High-Balance Conforming

CA buyers in high-cost counties needing more than the baseline conforming limit.

• 2026 one-unit ceiling is $1,249,125 in Los Angeles and Orange County
• San Diego is $1,104,000, Ventura is $1,035,000, Santa Barbara is $941,850
• San Bernardino and Riverside stay at the $832,750 baseline
• Agency pricing — better than jumbo in many cases
• Same Fannie/Freddie eligibility as standard conforming

• CA high-cost county purchases
• Refi above baseline limit

What counties qualify for high-balance conforming loans in California?

FHFA's 2026 one-unit ceiling is $1,249,125. These counties are at that ceiling: Alameda, Contra Costa, Los Angeles, Marin, Orange, San Benito, San Francisco, San Mateo, Santa Clara, Santa Cruz. San Diego is $1,104,000, Ventura is $1,035,000, and Santa Barbara is $941,850. San Bernardino and Riverside are at the $832,750 baseline. The full county table is at https://www.franciscowilliams.com/resources/california-loan-limits-2026. Source: FHFA conforming loan limits for 2026, announced November 25, 2025.

Is high-balance more expensive than baseline conforming?

Typically yes — adjustments add 0.25–0.5% to the rate for high-balance. For a Southern California buyer near the ceiling, it's worth quoting BOTH a high-balance loan at the $1,249,125 Los Angeles and Orange limit AND a jumbo above it, since jumbo sometimes prices better than high-balance in a given week.