What happens if my loan exceeds the conforming limit?

If your loan amount exceeds $1,249,125 in Orange County or LA County, you need a jumbo loan. Jumbo loans typically require a larger down payment (10%–20%), higher credit scores (720+), and more cash reserves. Options Home Loans offers competitive jumbo loan programs up to $5M+ through our wholesale lender network.

Are FHA loan limits the same as conforming limits in California?

In high-cost California counties, FHA loan limits match the conforming limit of $1,249,125 for a single-family home. FHA loans require only 3.5% down (580+ credit score) and are assumable, making them attractive even at higher loan amounts. In standard-cost counties, FHA limits are lower — typically $806,500.

What are the 2026 VA loan limits in California?

VA loans have no loan limits for eligible veterans with full entitlement (no existing VA loan). Veterans with full entitlement can borrow any amount without a down payment, subject to lender approval. For veterans with reduced entitlement, county loan limits apply. Options Home Loans specializes in VA loans for California veterans.

How do 2026 loan limits affect multi-unit properties?

Loan limits increase for 2–4 unit properties. In Orange County and LA County: 2-unit = $1,599,350; 3-unit = $1,933,050; 4-unit = $2,401,050. This makes conventional financing viable for house-hacking strategies where you live in one unit and rent the others. DSCR loans are also available for investment multi-unit properties.

When did the 2026 loan limits take effect?

The 2026 conforming loan limits announced by FHFA took effect January 1, 2026. Loans locked or closed on or after that date are subject to the new limits. Options Home Loans stays current with all FHFA limit announcements to ensure clients can access the maximum financing available.

2026 FHFA Loan Limits · Updated November 2026

2026 Conforming & FHA Loan Limits in California

The 2026 conforming loan limit for Orange County and Los Angeles County is $1,249,125 for a single-family home.

The 2026 conforming loan limit for high-cost California counties including Orange County and Los Angeles County is $1,249,125 for a single-family home — up from $1,149,825 in 2025. This is the maximum loan amount eligible for Fannie Mae/Freddie Mac conventional financing. FHA loan limits match the conforming limit in high-cost counties.

Get a Rate Quote at the New Limit (949) 876-7984

2026 California Conforming Loan Limits by County

Limits shown are for conventional (Fannie Mae/Freddie Mac) loans. FHA limits match conforming limits in high-cost counties.

County	1-Unit	2-Unit	3-Unit	4-Unit	Type
Orange County	$1,249,125	$1,599,350	$1,933,050	$2,401,050	High-Cost
Los Angeles County	$1,249,125	$1,599,350	$1,933,050	$2,401,050	High-Cost
San Diego County	$1,249,125	$1,599,350	$1,933,050	$2,401,050	High-Cost
San Francisco County	$1,249,125	$1,599,350	$1,933,050	$2,401,050	High-Cost
Santa Clara County	$1,249,125	$1,599,350	$1,933,050	$2,401,050	High-Cost
Alameda County	$1,249,125	$1,599,350	$1,933,050	$2,401,050	High-Cost
Contra Costa County	$1,249,125	$1,599,350	$1,933,050	$2,401,050	High-Cost
Marin County	$1,249,125	$1,599,350	$1,933,050	$2,401,050	High-Cost
Ventura County	$1,149,825	$1,472,250	$1,779,525	$2,211,600	High-Cost
Riverside County	$806,500	$1,032,650	$1,248,150	$1,551,250	Standard
San Bernardino County	$806,500	$1,032,650	$1,248,150	$1,551,250	Standard
Sacramento County	$806,500	$1,032,650	$1,248,150	$1,551,250	Standard

Source: FHFA 2026 conforming loan limit announcements. Limits effective January 1, 2026.

What the 2026 Loan Limits Mean for California Buyers

Conventional Financing Up to $1.249M

Buyers in Orange County and LA County can now access Fannie Mae/Freddie Mac conventional loans up to $1,249,125 — with as little as 3% down — without needing a jumbo loan.

FHA Loans Match the Limit

In high-cost counties, FHA loan limits also reach $1,249,125. FHA loans require only 3.5% down (580+ credit) and are assumable — a major advantage in a rising-rate environment.

Jumbo Starts Above $1.249M

Loans above $1,249,125 are classified as jumbo. Options Home Loans offers competitive jumbo programs up to $5M+ through our wholesale lender network, typically requiring 10%–20% down.

2026 California Loan Limits — FAQ

Ready to Use the 2026 Loan Limits?

Get a free rate quote at the new $1,249,125 conforming limit — or explore jumbo options if you need more.

Get a Rate Quote at the New Limit Talk to a Loan Officer

Options Home Loans LLC · NMLS #2221613 · 13681 Newport Ave Ste 8-415, Tustin, CA 92780 · Equal Housing Lender. Loan limits sourced from FHFA 2026 announcements. Subject to change.

Related Resources

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