Educational guide · Conforming limits
California conforming loan limits
Each year the FHFA (Federal Housing Finance Agency) publishes the maximum loan amounts that Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac can purchase — known as conforming loans. Above those limits your loan is considered jumbo or high-balance, with different rules.
Why limits matter
- Conforming loans usually have lower rates than jumbo loans.
- They're easier to qualify for because they follow standard rules.
- Expensive California counties (San Francisco, Los Angeles, Orange County, San Diego) get a higher "high-balance" / "high-cost area" limit.
General structure (no specific figures)
Limits are adjusted each year based on national home prices. There is a base limit (1-unit) that applies to most of the country, and a higher limit for high-cost counties. Many California counties fall in the high-cost tier.
Limits also rise for 2-, 3-, and 4-unit properties. Official up-to-date limits are published at fhfa.gov and on Fannie Mae's site.
What if you need more?
If the home price exceeds your county's conforming limit, options include:
- Jumbo loan: non-conforming product with stricter credit and reserve requirements.
- High-balance conforming: available in designated high-cost counties.
- Larger down payment to bring the loan amount down to the conforming level.
- Non-QM loans: structured differently (bank statement, DSCR, P&L, etc.).
Informational page. Exact figures change each year. Always verify current limits at the official source.