2026 Conforming Loan Limits Are Here from FHFA

What The New 2026 Conforming Limits Mean for Homebuyers and Homeowners in PA and FL

If you’re buying a home (or refinancing) in 2026, the new conforming loan limits matter because they determine when a mortgage can be sold to Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac and qualifies as “conforming” versus “jumbo.” Conforming loans typically come with more standardized guidelines, broader lender availability, and often more competitive rates compared to many jumbo options.

FHFA announced that the 2026 baseline conforming loan limit for a 1-unit home is $832,750, up $26,250 from 2025. (FHFA.gov)

What is a conforming loan limit?

A conforming loan is a conventional mortgage that fits within the maximum loan amount that Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac are allowed to purchase. If your loan amount is above that limit for your county, it’s usually considered a jumbo loan.

A key detail people miss: the limit is based on the original loan amount, not the balance later on.

The 2026 national limits (most U.S. counties)

For most counties, the standard 2026 conforming limits are:

• 1-unit: $832,750
• 2-unit: $1,066,250
• 3-unit: $1,288,800
• 4-unit: $1,601,750

High-cost area limits (and the 2026 ceiling)

In higher-cost counties, the limit can be higher than the baseline. FHFA notes the ceiling for 1-unit properties is $1,249,125 (150% of the baseline).

Special statutory areas (Alaska, Hawaii, Guam, U.S. Virgin Islands) have different limits.

2026 conforming loan limits in Southeastern Pennsylvania (Bucks, Montgomery, Philly, and nearby)

Here are the 2026 conforming limits for the counties many of my Pennsylvania clients focus on. All of these are at the baseline for 2026:

• Bucks County, PA:
  1-unit $832,750 | 2-unit $1,066,250 | 3-unit $1,288,800 | 4-unit $1,601,750
• Montgomery County, PA:
  1-unit $832,750 | 2-unit $1,066,250 | 3-unit $1,288,800 | 4-unit $1,601,750
• Philadelphia County, PA:
  1-unit $832,750 | 2-unit $1,066,250 | 3-unit $1,288,800 | 4-unit $1,601,750
• Chester County, PA:
  1-unit $832,750 | 2-unit $1,066,250 | 3-unit $1,288,800 | 4-unit $1,601,750
• Delaware County, PA:
  1-unit $832,750 | 2-unit $1,066,250 | 3-unit $1,288,800 | 4-unit $1,601,750
• Pike County, PA:
  1-unit $1,209,750 | 2-unit $1,548,975 | 3-unit $1,872,225 | 4-unit $2,326,875

2026 conforming loan limits in Florida (common counties)

Many Florida counties are also at the baseline, but some can be higher depending on FHFA’s county-by-county calculations. Examples:

• Miami-Dade County, FL: 1-unit $832,750 (baseline)
• Broward County, FL: 1-unit $832,750 (baseline)
• Palm Beach County, FL: 1-unit $832,750 (baseline)
• Hillsborough County, FL: 1-unit $832,750 (baseline)
• Pinellas County, FL: 1-unit $832,750 (baseline)
• Monroe County, FL: 1-unit $990,150 (higher than baseline)

Why these higher limits matter (real-life impact)

If you were previously just over the conforming cap, the new limits can help you:

• Avoid jumbo pricing and underwriting friction in some cases
• Keep access to a wider range of conventional loan programs
• Potentially reduce the cash needed at closing depending on structure

FHFA increased the baseline because home prices increased an average of 3.26% (Q3 2024 to Q3 2025), and the baseline limit rose by the same percentage.

When do the 2026 conforming loan limits take effect?

Per Fannie Mae’s guidance, the 2026 conforming limits apply to loans delivered on or after January 1, 2026 (including whole loans and MBS).

Conforming limits vs FHA limits (quick clarification)

Conforming limits are for conventional loans (Fannie/Freddie). FHA loan limits are separate and published by HUD. If you’re comparing programs, make sure you’re looking at the right limit set.

FAQs

Are conforming loan limits the same in every county?
No. Many counties use the national baseline, but high-cost counties can have higher limits up to the FHFA ceiling.

Do these limits apply to the purchase price or the loan amount?
They apply to the loan amount, not the home’s price.

Do the 2026 limits apply if I close in 2025?
Not automatically. The effective timing depends on when the loan is delivered and acquired, with 2026 limits applying on or after January 1, 2026.

About Innovative Mortgage Brokers

At Innovative Mortgage Brokers, we help homebuyers and homeowners in Pennsylvania and Florida find the right mortgage fit by shopping options across 30+ lenders, not just one bank’s menu. Our team focuses on clear guidance, fast communication, and a smooth process from pre-approval to closing, with competitive rates and low fees whenever the scenario allows. Whether you’re buying your first home, moving up, investing, or refinancing, we’ll help you understand your options and choose a strategy that makes sense for your goals.