2026 Loan Limits Are Here: What Buyers Need to Know

The FHFA has officially released 2026 conventional loan limits, and buyers now have more borrowing power—before the new year even begins. Tim Lucas and Craig Berry break down what the new limits mean, who benefits most, and how buyers can use them strategically.In this episode you’ll learn:The new standard limit: $832,750 for a single-unit home, a 3.26% increase from 2025.High-cost markets: Limits rise to $1,249,125, with Hawaii topping nearly $1.3M.Multi-unit options: Up to $1.6M in standard areas and ~$2.4M in high-cost zones for 4-unit properties.Use them now: Most lenders have already adopted the new limits—buyers can close above 2025 limits today.How limits are set: Based on FHFA’s House Price Index; importantly, limits never decrease, even if home prices dip.Smart financing strategies: Combine the new limit with a HELOC to avoid a jumbo loan—ideal for $1M+ purchases.Market context: After huge jumps in 2022 (18%) and 2023 (12.2%), recent increases signal a stabilizing market.Read the full article:https://www.mortgageresearch.com/articles/will-conventional-loan-limits-increase/