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Santa Cruz County, CA loan limits (2026)

Quick answer

The 2026 conforming loan limit in Santa Cruz County, CA is $1,249,125 for a single-family home; the FHA limit is $1,249,125. With 3.5% down, that FHA limit supports a purchase price up to about $1,294,000. Loans above $1,249,125 are jumbo loans with stricter requirements. Limits come from FHFA and HUD.

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

Santa Cruz County is a designated high-cost area, so both its conforming and FHA limits sit above the national baseline. The Census Bureau puts the median owner-occupied home value at $1,015,200, within the conforming limit, though higher-priced homes may exceed FHA's cap. Buyers elsewhere in California may see different limits, so check the county where the property sits.

What are the 2026 loan limits for 1–4 unit homes in Santa Cruz County?

PropertyConforming (FHFA)FHA (HUD)
1 unit$1,249,125$1,249,125
2 units$1,599,375$1,599,375
3 units$1,933,200$1,933,200
4 units$2,402,625$2,402,625

What do these limits mean for buyers?

  • FHA: HUD will insure a base loan up to $1,249,125 here, so with 3.5% down the most you can pay is about $1,294,000. Above that, you'd need a larger down payment.
  • Conventional: loans up to $1,249,125 get standard Fannie Mae/Freddie Mac pricing with as little as 3% down for eligible buyers.
  • Jumbo: a loan above $1,249,125 is a jumbo loan — usually 700+ credit and 10%–20% down. With 20% down, that starts at roughly $1,561,000.
  • Metro area: HUD sets FHA limits for Santa Cruz County as part of the SANTA CRUZ-WATSONVILLE, CA area.

Can I get down payment assistance in Santa Cruz County?

Cities in Santa Cruz County

Santa CruzWatsonvilleLive OakScotts ValleySoquel

Nearby counties

Santa Clara County — FHA $1,249,125San Mateo County — FHA $1,249,125Alameda County — FHA $1,249,125San Benito County — FHA $1,249,125Contra Costa County — FHA $1,249,125Monterey County — FHA $994,750Stanislaus County — FHA $545,100Merced County — FHA $541,287

Frequently asked questions

$1,249,125 for a single-family home, per HUD's 2026 FHA forward mortgage limits.

$1,249,125 for a one-unit property, per FHFA.

When your loan amount exceeds $1,249,125. With 20% down, that's a purchase price above about $1,561,000.

With the minimum 3.5% down, about $1,294,000. A bigger down payment lets you buy above that.

Sources

Data last updated October 23, 2026.

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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.