Understanding San Diego Conventional Loan Limits

San Diego’s home prices often push borrowers to the edge of what a “standard” conventional mortgage will allow. That’s where the conventional  loan limit (conforming loan limit)comes in: it’s a yearly cap that helps determine whether your loan can be treated as conforming or needs a different approach. If you’re planning to finance a home in San Diego County, knowing where that line sits can shape your down payment strategy, your rate options, and even the types of homes you consider. Left Coast Leaders helps borrowers map the numbers early so there are fewer surprises once you’re under contract.

What “San Diego conventional loan limit” actually means

A conventional loan is typically considered “conforming” when it meets the guidelines used by major mortgage investors and stays within the county’s published conforming loan limit. In plain terms: the limit is the maximum loan amount that can be treated as a conforming conventional loan for a specific county and property type.

A few important details for San Diego borrowers:

• The limit applies to the loan amount, not the purchase price.
• Limits are set by county (San Diego County can differ from other California counties).
• Limits vary by property type (1-unit vs. 2–4 unit properties).
• The limits can change each year, so the “right” number depends on the calendar year you’re closing.

Because San Diego is widely considered a higher-cost market, the conforming ceiling here is often higher than the national baseline. If you’re trying to pinpoint your exact 2026 number, you’ll want the current FHFA county table for San Diego County and the correct unit count for the property.

• Related: FHFA Announces Conforming Loan Limit Values for 2026

 

How the limit affects your strategy in San Diego

Loan limits aren’t just a technical rule—they can change how your financing is structured.

If your target home price is above the conforming range, you generally have a few paths:

1. Increase your down payment to stay conforming If you keep your loan amount at or below the San Diego County conforming cap, you may be able to use a conforming conventional loan even on a higher-priced home.
2. Use a jumbo (nonconforming) loan If the loan amount needs to exceed the conforming limit, a jumbo loan may be the better fit. Jumbo guidelines can be different—often with stronger reserve requirements, different down payment expectations, and more sensitivity to credit profile.
3. Consider a “split” structure (when available) Some borrowers explore options like a first mortgage plus a second lien to reduce the first-loan size. Availability and guidelines vary, and it isn’t right for every scenario, but it can be worth discussing if you’re right on the edge of the conforming cap.

Here’s a simple way to think about it: if the county’s conforming limit for a one-unit home is $X and you’re buying at $Y, then you’d typically need at least ($Y − $X) down (plus any closing costs) to keep the first mortgage at or below the limit.

At Left Coast Leaders, we run these numbers with borrowers early—often before you write an offer—so you can shop with a realistic target payment and a clearer understanding of which loan lane you’re in.

San Diego financing moves fast, and conforming limits are one of those “small” details that can have a big impact on approvals and monthly payments. If you’re aiming to stay within conforming conventional guidelines (or you’re deciding whether jumbo makes more sense), Left Coast Leaders can help you confirm the current San Diego County limit for your property type and build a plan that matches your goals.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the loan limit based on the purchase price or the loan amount?

The limit applies to the loan amount, not the home’s purchase price. You can read more here.

Do San Diego loan limits change every year?

Yes. Conforming loan limits are updated periodically, so it’s important to use the limit for the year you plan to close.

Are San Diego County limits different from other counties in California?

They can be. Loan limits are set by county, so neighboring counties may have different conforming caps.

Are loan limits different for duplexes, triplexes, and fourplexes?

Yes. Limits generally increase for 2–4 unit properties compared with a single-unit home.

What happens if my loan amount is above the conforming limit?

Your financing may shift to a jumbo (nonconforming) loan or require a different structure, depending on your goals and qualifications.

Can I still get a conventional loan if the home price is high?

Often, yes—if your down payment keeps the loan amount at or below the conforming limit.

Does exceeding the conforming limit automatically mean a higher interest rate?

Not always, but jumbo pricing and underwriting can differ from conforming loans, so the rate and terms may change.

Is the San Diego limit the same for condos and single-family homes?

The limit is typically tied to the county and unit count, but condo eligibility can still depend on project and underwriting requirements.

What is the difference between “conforming” and “conventional”?

“Conventional” means it’s not a government-insured loan (like FHA/VA/USDA). “Conforming” means the conventional loan also fits the published loan-limit and guideline requirements.

How do I find the exact 2026 conforming loan limit for San Diego County?

Use the current FHFA county loan limit table for the year you’re closing, then match it to your property’s unit count.

Can I use a second mortgage to stay under the conforming limit?

Some borrowers explore a first mortgage plus a second lien to reduce the first-loan amount, but availability and guidelines vary by scenario.

Does the limit affect my down payment minimum?

It can. If you want to stay conforming on a higher-priced property, you may need a larger down payment to keep the loan amount within the limit.

How can Left Coast Leaders help with San Diego loan limits?

Left Coast Leaders can confirm the current limit for your specific property type, compare conforming vs. jumbo options, and help you choose a structure that fits your budget and timeline.