What is a conforming loan limit?
The Conforming loan limit The largest loan amount Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac will buy. Loans above it are called jumbo loans. See the full glossary is the largest loan Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac can buy. The Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) sets it each year based on changes in home prices. A loan at or under the limit is a conforming loan, and a loan above it is a jumbo loan. Conventional loans in NH explains how conforming loans work.
The limit applies to the loan amount, not the price of the home, so a home priced above the limit can still be bought with a conforming loan when the loan itself is under the limit.
What are the 2026 limits in New Hampshire?
For 2026, FHFA set the baseline limit for a one-unit home at $832,750, up $26,250 from 2025. In higher-cost areas the limit can be higher, up to $1,249,125 for a one-unit home.
| County | Towns include | One-unit limit |
|---|---|---|
| Hillsborough | Nashua, Manchester, Bedford, Merrimack, Hudson, Litchfield, Milford, Amherst, Hollis, Pelham, Goffstown, Weare | $832,750 |
| Merrimack | Concord, Hooksett | $832,750 |
| Rockingham | Salem, Windham, Londonderry, Derry, Exeter, Plaistow, Hampstead | $962,550 |
| Strafford | Dover, Rochester, Durham | $962,550 |
Rockingham and Strafford counties are part of the Boston metro area, which sets their higher limit. The other New Hampshire counties use the baseline.
What are the limits for 2 to 4 unit homes?
| Units | 2026 baseline limit |
|---|---|
| One unit | $832,750 |
| Two units | $1,066,250 |
| Three units | $1,288,800 |
| Four units | $1,601,750 |
These baseline figures apply in Hillsborough, Merrimack and the other baseline counties. Limits for 2 to 4 unit homes in Rockingham and Strafford counties are higher; FHFA's county list has them.
What changes with a jumbo loan?
Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac don't buy jumbo loans, so each lender sets its own guidelines. Compared with conforming loans, lenders often look for stronger credit, more cash reserves after closing and fuller documentation, and some ask for a second appraisal on larger loans. Pricing varies from lender to lender, which is where comparing several lenders helps.
Close to the limit?
If your loan would land just above the limit, a larger down payment, a lower negotiated price or a different loan structure may keep it conforming. Tom can price it both ways so you can see whether staying under the limit is worth it.
How are FHA limits different?
FHA sets its own county limits, which are lower than conforming limits in some counties. The FHA guide lists the 2026 FHA limits for southern NH.
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Sources
- FHFA, Conforming Loan Limit Values for 2026 (news release, November 25, 2025)
- FHFA, 2026 conforming loan limits by county
Checked October 2026. Limits and program rules change, so confirm current figures before you rely on them.
General information only, not tax or legal advice. Program availability, eligibility and terms vary by lender and are subject to change and to underwriting approval. Not a commitment to lend.