Reviewed by Jeff Shin, NMLS #1041652. Updated .
Also called: conforming limit, high-balance limit.
The 2026 limits
Per FHFA, the 2026 limit for a one-unit home is $832,750 in most of the country, up $26,250 from 2025. In high-cost areas the limit can be higher, up to a ceiling of $1,249,125, which is 150% of the baseline. Alaska, Hawaii, Guam, and the U.S. Virgin Islands have their own higher limits by law. Two- to four-unit properties have higher limits too.
How FHFA sets the limit
The Housing and Economic Recovery Act requires FHFA to adjust the baseline limit each year by the change in average U.S. home prices. For 2026, prices rose 3.26% over the measurement period, so the baseline rose by the same amount. In counties where 115% of the local median home value is above the baseline, the limit is set higher, up to the ceiling.
Why the limit matters to you
Cross the limit for your county and the loan becomes a jumbo loan, with its own rules and pricing. Loans between the baseline and a high-cost county’s limit stay conforming but are often called high-balance loans, and FHFA has directed extra upfront fees on them. Look up your county on FHFA’s list, or read high-balance conforming checks.
Related terms
Related on BankPricer
Sources
Definitions on this page are summarized from the agencies that set the rules. Lenders can add stricter requirements. Checked October 7, 2026.
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