Increased Loan Limits in San Diego for 2026

• Mortgage Limits Rise •

The Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) recently announced higher 2026 Conforming Loan Limits, giving San Diego home Buyers a fresh burst of purchasing power just in time for the New Year.

These changes make it easier to navigate the San Diego real estate landscape when searching for your next home with more flexibility and, in many cases, a smaller down payment.

What Are the New Loan Limits in San Diego for 2026

For 2026, the baseline Conforming Loan Limit in San Diego County has increased to $832,750. This means you can purchase a property priced up to approximately $858,500 with just a 3% down payment.

In high-cost areas like coastal submarkets or metro pockets of San Diego, the new loan limits go even further. The High Balance Loan Limit in San Diego County for 2026 is now $1,104,000. This means you can target homes priced as high as $1,162,100 with only 5% down.

All figures above reflect a 1-unit property, including detached homes, condos, and townhomes.

2026 Conforming Loan Limit Thresholds in San Diego 

You could qualify for lower interest rates and smaller down payment options by keeping your loan amount within conforming limits for 1 to 4-unit properties in San Diego. Below are the 2026 baseline conforming loan limits for San Diego County:

2026 Baseline Conforming Loan Limits

• 1-unit to $832,750
• 2-unit to $1,065,500
• 3-unit to $1,288,750
• 4-unit to $1,601,650

Loans above $1,104,000 for 1-unit properties in San Diego are considered jumbo loans. Jumbo financing often requires higher credit scores and deeper cash reserves. Here are the 2026 high balance conforming loan limits for 1-4 unit properties in San Diego County:

2026 High Balance Conforming Loan Limits

• 1-unit to $1,104,000
• 2-unit to $1,413,000
• 3-unit to $1,707,300
• 4-unit to $2,121,600

How New Loan Limits Help San Diego Home Buyers 

Higher loan limits offer a much-needed boost to your affordability in 2026. This helps reboot your San Diego home search with more attractive interest rates to preserve your savings.

The San Diego real estate market is in a recalibration phase with many listings available for sale, giving you more breathing room and better negotiating power. These increased loan limits help you maneuver a market where prices are finding balance. You can access a broader range of homes without dramatically increasing your down payment, which can make timing and selection feel less pressured.

Staying within conforming loan guidelines also helps you avoid the added friction that often comes with jumbo loans, keeping your financing smoother and more predictable.

San Diego Mortgage Lenders Are Ready for 2026 

Many San Diego mortgage Lenders are already accepting applications under the new 2026 loan limits. This allows you to spend the holiday season scouting properties with a modernized budget, so you’re ready to strike when the Spring market arrives.

You can resume house hunting in 2026 with clearer expectations and expanded financing options as you plan your next steps for the New Year.

The Bottom Line: Plan With Confidence

Now is a solid time to jump back into house hunting if you’ve been waiting on the sidelines. With more purchasing power and a market that is offering a bit more breathing room, 2026 is shaping up to be a year of opportunity. These higher loan limits for 2026 create more flexibility if you’re in the market for a new home next year.

San Diego real estate continues to reward Buyers who understand their budget before making a move. To learn how these 2026 loan limits fit your current purchase plans or change your specific math, call Portia at 858.880.0195 or email portia.green@compass.com and take the next step in your San Diego home search.

Sources: 

https://www.fhfa.gov/news/news-release/fhfa-announces-conforming-loan-limit-values-for-2026

https://www.fhfa.gov/data/conforming-loan-limit

https://www.fhfa.gov/data/dashboard/conforming-loan-limit-values-map

https://sf.freddiemac.com/articles/news/loan-limit-values-for-2026

https://www.nahb.org/blog/2025/12/2026-fha-mortgage-loan-limits

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