2026 conforming loan limits: $832,750 in most areas, up to $1,249,125 in high-cost counties

What a conforming loan limit is

Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac buy most U.S. mortgages from lenders, which keeps money flowing to new borrowers. By law they can only buy loans up to a certain size. FHFA adjusts that size each year based on home price changes. For 2026 the baseline rose 3.26%, matching the rise in FHFA's house price index.

High-cost areas

Where local home values are high, the limit is higher: generally 115% of the area median home value, capped at 150% of the baseline. That cap is $1,249,125 for 2026. Counties such as Los Angeles County and many coastal metros sit at the cap. You can look up any county on FHFA's loan limit map.

Why it matters to you

• At or under the limit: conventional conforming loans allow as little as 3% to 5% down for many buyers, with widely available pricing.
• Over the limit: you need a jumbo loan. Jumbo lenders often want 10% to 20% down, higher credit scores, and more cash reserves. Rates can be similar or slightly different from conforming rates depending on the lender.
• Just over the limit? A slightly bigger down payment can bring your loan back under the limit. On an $875,000 purchase in a baseline county, putting down $42,250 or more keeps the loan at $832,750.

FHA limits are different

FHA sets its own limits, from $541,287 to $1,249,125 for one-unit homes in 2026. See the FHA loan limits.