FHFA sets the conforming loan limit annually based on house price changes. For 2026, the baseline limit is $802,650. In designated high-cost counties (SF Bay Area, NYC metro, LA, Honolulu, DC metro), the ceiling is 150% of baseline — $1,204,000. Loans above this are jumbo, with different underwriting (larger reserves, deeper credit checks, manual review) and typically 0.25-0.5% rate premium. The structure of the loan (conforming vs jumbo) often matters more to total cost than the list price of the home itself.
Regulations
Conforming Loan Limits for 2026: Where the Jumbo Line Sits Now
The FHFA baseline conforming limit moved to $802,650 for 2026. In high-cost counties like San Francisco and Manhattan it's $1,204,000. Why the line matters — jumbo rates, underwriting, cash requirements — and the metros where it's most relevant.
RegulationsMarch 10, 20268 min