, or USDA (each has its own limits and rules).
Your Next Move
Confirm your county’s current limit and compare real offers. Seeing side-by-side quotes helps you decide whether to stay conforming, increase your down payment, or use a jumbo loan.
SuperMoney makes it easy to compare multiple mortgage offers in minutes. Review rates, fees, and guidelines from trusted lenders without affecting your credit score.
- What Is a Conventional Mortgage Loan – Get the basics in one place.
- Conventional Mortgage Loan Requirements – See what lenders expect.
- Conventional Mortgage Loan Down Payment Options – Choose the right down payment strategy.
- Mortgage Insurance (PMI) – When it applies and how to remove it.
- How Much Mortgage Can I Qualify For – Estimate your borrowing power.
Essential Insight
County loan limits set the boundary between conforming and jumbo financing. If your target loan pushes you over the cap, weigh the trade-offs: bigger down payment to stay conforming, or a jumbo loan with tighter standards but greater purchasing power. Model both scenarios before you shop.
Key takeaways
- Conventional mortgage loan limits vary by county and update annually.
- Loans above your county’s cap are non-conforming (jumbo) and follow stricter rules.
- Your down payment can help keep the loan at or below the conforming limit.
- Compare conforming vs. jumbo scenarios to find the best total cost and fit.
FAQs
What is a conventional mortgage loan limit?
It’s the maximum loan amount that still qualifies as conforming under Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac rules for your county and year.
Do loan limits vary by county?
Yes. The FHFA sets a baseline limit and increases it for designated high-cost areas.
What happens if I exceed my county’s limit?
You’ll likely need a non-conforming (jumbo) loan, which can require higher credit scores, larger down payments, and reserves.
Can my down payment help me stay under the limit?
Yes. A larger down payment lowers your loan amount and can keep you within the conforming cap.
Are conforming loans cheaper than jumbo?
Often, but not always. Pricing depends on credit, reserves, loan type, and lender appetite. Compare both to be sure.
Where can I check my county’s current limit?
Use the FHFA’s official look-up tool for the most recent year’s limits.
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