Understanding jumbo loan limits is crucial when financing luxury properties across the United States. Loan limits vary significantly by location, with high-cost areas receiving substantially higher thresholds than baseline counties. This comprehensive guide breaks down 2025 jumbo loan limits by state and explains how geography impacts your mortgage financing options.
What Are Conforming Loan Limits?
The Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) sets conforming loan limits annually for mortgages that Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac can purchase. Any loan amount exceeding these limits is classified as a jumbo mortgage and subject to different qualification requirements and lending standards.
2025 Baseline Conforming Limits
For 2025, the standard conforming loan limits are:
- Single-family home: $766,550
- Two-unit property: $981,500
- Three-unit property: $1,186,350
- Four-unit property: $1,474,400
These limits apply to most U.S. counties classified as standard-cost areas.
High-Cost Area Limits
Counties with median home prices exceeding 115% of the national average receive elevated conforming loan limits:
- Single-family home: $1,149,825
- Two-unit property: $1,472,250
- Three-unit property: $1,779,525
- Four-unit property: $2,211,600
Special provisions also apply to Alaska, Hawaii, Guam, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, which automatically receive high-cost area limits regardless of median home prices.
How Jumbo Loan Limits Affect You
When your desired loan amount exceeds the conforming limit in your county, you’ll need jumbo financing, which typically requires:
- Higher credit scores (700-740+)
- Larger down payments (15-20% minimum)
- Lower debt-to-income ratios (below 43%)
- Substantial cash reserves (6-12 months)
- More rigorous documentation
However, benefits include the ability to finance luxury properties with a single mortgage and potentially competitive interest rates for well-qualified borrowers.
State-by-State Jumbo Loan Limit Breakdown
California
California has the most high-cost counties in the nation, with jumbo thresholds varying widely:
High-Cost Counties ($1,149,825 limit):
- Los Angeles County
- Orange County
- San Diego County
- San Francisco County
- Santa Clara County (Silicon Valley)
- San Mateo County
- Marin County
- Alameda County
- Contra Costa County
- Ventura County
- Santa Barbara County
- Sonoma County
- Napa County
- Monterey County
Standard Counties ($766,550 limit):
- Riverside County
- San Bernardino County
- Sacramento County
- Fresno County
- Kern County
Why California Matters: With median home prices consistently exceeding $800,000 in coastal metros, understanding county-specific limits is essential for California homebuyers.
New York
High-Cost Counties ($1,149,825 limit):
- New York County (Manhattan)
- Kings County (Brooklyn)
- Queens County
- Bronx County
- Richmond County (Staten Island)
- Nassau County
- Suffolk County
- Westchester County
- Rockland County
- Putnam County
Standard Counties ($766,550 limit):
- Albany County
- Erie County (Buffalo)
- Monroe County (Rochester)
- Onondaga County (Syracuse)
Market Insight: New York City’s five boroughs all qualify for high-cost limits, reflecting the region’s elevated real estate prices.
Florida
High-Cost Counties ($1,149,825 limit):
- Monroe County (Key West)
Standard Counties ($766,550 limit):
- Miami-Dade County
- Broward County (Fort Lauderdale)
- Palm Beach County
- Orange County (Orlando)
- Hillsborough County (Tampa)
- Pinellas County (St. Petersburg)
- Duval County (Jacksonville)
- Lee County (Fort Myers)
- Collier County (Naples)
Notable Trend: Despite high home prices in Miami and other major Florida cities, most counties maintain standard limits. Only the Florida Keys qualify for elevated thresholds.
Texas
All Texas Counties: $766,550 (standard limit)
Texas has no high-cost counties despite significant urban growth in:
- Dallas-Fort Worth metro
- Houston metro
- Austin metro
- San Antonio metro
Texas Advantage: Relatively affordable luxury housing compared to coastal states, though jumbo financing still necessary for premium properties.
Washington
High-Cost Counties ($1,149,825 limit):
- King County (Seattle)
- Snohomish County (Everett)
- Pierce County (Tacoma)
- Kitsap County
- Thurston County (Olympia)
- Whatcom County (Bellingham)
- Skagit County
- Island County
- San Juan County
Standard Counties ($766,550 limit):
- Spokane County
- Clark County (Vancouver)
- Yakima County
Pacific Northwest Premium: Seattle-area counties dominate Washington’s high-cost designations due to tech industry growth.
Colorado
High-Cost Counties ($1,149,825 limit):
- Boulder County
- Eagle County (Vail)
- Pitkin County (Aspen)
- San Miguel County (Telluride)
- Garfield County (Glenwood Springs)
Standard Counties ($766,550 limit):
- Denver County
- Arapahoe County
- Jefferson County
- Douglas County
- El Paso County (Colorado Springs)
Mountain Market: Resort communities command highest loan limits, while Denver metro maintains standard thresholds.
Massachusetts
High-Cost Counties ($1,149,825 limit):
- Suffolk County (Boston)
- Middlesex County
- Norfolk County
- Essex County
- Plymouth County
- Bristol County
- Nantucket County
- Dukes County (Martha’s Vineyard)
New England Premium: Most populous Massachusetts counties qualify for elevated limits, reflecting strong Boston-area real estate values.
Virginia
High-Cost Counties/Cities ($1,149,825 limit):
- Arlington County
- Fairfax County
- Loudoun County
- Prince William County
- Alexandria City
- Falls Church City
- Fairfax City
Standard Counties ($766,550 limit):
- Richmond City
- Virginia Beach City
- Norfolk City
- Chesapeake City
D.C. Influence: Northern Virginia’s proximity to Washington, D.C. drives elevated loan limits.
Oregon
High-Cost Counties ($1,149,825 limit):
- Multnomah County (Portland)
- Clackamas County
- Washington County
- Columbia County
- Yamhill County
Standard Counties ($766,550 limit):
- Lane County (Eugene)
- Deschutes County (Bend)
- Jackson County (Medford)
Portland Metro Focus: Oregon’s high-cost areas center around the Portland metropolitan region.
Additional High-Cost States
Hawaii (All Counties): $1,149,825
- Honolulu County
- Hawaii County
- Maui County
- Kauai County
Alaska (All Boroughs): $1,149,825
- Anchorage Municipality
- Fairbanks North Star Borough
- Juneau Borough
- Matanuska-Susitna Borough
New Jersey High-Cost Counties ($1,149,825):
- Bergen County
- Essex County
- Hudson County
- Hunterdon County
- Middlesex County
- Monmouth County
- Morris County
- Passaic County
- Somerset County
- Sussex County
- Union County
Maryland High-Cost Counties ($1,149,825):
- Montgomery County
- Howard County
- Prince George’s County
- Anne Arundel County
- Charles County
- Frederick County
- Calvert County
How to Determine Your County’s Loan Limit
Step 1: Identify Your County
Know the exact county where your desired property is located, as limits vary even within the same state.
Step 2: Check FHFA Website
Visit the FHFA Conforming Loan Limit page for official, up-to-date information.
Step 3: Consult with Local Lenders
Experienced mortgage professionals in your area can quickly confirm current limits and jumbo loan options.
Step 4: Calculate Your Needs
Determine whether your loan amount exceeds the local conforming limit, requiring jumbo financing.
Strategic Considerations by Location
High-Cost Area Advantages
1. Higher Conforming Limits Buyers in high-cost counties can use conventional financing for properties up to $1,149,825, potentially avoiding jumbo loan requirements.
2. Increased Buying Power Elevated limits enable buyers to purchase more expensive homes with conventional loan benefits.
3. Competitive Rates Conforming loans often offer slightly better rates than jumbo mortgages, even at higher loan amounts.
Standard Area Strategies
1. Jumbo Loan Preparation Buyers in standard-limit counties should prepare for jumbo requirements when targeting properties above $766,550.
2. Portfolio Lender Options Local and regional banks often offer competitive jumbo programs in markets they know well.
3. Relationship Banking Establishing relationships with banks offering jumbo mortgages can provide advantages during the application process.
Multi-State Considerations
Relocating Executives
If you’re moving from a high-cost area to a standard-limit location:
- Reassess down payment needs based on new loan limits
- Understand local jumbo requirements which may differ from your previous market
- Connect with local lenders familiar with your destination market
Investment Property Buyers
When purchasing across multiple states:
- Research limit variations for each target market
- Build relationships with lenders in each location
- Understand different state regulations affecting jumbo mortgages
Second Home Purchases
Popular vacation destinations often have varying limits:
- Beach communities: May or may not qualify as high-cost depending on county
- Mountain resort areas: Frequently classified as high-cost (Aspen, Vail, Lake Tahoe)
- Seasonal markets: Check limits carefully as tourist areas don’t always receive elevated thresholds
Impact of Loan Limits on Market Dynamics
High-Cost Area Markets
Increased Competition More buyers can afford properties using conforming loans, increasing competition for homes under the limit.
Price Clustering Home prices often cluster just below conforming limits as buyers seek to avoid jumbo requirements.
Market Stability Higher limits provide market support by enabling more conventional financing.
Standard Limit Markets
Jumbo Market Development Strong jumbo lending markets develop to serve luxury property buyers.
Price Differentiation Clearer market segmentation between conforming and jumbo price ranges.
Local Expertise Lenders develop specialized jumbo expertise serving their local luxury markets.
Future Outlook for Loan Limits
2026 and Beyond
FHFA adjusts conforming loan limits annually based on housing price changes. Experts predict:
- Continued increases in most markets as home prices rise
- Additional high-cost designations for rapidly appreciating markets
- Policy stability maintaining current calculation methodology
- Regional variations reflecting diverse local market conditions
Monitoring Changes
Stay informed about limit changes by:
- Following FHFA announcements (typically released in November for the following year)
- Consulting with mortgage professionals who track market changes
- Monitoring local real estate trends affecting your target market
Working with Jumbo Loan Specialists
Regardless of your location, partnering with experienced jumbo lenders is essential. Browse Lenders connects you with verified mortgage professionals who:
- Understand local markets and county-specific loan limits
- Offer competitive jumbo programs tailored to your needs
- Provide expert guidance through the application process
- Deliver transparent pricing and clear terms
Get Started Today
Visit Browse Lenders to:
- Compare jumbo lenders in your state
- Understand local loan limit implications
- Get pre-qualified for jumbo financing
- Connect with luxury home financing experts
Understanding how jumbo loan limits vary by location is crucial for making informed decisions about luxury property financing. Whether you’re buying in a high-cost coastal market or a standard-limit region, knowing your local thresholds helps you plan effectively and choose the right financing strategy for your luxury home purchase.
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