California Jumbo Loans 2026
In California's luxury real estate markets—from Pacific Heights penthouses to Newport Beach estates—standard conforming loans often fall short. Our jumbo and super jumbo programs finance properties up to $5 million across Los Angeles, the Bay Area, Orange County, and beyond.
When Do You Need a Jumbo Loan in California?
California's high-cost designations mean most metro counties have conforming limits of $1,249,125 for 2026. Given that the median home price in San Francisco exceeds $1.4 million and San Mateo County averages $1.6 million, jumbo financing is essential for most buyers in premium markets.
| County | Conforming Limit | Jumbo Starts At | Avg. Home Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco | $1,249,125 | $1,249,126+ | $1.4M |
| Santa Clara (San Jose) | $1,249,125 | $1,249,126+ | $1.5M |
| Los Angeles | $1,249,125 | $1,249,126+ | $950K |
| Orange County | $1,249,125 | $1,249,126+ | $1.1M |
| San Diego | $1,104,000 | $1,104,001+ | $900K |
| San Mateo | $1,249,125 | $1,249,126+ | $1.6M |
Bay Area Markets
San Francisco, Silicon Valley, and the Peninsula consistently rank among the nation's most expensive markets. Jumbo loans are standard for single-family purchases in Palo Alto, Los Altos, and San Mateo.
Explore Bay Area Options →Los Angeles Luxury
Beverly Hills, Brentwood, Malibu, and the Westside require jumbo financing for most transactions. We regularly close $2M-$5M loans across LA's premium zip codes.
Los Angeles Financing →Orange County Coast
Newport Beach, Laguna Beach, and coastal OC communities feature properties routinely exceeding $2M. Our jumbo programs serve buyers from Dana Point to Huntington Beach.
Orange County Loans →California Jumbo Loan Requirements
Jumbo (Up to $2.5M)
- Credit score: 700+ (720+ for best rates)
- Down payment: 10-20% depending on loan size
- Reserves: 6-12 months PITI
- DTI: Up to 43% (some flexibility with strong assets)
Super Jumbo ($2.5M-$5M)
- Credit score: 720-740+ required
- Down payment: 20-25% typical
- Reserves: 12-24 months PITI
- Asset verification and documentation
"We were buying a $2.3M home in Los Gatos and worried about jumbo loan complexity. Emmett's access to multiple lenders got us a rate 0.25% below what our bank offered, saving us over $100K over the loan term."
David & Jennifer L.
Jumbo Loan, Los Gatos CA
Ready for California Jumbo Financing?
Whether you're buying in the Bay Area, LA, or Orange County, I'll shop my network of 240+ lenders to find you competitive jumbo rates. Most quotes delivered within 24 hours.
California Jumbo Loan FAQs
What is the jumbo loan limit in California for 2026?
In California's high-cost areas (most of the Bay Area, Los Angeles, Orange County), the conforming loan limit is $1,249,125 for 2026. Any loan amount above this threshold requires jumbo financing. We offer jumbo loans up to $2.5M and super jumbo up to $5M.
What credit score do I need for a California jumbo loan?
California jumbo loans typically require a minimum credit score of 700, though 720+ is preferred for the best rates. Super jumbo loans ($2.5M+) generally require 720-740+ with strong reserves and assets.
What down payment is required for a California jumbo loan?
Most California jumbo loans require 10-20% down payment. Some programs offer 10% down up to $2M with strong credit and reserves. Super jumbo loans typically require 20-25% down depending on the loan amount and property type.
Can I get a jumbo loan for an investment property in California?
Yes, we offer jumbo financing for California investment properties up to $1.5M. Investment property jumbos require 25-30% down payment, credit scores of 700+, and typically carry rates 0.25-0.50% higher than primary residence loans.
Jumbo 30-Year Fixed
Today's jumbo purchase rate
Rate
6.25%
APR
6.265%
Rate updated: Aug 17, 2026 10:09 AM
Assumptions: Purchase, 30-yr fixed, $1.5M loan, $2M price, 760 FICO, Zip 92867
For information purposes only and not a commitment to lend. APR reflects estimated costs; rates subject to change without notice.
View all rates →
Emmett Clark
Licensed Mortgage Loan Officer · NMLS #233747 · 20+ Years Experience
This article has been reviewed for accuracy by Emmett Clark, a licensed mortgage professional serving homebuyers across 18 states including California, Texas, Florida, Arizona, and Colorado. Last updated: July 22, 2026.
From the blog & learning center
Jumbo Loan Guides & Articles
ARM vs Fixed: What Is a 5/6 ARM and When Does It Make Sense?
A 5/6 ARM carries an introductory rate for five years, then adjusts every six months. Learn how ARMs compare to fixed loans and when each makes sense.
Read more
How to Afford a Million Dollar House
To comfortably afford a $1 million home you generally need household income between roughly $155,000 and $220,000, a down payment of $100,000 to $200,000, and enough reserves for closing costs and a few months of payments.
Read more
What Is a Jumbo Loan? (2026 Limits)
A jumbo loan is a mortgage that exceeds the 2026 conforming limit of $832,750 in most counties, or $1,249,125 in high-cost areas.
Read more
Jumbo Loan Requirements in 2026
To qualify for a jumbo loan in 2026, most lenders look for a 700+ credit score, 10-20% down, DTI at or below 43%, and cash reserves after closing.
Read more
Jumbo Loan Down Payment: How Much You Really Need
You don't necessarily need 20% down for a jumbo loan. In 2026, well-qualified borrowers can find financing with as little as 10% down on loans up to roughly $2 million.
Read more
Jumbo Loan Reserves: Why You May Need Less Than You Think
The generic "6 to 12 months of reserves" answer is often wrong for your situation. Some programs require as little as 3 months for qualifying scenarios.
Read more