Knowing the jumbo loan limits in California is a necessity for some buyers. Here’s why.
California’s real estate market continues to be one of the most expensive in the nation, with property values soaring in metropolitan areas like Los Angeles, San Francisco, and San Diego. As home prices climb, many prospective buyers find themselves looking at properties that exceed the conforming loan limits established by the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA).
In these situations, jumbo loans become a vital financing option for California homebuyers.
What Is a Jumbo Loan?
A jumbo loan is a mortgage that exceeds the conforming loan limits set by the FHFA. Unlike conventional loans, jumbo loans cannot be purchased by Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac, making them non-conforming loans that are held by private lenders.
Jumbo mortgages are designed for high-value properties and cater to high-net-worth individuals, entrepreneurs, freelancers, and self-employed professionals who need larger loan amounts.
These loans typically come in both adjustable-rate and fixed-rate terms of 15 or 30 years, depending on the lender’s offerings.
The Top 5 Most Populous Counties’ Jumbo Loan Limits in California (2025)
As a quick reference guide, we’ve assembled a table of the top 5 most populous counties in California and their jumbo loan limits.
(A quick note on what we mean by “jumbo loan limit:” This is the limit at which a jumbo loan becomes necessary — which is the maximum conforming loan amount.
| County | Population | Loan Limit |
| Los Angeles County | 9,550,505 | $1,209,750 |
| San Diego County | 3,255,567 | $1,077,550 |
| Orange County | 3,106,521 | $1,209,750 |
| Riverside County | 2,528,844 | $806,500 |
| San Bernardino County | 2,197,017 | $806,500 |
2025 California Jumbo Loan Limits by County
In California, the threshold for jumbo loans varies by county. For 2025, the FHFA has set the baseline conforming loan limit at $806,500 for most counties in California. However, in high-cost areas like Los Angeles, Orange, and San Francisco counties, this limit increases to $1,209,750.
Here’s a breakdown of conforming loan limits across California counties for 2025:
High-Cost Counties ($1,209,750)
- Alameda County
- Contra Costa County
- Los Angeles County
- Marin County
- Orange County
- San Benito County
- San Francisco County
- San Mateo County
- Santa Clara County
- Santa Cruz County ($1,178,750)
Other Notable Counties
- San Diego County: $1,077,550
- Ventura County: $1,017,750
- Napa County: $1,017,750
- Monterey County: $970,600
- San Luis Obispo County: $967,150
- Santa Barbara County: $913,100
- Sonoma County: $897,000
Any mortgage loan exceeding these county-specific limits would be classified as a jumbo loan.
In order to access the full up-to-date list, you can download the form on this page from the Federal Housing Finance Agency.
Eligibility Requirements for California Jumbo Loans
Due to the higher risk associated with larger loan amounts, jumbo loans have more stringent eligibility requirements than conventional mortgages:
Credit Score Requirements
Most jumbo loan lenders in California require a minimum FICO score of 700. For properties valued at $2,000,000 or above, a credit score of 720 or higher is often recommended to secure the best terms and highest loan amounts.
Down Payment Expectations
While conventional loans may allow down payments as low as 3%, jumbo loans typically require 10-20% down for single-family homes. The exact percentage may be higher for:
- Multi-family units
- Second homes
- Investment properties
- Particularly high loan amounts
Larger down payments reduce the lender’s risk and may help secure better interest rates.
Debt-to-Income Ratio (DTI)
Most jumbo loan lenders cap the debt-to-income ratio at 43%, similar to conventional mortgages. This means your total monthly debt payments (including the new mortgage) should not exceed 43% of your pre-tax monthly income. Keeping your DTI below 35% is ideal for obtaining the most favorable loan terms.
Cash Reserves
Jumbo lenders typically require borrowers to demonstrate liquid assets covering at least 6-12 months of mortgage payments. This reserve requirement ensures you can maintain payments even if your income is temporarily disrupted.
Financial Documentation
Expect to provide extensive documentation, including:
- Asset statements
- Bank statements
- Investment account statements
- Tax returns (2-3 years)
- W-2s or 1099s
- Gift letters (if applicable for down payment funds)
How to Apply for a Jumbo Loan in California
Step 1: Prepare Your Requirements
Before applying, ensure you meet all eligibility criteria:
- Review your credit reports for accuracy and dispute any discrepancies
- Calculate your DTI ratio to confirm it’s below the 43% threshold (unless you’re applying for a DSCR loan or other loan type that may not require this)
- Gather all necessary financial documentation
- Consider improving your financial profile by raising your credit score or consolidating debt
Step 2: Find the Right Lender
Look for lenders with:
- Experience in jumbo loans
- Familiarity with California’s real estate market
- Competitive rates and terms
- Positive customer reviews
Local expertise can ensure fairer terms, better guidance, and a smoother application process.
Step 3: Get Pre-Qualified
Pre-qualification helps you:
- Understand your borrowing potential
- Strengthen your position when making offers
- Set realistic expectations for your home search
- Demonstrate financial credibility to sellers in California’s competitive market
In order to get prequalified today, contact us here at Defy Mortgage. We specialize in a variety of non-QM loan types.
Alternatives to Jumbo Loans in California: Non-QM Options for Unique Financial Situations
For California homebuyers who exceed conforming loan limits but don’t qualify for traditional jumbo financing, several non-QM alternatives provide flexible solutions:
- Bank Statement Loans – Perfect for self-employed Californians and entrepreneurs who can verify income through bank deposits rather than tax returns
- Foreign National Loans – Designed for international buyers investing in California real estate without established US credit history
- DSCR Loans – Allow California investors to qualify based on rental property cash flow instead of personal income
- Interest-Only Options – Reduce initial monthly payments for better cash flow when purchasing luxury California properties
- Profit & Loss Statement Loans – Provide California business owners qualification options using business performance documentation
These specialized California mortgage solutions typically require credit scores of 620+ and down payments of 10-30%, with rates approximately 1-2% higher than conventional loans.
For California borrowers with unique financial situations, these non-traditional options remove barriers to securing high-value properties throughout the Golden State.
California Jumbo Loan FAQs
Are jumbo loan interest rates higher than conventional loan rates?
As of March 30th, 2025, there’s currently approximately no difference between the average jumbo loan interest rate and the average 30-year mortgage rate. Jumbo loans stand at 6.81% while traditional 30-year conforming mortgages stand at 6.75%. The differences are small and may not be statistically significant.
Can I use a jumbo loan to buy a vacation home in California?
Absolutely. Many buyers use jumbo loans to finance second homes or investment properties in California’s prime locations, especially in coastal areas where property values frequently exceed conforming limits.
Can I refinance my existing mortgage with a jumbo loan in California?
Yes, refinancing with a jumbo loan is a common option for California homeowners looking to lower their interest rate, consolidate debt, or access equity. Eligibility requirements for refinancing are similar to those for purchasing.
Are there special jumbo loan programs for high-income professionals?
Many lenders offer specialized jumbo loan programs for doctors, attorneys, and other high-income professionals that may feature more flexible terms or lower down payment requirements.
Key Takeaways
A jumbo loan can provide the financial leverage needed to purchase high-value properties in California’s competitive real estate market. Remember to:
- Gather all necessary documentation ahead of time
- Seek out lenders experienced with California jumbo loans
- Consider getting pre-qualified to strengthen your buying position
With proper preparation and the right lender, a jumbo loan can help you purchase your dream home in the Golden State, even when the price exceeds conventional loan limits.
