Sneak Peek: 2026 Loan Limits Rising
Several national lenders just “pre-released” higher 2026 conforming loan amounts (baseline $819,000, +~1.5% vs. 2025). That would imply a high-cost ceiling near $1,228,500 if FHFA confirms the math, but FHFA has not made the official announcement yet.
The formal FHFA update typically lands late November. Until then, some lenders are already honoring the anticipated limits on new locks and submissions—useful for buyers trying to avoid jumbo and for refi cash-out room. We’ve got the cliff notes, the Phoenix-area angle, and action steps below.
📰 What’s new (so far)?
Many of my lenders are getting ahead of the curve, rolling out the anticipated 2026 loan limits and accepting conforming loans up to $819,000. That’s a modest 1.55% increase from 2025’s baseline, reflecting slow but steady home-price growth. While this isn’t official yet, 🔗FHFA has historically confirmed its new limits in late November—last year’s release came on November 26th.
📍 Arizona/Phoenix
Arizona doesn’t have any high-cost counties, so the baseline applies across the board. In 2025, 🔗Maricopa County capped at $806,500. If FHFA confirms this year’s projection, we’ll be working with $819,000 instead—a bit more breathing room for buyers who want to stay under conforming rules.
🏦 FHA & VA check-in
HUD hasn’t released FHA’s 2026 floor yet, but projections suggest a bump to around $547,600. That number will ultimately depend on the FHFA decision. For VA buyers, it’s worth remembering that VA technically doesn’t have loan limits with full entitlement. Still, many lenders mirror the conforming numbers when structuring pricing, and some are already applying the $819,000 figure for VA loans.
🔗 HUD FHA Loan Limits Page | 🔗 VA Loan Limit Info
🧮 What this means for buyers and refinancers
For Phoenix-area buyers looking at homes in the $800k–$850k range, the new limit could mean the difference between a standard conforming loan and jumbo financing. Staying conforming often means fewer overlays, simpler approvals, and potentially better pricing. On the refinance side, a slightly higher ceiling opens more room for cash-out opportunities without being forced into jumbo territory. That could be useful for debt consolidation, renovations, or other big projects.
🧭 Timing matters
The key here is timing. Between now and late November, some lenders will accept the new projected limits, while others won’t budge until FHFA makes it official. If you’re planning a purchase or refi in the next 60 days, it’s smart to have both scenarios priced out—today’s limits and the anticipated 2026 bump. Once FHFA makes its announcement, Arizona will simply follow the baseline.
🐼Ready to Run the Numbers?
Curious how the anticipated limits could change your pre-quals, lock strategy, or refi math? I’ll game-plan both scenarios—today’s rules and the projected 2026 limits—so you’re ready either way.
