Question 1

How are conforming loan limits determined?

Accepted Answer

The Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) sets conforming loan limits annually based on changes in the national average home price. The baseline limit applies to most counties, while high-cost areas (where median home prices exceed 115% of the baseline) receive higher limits, up to 150% of the baseline ($1,249,125 for 2026).

Question 2

Why do some states have higher limits?

Accepted Answer

States like California, New York, Hawaii, and Alaska have higher conforming limits because their median home prices significantly exceed the national average. Within these states, specific counties are designated as high-cost areas by the FHFA. Not all counties in a high-cost state necessarily have higher limits.

Question 3

What are the limits for multi-unit properties?

Accepted Answer

Multi-unit property limits are higher than single-family: $1,066,025 for 2-unit, $1,288,350 for 3-unit, and $1,601,450 for 4-unit properties in standard areas. High-cost areas have proportionally higher limits. Any loan above these thresholds for the respective unit count requires jumbo financing.

Question 4

Do limits change every year?

Accepted Answer

Yes, the FHFA adjusts conforming loan limits annually, typically announcing new limits in late November for the following year. Limits have increased every year since 2017 due to rising home prices. The 2026 limit of $832,750 represents an increase from the 2025 limit.

Question 5

What if my property is near the conforming limit?

Accepted Answer

If your loan amount is close to the conforming limit, you may benefit from staying below it to access conforming loan rates and terms. Options include a larger down payment, negotiating a lower purchase price, or using a piggyback loan structure. Even 1 dollar above the limit technically requires jumbo financing.

Question 6

How do I find my specific county limit?

Accepted Answer

Visit the FHFA website (fhfa.gov) to look up your specific county conforming loan limit. You can search by state and county to find the exact limit for your area. Your lender can also confirm the applicable limit for your property location.

Question 7

Are there different limits for FHA and VA loans?

Accepted Answer

FHA and VA loan limits are separate from conforming limits. FHA loans have their own limits (also set by county) that are generally lower. VA loans no longer have a loan limit for eligible veterans with full entitlement, meaning there is no cap on VA jumbo loans for qualifying borrowers.

Question 8

What territories have special limits?

Accepted Answer

Guam and the U.S. Virgin Islands are designated as high-cost areas with the maximum conforming limit of $1,249,125 for single-family homes (same as Alaska and Hawaii). Puerto Rico and other territories follow standard limits unless specific counties are designated as high-cost.

Jumbo Loan Limits by State

2026 Conforming Limits by Property Type

High-Cost Area States

Alaska (AK)

California (CA)

Colorado (CO)

Connecticut (CT)

Hawaii (HI)

Maryland (MD)

Massachusetts (MA)

New Jersey (NJ)

New York (NY)

Virginia (VA)

Washington (WA)

Standard Limit States ($832,750)

Need a Jumbo Loan in Your State?

State Limits FAQ