Every year the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) sets the maximum size of a mortgage that Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac can buy. That number is the conforming loan limit, and it affects which loan a buyer qualifies for and what it costs.

The 2026 numbers

For 2026, the baseline conforming loan limit for a one-unit home is $832,750, up $26,250 from 2025. In counties where home prices are higher, the limit can be higher, up to a ceiling of $1,249,125 for a one-unit home. Limits for two-, three- and four-unit properties are higher than the one-unit limit, and they vary by county. Ask your lender which limit applies where you are buying.

Source: FHFA announcement of 2026 conforming loan limit values.

Why it matters

A loan at or below the limit is a "conforming" loan. A loan above it is a "jumbo" loan. Jumbo loans are not bought by Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac, so lenders set their own terms. Depending on the lender, that can mean a larger down payment, stricter reserve requirements, or a different rate.

If your purchase price puts your loan close to the limit, a small change in your down payment can move you from one side to the other. That is worth knowing before you make an offer, not after.

What to ask your lender

  • Which conforming limit applies to the county and property type I am buying?
  • If my loan would be above it, what are the jumbo requirements for down payment and reserves?
  • How would the rate and costs compare if I put down enough to stay under the limit?

Thinking about buying in Fort Lauderdale or the surrounding area? Contact me and I will connect you with the right questions to ask before you start touring.

This post is general information, current as of October 2026, and is not financial advice. Loan terms vary by lender. Talk to a licensed mortgage professional about your situation.