Jumbo Loans in San Diego: The 2026 Loan Limit and How a Jumbo Mortgage Works
A jumbo loan is a mortgage that is larger than the conforming loan limit for your county, and in San Diego County the 2026 limit for a one-unit home is $1,104,000. If the loan you need is above that number, you will need a jumbo loan, which cannot be bought by Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac, so lenders set many of their own rules.
The short answer
- The 2026 conforming loan limit for a one-unit home in San Diego County is $1,104,000.
- A loan above the limit is a jumbo loan, and the limit applies to the loan amount, not the price of the home.
- Lenders set their own rules for jumbo loans, so ask for down payment, credit and reserve requirements in writing.
- Putting more down can bring a loan under the limit, but it is not the right move for everyone.
What the conforming loan limit is
Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac are limited by law to buying mortgages below a certain size, called the conforming loan limit. The Federal Housing Finance Agency, or FHFA, sets that limit every year. Loans above it are known as jumbo loans. For 2026, the baseline limit for a one-unit property in most of the country is $832,750, which is up $26,250 from 2025.
Areas where homes cost more get a higher limit. The law lets the limit rise in high-cost areas up to 150% of the baseline, which is $1,249,125 for 2026. San Diego is one of those high-cost areas.
The 2026 San Diego County limits
At the time this article was written (October 2026), FHFA's 2026 county list showed these limits for San Diego County:
| Property size | 2026 conforming limit |
|---|---|
| One unit | $1,104,000 |
| Two units | $1,413,350 |
| Three units | $1,708,400 |
| Four units | $2,123,100 |
These numbers apply to loans that Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac buy in 2026. They are set each year, so check the new list when it comes out in late fall. If you are also looking at multi-unit homes, my overview of how to approach a first purchase and the steps in order can help you plan.
When a loan becomes jumbo: a few examples
The limit is about the loan, not the sale price. Here is how it looks for three example prices if you put 20% down. The numbers are illustrations, not quotes.
| Home price | Loan with 20% down | Compared with $1,104,000 | Down payment to reach the limit |
|---|---|---|---|
| $1,200,000 | $960,000 | Under the limit by $144,000 | Not needed |
| $1,400,000 | $1,120,000 | Over the limit by $16,000 | $296,000 (21.1%) |
| $1,600,000 | $1,280,000 | Over the limit by $176,000 | $496,000 (31.0%) |
As the table shows, a home priced a little above $1,380,000 pushes a 20% down loan over the limit. Some buyers choose to add to their down payment to stay under the limit. Others decide that a jumbo loan makes more sense, and they keep their cash. Neither is right for everybody.
What is different about a jumbo loan
Because Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac do not buy jumbo loans, each lender decides the rules for them. That means requirements for your down payment, credit score, savings after closing and documentation can be different from lender to lender, and they can change. Do not assume the rules you read about conforming loans apply.
- Ask what down payment the lender requires for the loan size you need.
- Ask what credit score and debt level the lender wants to see.
- Ask how many months of savings, called reserves, the lender wants you to keep after closing.
- Ask whether the lender requires one appraisal or more than one for your price range.
- Ask for a Loan Estimate, so you can compare offers on the same form. My guide on questions to ask a mortgage lender covers how.
Is a jumbo loan the only way?
Not always. A larger down payment can reduce the loan so it falls under the limit. A second option is a conforming loan combined with a smaller second loan, though that adds a second payment and its own rules. Whatever you consider, run the full monthly payment, because a cheaper rate on one loan may not make up for a second loan's cost. To plan a budget, see how much income you need to buy a home in San Diego.
What this guide cannot promise
I cannot tell you how a particular lender will treat your jumbo loan, and the rules vary. The conforming limits above are published figures, but your real loan options depend on your finances and on each lender. Get a written quote before you make an offer.
My advice for San Diego buyers
- Figure out your likely loan amount before you fall in love with a price.
- Ask lenders early whether the loan will be conforming or jumbo.
- Get down payment, credit and reserve rules in writing from each lender.
- Compare your full monthly cost, not only the rate.
- Look up the new county limit each year, because it changes.
A note on advice
I am a REALTOR®, not a lender, attorney, tax professional or financial advisor, so this guide is general information. Your lender can tell you what you qualify for, and a CPA or attorney can answer tax and legal questions.
Call or text me at (619) 402-4614 or send me a message.
Call or text (619) 402-4614Contact Trevor LandressRelated guides
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- Questions to Ask a Mortgage Lender Before You Choose One in San Diego
- Mortgage Rate Buydowns and Discount Points in San Diego: How They Work and When They Pay Off
- VA Loan Guide for San Diego Military Buyers: Funding Fee, Entitlement and Down Payment
- How Much Down Payment Do You Need to Buy a Home in San Diego?
- Should You Buy a Home in San Diego Now or Wait for Rates to Drop?
Frequently asked questions
What is the jumbo loan limit in San Diego?
For 2026, the conforming limit for a one-unit home in San Diego County is $1,104,000. A loan above that is considered jumbo.
Is the limit based on the home price or the loan amount?
It is based on the loan amount. A home can sell for more than $1,104,000 and still have a conforming loan if the loan is under the limit.
Who sets the conforming loan limit?
The Federal Housing Finance Agency sets it each year under a formula in federal law.
Do jumbo loans have different requirements?
They can. Lenders set their own rules for jumbo loans, so ask about the down payment, credit, reserves and appraisal in writing.
Can I avoid a jumbo loan by putting more down?
A bigger down payment can bring the loan under the limit, but you should weigh it against keeping cash for repairs, moving costs and savings.
About the author
Trevor Landress is a San Diego REALTOR® with Coldwell Banker West (DRE# 02126901). He was born and raised in San Diego and has been licensed since 2021.
Trevor helps homeowners sell, guides first-time buyers through the home buying process and assists investors with their next acquisition. His work includes negotiating offers, analyzing market trends, building pricing strategies and running marketing campaigns for his listings.
He serves clients across San Diego County, from coastal communities like La Jolla, Del Mar and Carlsbad to neighborhoods inland.
Trevor is part of the Campbell Group, a three-generation real estate team, and he and the Campbell Group consistently rank as a top producing team at Coldwell Banker West each month. He writes these guides to help San Diego buyers and sellers navigate an ever-changing market. To talk through your plans, call or text (619) 402-4614 or contact Trevor Landress.
How I help San Diego home buyers
I help buyers sort out their budget, understand their loan options with a lender, search for homes, write and negotiate offers, keep track of inspection and contingency deadlines and stay organized through closing.
How I help San Diego home sellers
I help sellers price their home, prepare it for the market, market it to buyers, review and negotiate offers and manage the steps from an accepted offer to closing.
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