FHFA Raises 2026 Conforming Loan Limits: What Buyers and Agents Need to Do Right Now
The New 2026 Loan Limits Are Official
The Federal Housing Finance Agency has increased the 2026 conforming loan limit to $832,750 nationwide and up to $1,249,125 in high-cost areas. This shift means many loans that qualified as jumbo yesterday may qualify as conventional next month.
According to the published update on FHFA’s website, the increase reflects the continued rise in home prices across the country.
As Deven Gillen explains on hovadigital.com, these expanded limits can make homeownership more accessible for buyers who were previously capped by jumbo loan requirements.
Conventional Loans Just Got Easier to Access
If a buyer was stuck in jumbo territory this year, the expanded 2026 limits may allow them to switch to a conventional loan. That matters because conventional loans often offer:
Lower minimum down payments
More flexible mortgage insurance options
Faster and simpler underwriting
More accessible approval standards
This instantly increases affordability and opens more doors for buyers.
Freddie Mac Is Updating Its System Early
Freddie Mac will update its Loan Product Advisor on December 7, which allows lenders to begin pricing and pre-approving loans at the new limits immediately, even though the limits officially apply to loans delivered after January 1, 2026.
This early update gives buyers and agents a head start on leveraging the new guidelines.
What Buyers and Agents Should Do Right Now
Buyers and Buyer Agents
If any existing pre-approvals are close to the current conforming cap, those files should be updated immediately. Buyers may now qualify for more home or better terms.
Listing Agents
For homes priced near the old jumbo threshold, refresh the listing remarks. You now have a larger potential buyer pool since more buyers can qualify for conventional financing.
Move-Up Buyers
This is an ideal moment to run a “Just-Below-Jumbo” outreach campaign. Many move-up buyers paused their search due to jumbo guidelines. With higher limits, they may now qualify under conventional rules.
Why This Matters
The new limits create more flexibility and more affordability, but buyers and agents only benefit if they are aware of the change. By adjusting pre-approvals, updating listings and informing your clients, you position yourself as the professional who brings clarity and strategy before anyone else.
Final Thoughts
The 2026 conforming loan limit increase is a major opportunity for buyers and agents across the country. With Freddie Mac updating systems before January 1, now is the best time to refresh files, adjust listings and start new conversations with clients who were previously boxed out by jumbo loan requirements.
Sources:
fhfa.gov, hovadigital.com
