what is the max loan amount
Maximum loan amounts vary significantly by program type. The table and figures below reflect 2026 conforming limits and current lender/agency guidelines across conventional, FHA, VA, Non-QM, and second mortgage products.
Conventional Conforming — 2026 Loan Limits
Per Fannie Mae: "Fannie Mae can only purchase loans up to a certain dollar amount. This dollar amount is known as the conforming loan limit... The limits are subject to change annually and vary, depending upon the number of units in the property and the property's location."
Limits confirmed across Forward Lending, AmWest, and JMAC Lending:
| Units | Standard (Conforming) | High-Cost (High-Balance) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $832,750 | $1,249,125 |
| 2 | $1,066,250 | $1,599,375 |
| 3 | $1,288,800 | $1,933,200 |
| 4 | $1,601,750 | $2,402,625 |
- Hawaii exception (Kalawao & Maui Counties only): 1-unit $1,299,500 | 2-unit $1,663,600 | 3-unit $2,010,950 | 4-unit $2,499,100
FHA — Case Numbers Assigned On or After January 1, 2025
| Area Type | 1-Unit | 2-Unit | 3-Unit | 4-Unit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Low-Cost (Floor) | $524,225 | $671,200 | $811,275 | $1,008,300 |
| High-Cost (Ceiling) | $1,209,750 | $1,548,975 | $1,872,225 | $2,326,875 |
| Special Exception (AK/HI/Guam/VI) | $1,814,625 | $2,323,450 | $2,808,325 | $3,490,300 |
- Nations Direct FHA matrix notes the high-cost area ceiling at $1,249,125 for a 1-unit property; actual county-level limits may be lower.
VA Loans
- Maximum loan amount for cash-out refinances: 100% of the appraised value, plus the cost of any energy efficiency improvements, plus the VA funding fee.
- AD Mortgage overlay: Maximum base loan amount up to $1,500,000, with tiered FICO requirements — 580 FICO for loans up to $1,000,000; 680 FICO for $1,000,001–$1,500,000.
Non-QM / Alt-Doc — Lender Overlays
- Nations Direct (Bank Statement & 1099): Max $4,000,000
- JMAC Lending (Limited Doc): Max $3,000,000
- AmWest (Advantage Investor Plus, 1-unit SFR/PUD/Condo): Max $2,500,000; Foreign Nationals capped at $1,500,000
- AmWest (Asset Qualifier, 1-unit SFR/PUD/Condo): Max $2,000,000
Jumbo
- Mega Capital (Platinum Jumbo Express): Minimum loan amount is $1 over the current conforming loan limit for the applicable property type; maximum loan amount is subject to county eligibility as determined by FHFA.
Closed-End Second (CES)
- JMAC Lending: Minimum $75,000 | Maximum $750,000
Quick Reference — Program Maximums (1-Unit)
| Program | Max Loan Amount |
|---|---|
| FHA (high-cost) | $1,209,750 |
| FHA (AK/HI/Guam/VI) | $1,814,625 |
| Conventional conforming | $832,750 |
| Conventional high-balance | $1,249,125 |
| VA (AD Mortgage overlay) | $1,500,000 |
| Non-QM (JMAC Limited Doc) | $3,000,000 |
| Non-QM (Nations Direct) | $4,000,000 |
| Closed-End Second (JMAC) | $750,000 |
Provide a specific program, property location, or borrower scenario to narrow these limits further.
