2026 VA Loan Limits in California
VA loan limits in California for 2026 follow the conforming loan limits set by the
Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA). These limits primarily affect borrowers who have
partial VA entitlement. If you have full VA entitlement, there is no official loan limit — you can borrow as much as your lender approves without a down payment.
How VA Loan Limits Work in 2026
Full Entitlement
- No VA loan limit cap
- No down payment required (if lender approves)
- Limited only by your income, credit, and lender guidelines
Partial Entitlement
- County loan limits apply
- If you exceed the county limit, a down payment may be required
- Typically 25% of the amount above the county limit
2026 California VA Loan Limits (1-Unit Properties)
| County Type | 2026 Loan Limit |
|---|---|
| Standard Counties | $832,750 |
| High-Cost Counties (Los Angeles, Orange, San Francisco, Santa Clara, San Mateo, Marin, etc.) | $1,249,125 |
| San Diego County | $1,104,000 |
| Ventura County | $1,035,000 |
| San Luis Obispo County | $1,000,500 |
| Napa County | $1,017,750 |
| Monterey County | $994,750 |
| Santa Barbara County | $941,850 |
| Sonoma County | $897,000 |
Note: Multi-unit properties (2–4 units) have higher loan limits. Limits vary by county and property type.
What This Means for California Homebuyers
- If you have full entitlement, you can purchase above these limits with no down payment (subject to lender approval).
- If you have partial entitlement, you may need a down payment if the purchase price exceeds your county’s limit.
- High-cost California counties allow significantly higher borrowing compared to standard counties.
Important Reminder
VA loan limits are based on FHFA conforming loan limits and can change annually.
Always verify your eligibility and county limits with your lender before applying.
Need help determining your entitlement or county limit?
Contact a VA-approved lender to review your Certificate of Eligibility (COE) and confirm your maximum loan amount.
Contact James Gross at Franklin Loan Center (951) 760-8169 and tell him Sean ONeil referred you.