Conforming loan limits define the largest loan sizes eligible for purchase by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. Limits are set by the FHFA and can differ by county. Loans above the applicable limit are typically classified as jumbo.
Who this may fit
Anyone shopping in a market where price levels approach or exceed the standard conforming limit, or purchasing in a high-cost county.
Key decision factors
- Whether the loan amount falls within the county's conforming limit
- Whether a high-balance / high-cost county limit applies
- How pricing changes across conforming, high-balance, and jumbo
Illustrative example
Common mistakes
- Assuming national headlines about loan limits apply to every county
- Missing high-balance thresholds in high-cost areas
- Ignoring how splitting into two loans changes pricing and complexity
Questions to ask a licensed loan officer
- What is the applicable conforming limit for my county this year?
- How does pricing change if I go conforming vs high-balance vs jumbo?
- Are there structural options (second lien, larger down payment) that keep me in conforming?
Sources
We link to primary sources for every substantive claim. Publication dates below are marked as unverified until confirmed under our Source Policy.
- Conforming Loan Limit ValuesFederal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) · Published/effective: 2026 limits announced 2025-11-25; effective 2026-01-01 · Last checked: 2026-07-28
- FHFA Announces Conforming Loan Limit Values for 2026Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) · Published/effective: 2025-11-25 · Last checked: 2026-07-28
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