Mortgage Update: New Loan Limits for 2026

The Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) is raising the baseline conforming loan limit (CLL) for 2026 and increasing limits for certain "high-cost areas" above the baseline limit. We're here to help you understand what this means. 

According to the FHFA*, laws limit Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to "purchasing single-family mortgages with origination balances that are below a certain amount." 

Read on to learn the reason behind this limit change, what these limits are in the Colorado counties we serve, and what the increase means for homebuyers.

Why has the limit raised? 

The loan limit increase comes as home prices continue to rise, though at a slower rate than seen in 2024. With an increased loan limit, homebuyers can more easily borrow enough to cover the cost of their new home purchases. 

In most counties across the country, the 2026 baseline conforming loan limit for a single-family property is $832,750. This indicates a 3.2%, or $26,250 increase from 2025.

What does this mean in high-cost areas? 

High-cost areas are counties such as Boulder, where the loan limit has a higher “ceiling” due to the higher costs of housing. Read on to see the limits in the Colorado counties we serve.

What does this mean for borrowers?

Higher conforming loan limits are an “added value” to the homebuyer. They allow you to purchase a higher-priced home while keeping your loan amount in a CLL that has more flexibility with underwriting guidelines and programs.

Below, you’ll find a snapshot of conforming loan limits for single-unit properties in the counties within our field of membership.

If you’re looking to better understand loan limits as part of the homebuying process and want to find out more, please contact our mortgage team. We are here to help. 

Also, check out our mortgage visualizer, Trailhead. This free tool helps you see how your down payment, market, mortgage length and beyond create your mortgage loan and monthly payments.