California buyer landscape (2026)

Conforming loan limits, 2026

These are public numbers published by FHFA and are the same for any conforming loan, anywhere. The high-cost-area designation is what lets borrowers in expensive California counties access conforming pricing on larger loan amounts.

• Baseline conforming limit: $806,500 (one-unit single-family).
• High-cost area limit: $1,209,750 in designated high-cost counties, including Los Angeles County and other Bay Area / Southern California metros.

How county affects the number

Not every California county is at the high-cost ceiling. The limit depends on the median home price in the county. Many of the most populous counties, Los Angeles, Orange, Santa Clara, San Francisco, sit at the ceiling. Inland counties typically sit closer to the baseline.

What's outside the conforming world

Above the high-cost ceiling, you're in jumbo territory. Jumbo loans:

• Don't sell to Fannie/Freddie, so each lender sets their own underwriting box.
• Often require stronger reserves, higher credit scores, or different documentation.
• Can have competitive pricing, especially for high-credit-quality borrowers.

California-specific programs to be aware of

These exist but eligibility, funding, and specifics change frequently. Treat this as orientation, not eligibility advice:

• CalHFA programs. The California Housing Finance Agency runs first-mortgage and down-payment-assistance programs aimed at first-time buyers under specific income limits. Programs come and go and sometimes pause when funded out for the year.
• CalHFA MyHome assistance. A junior loan that can pair with various first mortgages to help with down payment or closing costs.
• Mortgage Credit Certificate (MCC). A federal income tax credit on a portion of mortgage interest paid, available in some California counties for eligible first-time buyers.

A note on currency

The numbers above are accurate for 2026 as published by FHFA. Loan limits change annually each November. Programs run by CalHFA or other state entities can change at any time. Verify against the current source before any application.