New York Conventional Loan Limits: NYC vs Upstate
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July 28, 2025

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Unlock the full potential of your New York home purchase with insider knowledge on conventional loan limits. Whether you’re eyeing an NYC condo or a bigger home upstate, this guide helps map out county-specific limits, explain key differences, and guide your next financial move.


2025 New York Conventional Loan Limits: Overview

Under the FHFA’s annual adjustment, baseline conforming loan limits for one-unit homes in 2025 across most of New York (and the U.S.) rose to $806,500, a 5.2% increase from 2024 due to climbing home prices. Meanwhile, high‑cost counties, including New York County (Manhattan), have a ceiling limit of $1,209,750.

Property Location2025 Conforming Limits (1-4 units)
Baseline (most upstate counties)1‑unit: $806,500<br>2‑unit: $1,032,650<br>3‑unit: $1,248,150<br>4‑unit: $1,551,250
High‑Cost (e.g., NYC, Nassau, Westchester)1‑unit: $1,209,750<br>2‑unit: $1,548,975<br>3‑unit: $1,872,225<br>4‑unit: $2,326,875

Upstate mid-risk counties (e.g. Albany) remain at baseline, while high-cost counties (e.g. Bronx, Kings, Queens) are capped at ceiling.


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NYC vs Upstate: Borrowing Power Breakdown

High‑cost zones (NYC metro)

Counties like New York, Kings, Queens, Bronx, Richmond, Nassau, Westchester, and Rockland are classified as high-cost. Borrowers here can access higher conforming limits—$1,209,750 for a 1-unit home.

Upstate & Baseline Counties

Outside of Metro-NY, counties including Albany, Dutchess, Monroe, Onondaga, and Erie fall under baseline limits. The 2025 cap for 1-unit homes is $806,500.


Why This Matters

  • Conforming vs Jumbo: Loans within conforming limits can be sold to Fannie Mae/Freddie Mac, typically offering lower rates and easier approval. Exceeding limits pushes you into “jumbo” territory—more stringent underwriting and higher rates.
  • Maximized borrowing: High-cost zone borrowers can finance higher-priced homes at conforming rates—without moving into jumbo territory.
  • Strategic financing: First-time buyers and seasoned investors benefit from knowing whether they can stay under conforming caps, allowing for competitive rates, minimal down payments, and seller advantage.

What This Means for You

  1. Check county limits early — Use the to confirm your specific county’s 2025 limit.

  2. If you’re in high-cost New York — You benefit from a higher ceiling. Financing up to $1.2M remains conventional.
  3. Upstate buyer? Your cap stays at $806,500. Need more? Prepare for jumbo loan requirements like 20% down or higher credit scores.

Frequently Asked Questions

What determines a county’s loan limit?

The FHFA sets loan limits based on median home prices in each county. Higher median prices result in higher loan limits.

Can loan limits change annually?

Yes, the FHFA reviews and adjusts loan limits each year to reflect changes in the housing market.

What is a jumbo loan?

A jumbo loan exceeds the conforming loan limits set by the FHFA. These loans often have stricter credit requirements and higher interest rates.


Take Action Now

  • Check your exact county limit on FHFA’s interactive map.
  • Speak with a trusted lender to stay within conforming limits—CTAs help you take that first step.
  • Download our loan limit cheat sheet to compare NYC vs. upstate in one glance.

Read Next


Understanding conforming limits empowers you to make smarter, cost-effective moves. If you’re ready for personalized guidance or a custom pre‑approval, contact us today—we’re here to help you unlock the best financing strategy for your New York home.

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.

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