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As home prices continue to climb, understanding conventional loan limits—often called conforming loan limits—has never been more important. These limits, set annually by the FHFA, determine the maximum loan amounts Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac can purchase. Anything above becomes a “jumbo loan,” typically requiring higher rates and stricter qualifications
Why It Matters in 2025
- Base Loan Limit: $806,500 for a 1-unit property in most California counties—a 5.2% uptick from 2024’s $766,500
- High-Cost Ceiling: $1,209,750 in designated high-cost counties—150% of the baseline
- Counties with median home prices significantly above the national average qualify for the higher limit—critical for homebuyers in places like San Francisco or Los Angeles
2025 Loan Limits – California by County
| County | 1‑Unit Limit |
| Alameda | $1,209,750 |
| Alpine | $806,500 |
| Amador | $806,500 |
| … | … |
| Los Angeles | $1,209,750 |
| Marin | $1,209,750 |
| Orange | $1,209,750 |
| San Diego | $1,077,550 |
| San Francisco | $1,209,750 |
| San Mateo | $1,209,750 |
| Santa Clara | $1,209,750 |
| Santa Cruz | $1,178,750 |
| Ventura | $1,017,750 |
| …others baselined | $806,500 |
Sources like Bankrate confirm that California’s loan limits range from $806,500 in more affordable counties to $1,209,750 in high-cost areas such as Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin, Orange, San Francisco, San Mateo, Santa Clara and others
What This Means for You
1. Stay in a Conforming Loan = Lower Costs
Conforming loans typically offer lower interest rates and easier qualification compared to jumbo loans.
2. Choose the Right Loan Amount
If your target home price is above $806,500 in a baseline county—but under $1.2M in a high-cost county—you’re eligible for a high-balance conforming loan without facing jumbo terms.
3. Watch for County Designations
As home prices shift, FHFA updates county classifications annually. Two counties shifted into high-cost status for 2025. Always confirm with the latest lookup tools.
2025 Update Highlights
- Baseline limit increase: +5.2% to $806,500
- High-cost ceiling held at $1,209,750
- County shifts: A few counties upgraded to high-cost status—for specifics, check FHFA or Fannie Mae lookup tools
Ready to Lock in Your Limit?
If you’re planning to apply for a conventional loan in California:
- Check your county’s 2025 conforming limit via [FHFA lookup][link].
- Estimate loan size based on desired home price and see if it’s within conforming limits.
FAQ
What happens if my loan exceeds the $806,500 conforming limit?
Are conforming loan limits the same across the U.S.?
Can limits change during the year?
Only annually. FHFA’s conforming loan limits apply to loans delivered on or after January 1 each year
Read Next
Get Expert Financing
- Matched with investor-friendly lenders
- Fast pre-approvals-no W2s required
- Financing options fro rentals, BRRRR, STRs
- Scale your portfolio with confidence
Our advice is based on experience in the mortgage industry and we are dedicated to helping you achieve your goal of owning a home. We may receive compensation from partner banks when you view mortgage rates listed on our website.
