Loan limits decide whether a mortgage is conforming, can be insured by FHA, or falls into jumbo territory. They change most years, and they vary by county. Here is where 2026 stands.
Conforming loan limits for 2026
The Federal Housing Finance Agency set the 2026 baseline conforming loan limit for a one-unit property at $832,750. In higher-cost areas, the limit can be as much as $1,249,125 for a one-unit property (Federal Housing Finance Agency). Loans at or below the limit for your county can be purchased by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, which generally gives lenders more pricing and program options.
FHA loan limits for 2026
HUD's FHA limits for one-unit homes range from a floor of $541,287 to a ceiling of $1,249,125 for FHA case numbers assigned on or after January 1, 2026 (HUD Mortgagee Letter 2025-23). Where a county falls between those numbers depends on local median home prices.
What if the price is above the limit?
A loan above your county's conforming limit is generally called a jumbo loan. Jumbo loans are underwritten with their own guidelines, which often include stronger credit and reserve expectations. If your purchase is close to the limit, a larger down payment or a different program may keep you within it.
How to check your county
- Conforming limits by county are published on the FHFA announcement page.
- FHA limits can be looked up with HUD's mortgage limits lookup.
- Limits for the following year are typically announced in the fall and take effect January 1. Check the FHFA site for updates before you plan a purchase or refinance that will close near year-end.
Limits apply to the loan amount, not the purchase price. Eligibility for any program also depends on your credit, income, assets and the property, so ask your loan officer which option fits your price range.
This article is general information for educational purposes. It is not financial, tax or legal advice, not an offer to lend or extend credit, and not a commitment to lend. Programs, limits and eligibility change and vary by state, property and borrower. Xpert Home Lending, Inc., NMLS #2179191. Equal Housing Lender.