When will the 2027 conforming loan limits be announced?

How are conforming loan limits set each year?

A federal law, the Housing and Economic Recovery Act of 2008 (HERA), requires FHFA to adjust the baseline limit for loans bought by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac each year to follow the change in average U.S. home prices. FHFA measures that change with its own house price index, comparing the third quarter of this year with the third quarter of last year.

If prices rise, the limit rises by the same percentage. If prices fall, the limit stays where it is until those declines are made up, so the baseline limit doesn't go down.

What do the 2027 limits mean for New Hampshire buyers?

The conforming limit is the line between a conforming loan and a jumbo loan. It matters most if your loan amount is close to that line. A higher limit in 2027 could move a loan that's jumbo today into conforming territory, which can change the down payment and credit rules that apply.

New Hampshire doesn't have one limit for every county. Rockingham and Strafford counties are part of the Boston metro area, which sets their higher limit, while the other eight counties use the baseline. The 2026 loan limits guide shows each county.

When do the 2027 FHA loan limits come out?

FHA limits are set by HUD, not FHFA, and HUD bases them on the new conforming limits. HUD usually publishes them in a Mortgagee Letter soon after FHFA's announcement, before the new year starts.

Should I wait for the new limits before I buy?

Most buyers don't need to. If your loan amount is well under the current limit, the change won't affect you. If you're near the line and closing around the turn of the year, ask Tom to price both ways, so you can see whether timing changes which loan fits.