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Baseline Conforming
Loans within the standard FHFA limit for most U.S. counties. These may be eligible for purchase by Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac.
Resources / California Loan Limits
2026 Mortgage Guide
California Loan Limits. Know your options.
Your mortgage amount and property location help determine whether your loan falls into the conforming, high-balance or jumbo category. Here's how the limits work.
The three categories
Where does your mortgage fit?
For conventional mortgages, the loan amount and county-specific limits help determine which financing category applies.
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High-Balance Conforming
In eligible higher-cost counties, conforming financing may extend above the national baseline, up to the applicable county limit.
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Jumbo Loans
Conventional loan amounts above the applicable county conforming limit generally require nonconforming or jumbo financing.
2026 at a glance
Updated limits for today's California market
FHFA updates conforming limits annually. The maximum depends on the county and the number of residential units.
- Baseline: The standard one-unit conforming limit applies in most counties.
- High-cost areas: Some California counties qualify for higher limits, but not every county reaches the national ceiling.
- Jumbo: A loan above your county's applicable conforming limit may be considered jumbo.
Property size matters
2026 baseline limits by number of units
These are national baseline limits for conforming loans in the contiguous United States. Your California county may have higher limits.
| Property type | 2026 baseline limit | Potential high-cost ceiling |
|---|---|---|
| 1 unit | $832,750 | $1,249,125 |
| 2 units | $1,066,250 | $1,599,375 |
| 3 units | $1,288,800 | $1,933,200 |
| 4 units | $1,601,750 | $2,402,625 |
Source: Federal Housing Finance Agency, 2026 announcement and Fannie Mae loan-limit table.
Quick answers
Common questions about loan limits
Are loan limits based on the home price or the mortgage amount?
Conforming loan limits apply to the original loan amount, not the purchase price. Your down payment affects the amount you need to borrow.
Are all California counties subject to the same limit?
No. Some counties qualify for high-cost conforming limits, while others use the national baseline. Check the official FHFA county list before planning your financing.
Does a loan above the conforming limit mean I cannot get financing?
No. Jumbo loan programs may be available, with different credit, reserve, down-payment and underwriting requirements.
Do these limits also apply to FHA, VA or USDA loans?
Not in the same way. Those programs have their own eligibility, guaranty or insurance rules. This guide focuses on conventional conforming and jumbo financing.
Find your financing fit
Let's match your loan amount with the right program.
Whether you're buying or refinancing in California, we'll help you review conforming, high-balance and jumbo options based on your property and goals.
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Tell us about the property and how much you plan to borrow.
Explore Loan Options →Contact UsLoan approval and terms depend on underwriting, eligibility and lender guidelines. Limits shown are for 2026 and may change annually.
