Conventional loan San Diego
Amir Nurani · NMLS #197458 · (619) 366-9494
Get Pre-Approved (619) 366-9494
A conventional loan in San Diego is a non-FHA, non-VA mortgage that follows conforming or jumbo guidelines. For 2026, the 1-unit high-cost conforming line is $1,104,000 versus a $832,750 baseline. Above $1,104,000 is generally jumbo. We shop conventional next to FHA and VA on the same file.
What is a conventional loan in San Diego?
It is the standard purchase or refinance path when you are not using FHA or VA. Down payment varies by program and lender. Mortgage insurance is usually required under 20% down and can often be removed later when equity and the loan allow it. Occupancy can be a primary residence, a second home, or an investment, depending on the program.
Left Coast Leaders is a San Diego mortgage broker. Licensed in California. Company NMLS 2394495. Amir Nurani NMLS 197458. See San Diego mortgage rates for why a published rate is not your lock.
What are the 2026 San Diego conventional loan limits?
San Diego County is a high-cost area. The 2026 1-unit high-cost conforming limit is $1,104,000. Baseline conforming is $832,750. Amounts from $832,751 through $1,104,000 are high-balance conforming. Conventional loans above $1,104,000 are generally jumbo. Those figures are the loan amount, not the list price. Confirm on loan limits and on your pre-approval.
| Item | 2026 figure |
|---|---|
| 1-unit high-cost conforming | $1,104,000 |
| 1-unit baseline conforming | $832,750 |
| High-balance conforming (1-unit) | $832,751 through $1,104,000 |
| Jumbo (1-unit conventional) | Above $1,104,000 |
How does conventional compare to FHA and VA?
| Down payment | Mortgage insurance | Occupancy | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Conventional | Varies by program and lender | Usually required under 20% down | Primary, second home, or investment, depending on the program |
| FHA | Typical minimum 3.5% | MI applies | Primary residence |
| VA | $0 down is common with full entitlement | No monthly PMI | Primary residence |
If cash to close is the constraint, start with FHA loan San Diego or first-time home buyer San Diego. If you have VA eligibility, start with VA loan San Diego. We still price conventional next to those so you see the monthly tradeoff.
Where do we work conventional files?
San Diego County and Riverside County. City pages we use often: La Jolla, Chula Vista, Oceanside, Carlsbad, and Coronado.
Use the mortgage calculator for a payment sketch. Writing an offer? Use the San Diego offer sheet. Refinancing later? See Refinance San Diego. Start with get pre-approved or call (619) 366-9494.
Frequently asked questions
For a 1-unit property, high-cost conforming is $1,104,000. Baseline conforming is $832,750. Amounts from $832,751 through $1,104,000 are high-balance conforming. Loans above $1,104,000 are generally jumbo. Confirm on your pre-approval.
Conventional is not a government-insured or guaranteed loan the way FHA and VA are. Down payment varies. Mortgage insurance is usually required under 20% down and can often be removed later. Occupancy can be primary, second home, or investment depending on the program. FHA typical down is 3.5% with MI. VA can be $0 down with no monthly PMI if you are eligible.
Not always. It depends on credit, down payment, mortgage insurance, and the property. We price conventional next to FHA and VA on the same file. Call (619) 366-9494.
Want a conventional number on your file?
Get pre-approved. We shop conventional next to FHA, VA, high-balance, and jumbo.
Get Pre-ApprovedLeft Coast Leaders, Inc. · San Diego, CA 92111 · (619) 366-9494 · NMLS #2394495 · DRE #02191517 · Amir Nurani NMLS #197458 · Equal Housing Lender