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Jumbo loans in California

Quick answer

Jumbo loans in California are needed for loan amounts above $832,750 (higher in designated high-cost counties) and typically require 10%–20% down and 700+ credit.

By Purchase Mortgage Loan Editorial Team Checked against official sources per our editorial standardsLast updated

Jumbo loan snapshot for California

ItemEstimate
Minimum down payment10%–20%
Minimum credit score700+
Typical CA home value$695,400
3.5% down on typical home$24,339
20% down on typical home$139,080
Avg. effective property tax0.71%/yr (~$410/mo)
Income for typical home (31% rule)$214,000

Rate assumption: 7.18% (Freddie Mac PMMS 30-year fixed average, week of November 5, 2026). Change it in the payment calculator.

Which California programs pair with Jumbo loans?

  • MyHome Assistance: A deferred-payment junior loan that can cover part of the down payment or closing costs for first-time buyers.
  • Dream For All Shared Appreciation: When funded, provides a large down payment loan repaid with a share of future appreciation; rounds open periodically.
  • CalPLUS: A first mortgage with a slightly higher rate paired with closing cost assistance.

Details and current limits: California Housing Finance Agency (CalHFA).

Jumbo loan requirements

  • Credit: 700–720 minimum at many lenders.
  • DTI: often 43% or lower.
  • Reserves: 6–12+ months of principal, interest, taxes and insurance.
  • Full documentation; sometimes two appraisals for very large loans.

Alternatives to a jumbo loan

Some buyers use a 'piggyback' structure — a conforming first mortgage plus a second loan — to avoid jumbo requirements. A larger down payment that brings the loan under the conforming limit is another option.

Jumbo loans in California cities

Jumbo in Los AngelesJumbo in San DiegoJumbo in San JoseJumbo in San FranciscoJumbo in Long BeachJumbo in OaklandJumbo in AnaheimJumbo in RiversideJumbo in IrvineJumbo in Chula VistaJumbo in FremontJumbo in FontanaJumbo in Huntington BeachJumbo in GlendaleJumbo in OntarioJumbo in Elk GroveJumbo in Santa RosaJumbo in Rancho CucamongaJumbo in OceansideJumbo in Garden GroveJumbo in SalinasJumbo in HaywardJumbo in CoronaJumbo in SunnyvaleJumbo in RosevilleJumbo in EscondidoJumbo in TorranceJumbo in FullertonJumbo in OrangeJumbo in PasadenaJumbo in Santa ClaraJumbo in Simi ValleyJumbo in Thousand OaksJumbo in VallejoJumbo in ConcordJumbo in BerkeleyJumbo in FairfieldJumbo in CarlsbadJumbo in MurrietaJumbo in Costa MesaJumbo in TemeculaJumbo in San Buenaventura (Ventura)Jumbo in Jurupa ValleyJumbo in BurbankJumbo in San MateoJumbo in Daly CityJumbo in VacavilleJumbo in VistaJumbo in Arden-ArcadeJumbo in TracyJumbo in San MarcosJumbo in Mission ViejoJumbo in ChinoJumbo in Santa MonicaJumbo in WestminsterJumbo in San LeandroJumbo in Santa BarbaraJumbo in MantecaJumbo in HawthorneJumbo in Whittier

Frequently asked questions

Yes. Jumbo loans are available statewide in California through approved lenders, subject to county loan limits where they apply.

Often yes. California Housing Finance Agency (CalHFA) and local programs frequently pair assistance with FHA, conventional, VA or USDA first mortgages. Eligibility depends on income, price and program rules.

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Figures on this page are estimates for educational purposes only and are not a loan offer or commitment to lend. Rates, loan limits, fees and assistance programs change frequently and vary by lender, location and borrower profile. Confirm current terms with a licensed loan officer.