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.

Conventional & Government

Agency

High-Balance Conforming

Los Angeles and Orange: 2026 high-balance ceiling is $1,249,125. Above that, jumbo is a desk check.

Available throughout Southern California through Francisco Williams, CCIM, NMLS #1858674.

Sort this file Typical documents (213) 880-8107

620

Min FICO

95%

Max LTV

full doc

Docs

Ideal borrower

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

Program highlights

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

Typical uses

CA high-cost county purchases
Refi above baseline limit

Frequently asked questions

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.

Program details shown are representative guidelines and subject to individual lender overlays and CFPB / agency requirements. Rates shown are illustrative and subject to change without notice. Actual rate, APR, and terms will depend on creditworthiness, loan-to-value, property type, occupancy, loan amount, loan program, and other factors. Not all applicants will qualify. This is not a commitment to lend; all loans are subject to credit approval, income and asset verification, and property appraisal.