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2024 California FHA Loan Limits Explained

2024 California FHA Loan Limits Explained
2024 California FHA Loan Limits Explained
Brian Reese
March 24, 2024

Curious about the new 2024 California FHA Loan Limits?

Well, you’re in the right place, because today, we’ll reveal and explain the updated 2024 FHA Loan Limits for the Golden State.

The Federal Housing Administration (FHA) establishes its own loan limits, distinct from conforming loan limits.

In 2024, California saw a nice increase in its FHA loan limits, with a new max cap of $498,257 for single-family properties, $637,950 for two-family properties, $771,125 for three-family properties, and $958,350 for four-family properties.

However, some counties in California may have even higher limits due to elevated median home prices.

Cities like Los Angeles County, San Francisco County, San Diego County, Orange County, and Santa Clara County are examples of areas where you can find higher FHA loan limits.

2024 California FHA Loan Limits by County

California CountyOne-FamilyTwo-FamilyThree-FamilyFour-FamilyMedian Sale Price
ALAMEDA$1,149,825$1,472,250$1,779,525$2,211,600$1,595,000
ALPINE$503,700$644,800$779,450$968,650$438,000
AMADOR$498,257$637,950$771,125$958,350$388,000
BUTTE$498,257$637,950$771,125$958,350$284,000
CALAVERAS$498,257$637,950$771,125$958,350$375,000
COLUSA$498,257$637,950$771,125$958,350$367,000
CONTRA COSTA$1,149,825$1,472,250$1,779,525$2,211,600$1,595,000
DEL NORTE$498,257$637,950$771,125$958,350$280,000
EL DORADO$763,600$977,550$1,181,650$1,468,500$635,000
FRESNO$498,257$637,950$771,125$958,350$395,000
GLENN$498,257$637,950$771,125$958,350$309,000
HUMBOLDT$498,257$637,950$771,125$958,350$395,000
IMPERIAL$498,257$637,950$771,125$958,350$310,000
INYO$508,300$650,700$786,550$977,500$400,000
KERN$498,257$637,950$771,125$958,350$335,000
KINGS$498,257$637,950$771,125$958,350$337,000
LAKE$498,257$637,950$771,125$958,350$250,000
LASSEN$498,257$637,950$771,125$958,350$190,000
LOS ANGELES$1,149,825$1,472,250$1,779,525$2,211,600$1,150,000
MADERA$498,257$637,950$771,125$958,350$400,000
MARIN$1,149,825$1,472,250$1,779,525$2,211,600$1,595,000
MARIPOSA$498,257$637,950$771,125$958,350$303,000
MENDOCINO$546,250$699,300$845,300$1,050,500$428,000
MERCED$498,257$637,950$771,125$958,350$390,000
MODOC$498,257$637,950$771,125$958,350$152,000
MONO$693,450$887,750$1,073,100$1,333,600$581,000
MONTEREY$920,000$1,177,750$1,423,650$1,769,250$800,000
NAPA$1,017,750$1,302,900$1,574,900$1,957,250$855,000
NEVADA$644,000$824,450$996,550$1,238,500$550,000
ORANGE$1,149,825$1,472,250$1,779,525$2,211,600$1,150,000
PLACER$763,600$977,550$1,181,650$1,468,500$635,000
PLUMAS$498,257$637,950$771,125$958,350$300,000
RIVERSIDE$644,000$824,450$996,550$1,238,500$557,000
SACRAMENTO$763,600$977,550$1,181,650$1,468,500$635,000
SAN BENITO$1,149,825$1,472,250$1,779,525$2,211,600$1,600,000
SAN BERNARDINO$644,000$824,450$996,550$1,238,500$557,000
SAN DIEGO$1,006,250$1,288,200$1,557,150$1,935,150$875,000
SAN FRANCISCO$1,149,825$1,472,250$1,779,525$2,211,600$1,595,000
SAN JOAQUIN$656,650$840,650$1,016,150$1,262,800$565,000
SAN LUIS OBISPO$929,200$1,189,550$1,437,900$1,786,950$808,000
SAN MATEO$1,149,825$1,472,250$1,779,525$2,211,600$1,595,000
SANTA BARBARA$838,350$1,073,250$1,297,300$1,612,250$729,000
SANTA CLARA$1,149,825$1,472,250$1,779,525$2,211,600$1,600,000
SANTA CRUZ$1,149,825$1,472,250$1,779,525$2,211,600$1,070,000
SHASTA$498,257$637,950$771,125$958,350$340,000
SIERRA$498,257$637,950$771,125$958,350$275,000
SISKIYOU$498,257$637,950$771,125$958,350$215,000
SOLANO$685,400$877,450$1,060,600$1,318,100$590,000
SONOMA$877,450$1,123,300$1,357,800$1,687,450$763,000
STANISLAUS$517,500$662,500$800,800$995,200$449,000
SUTTER$498,257$637,950$771,125$958,350$425,000
TEHAMA$498,257$637,950$771,125$958,350$275,000
TRINITY$498,257$637,950$771,125$958,350$185,000
TULARE$498,257$637,950$771,125$958,350$340,000
TUOLUMNE$498,257$637,950$771,125$958,350$357,000
VENTURA$954,500$1,221,950$1,477,050$1,835,600$830,000
YOLO$763,600$977,550$1,181,650$1,468,500$635,000
YUBA$498,257$637,950$771,125$958,350$425,000

What are the 2024 FHA Loan Limits Los Angeles?

Here are the 2024 FHA Loan Limits for Los Angeles County:

  • For a 1-unit property, the loan limit is $1,149,825
  • For a 2-unit property, the limit is $1,472,250
  • For a 3-unit property, the limit is $1,779,525
  • For a 4-unit property, the limit is $2,211,600

These limits apply to FHA loans in Los Angeles County, California, for 2024.

It’s important to note that loans between $766,550 and $1,149,825 in Los Angeles County are considered high-balance FHA loans, which may have slightly higher interest rates compared to loans under $766,550.

Loans above $1,149,825 are considered jumbo loans and do not qualify for FHA financing.

What are the 2024 FHA Loan Limits San Diego?

The 2024 FHA Loan Limits for San Diego County are:

  • For a 1-unit property, the high-balance FHA loan limit is $1,006,250, and the low-balance FHA loan limit is $766,550
  • For a 2-unit property, the loan limit is $1,288,200
  • For a 3-unit property, the loan limit is $1,557,150
  • For a 4-unit property, the loan limit is $1,935,150

These limits are applicable for FHA loans in San Diego County for the year 2024.

It’s important to note that FHA loans ranging between $766,550 and $1,006,250 are considered high-balance FHA loans and might have slightly higher interest rates compared to loans under $766,550.

Loans exceeding $1,006,250 are classified as jumbo loans and are not eligible for FHA financing.

What is the 2024 FHA Loan Limit in Riverside County?

The FHA Loan Limits for Riverside County in 2024 are set as follows:

  • For a 1-unit property, the loan limit is $644,000
  • For a 2-unit property, the loan limit increases to $824,450
  • For a 3-unit property, the limit is $996,550
  • For a 4-unit property, the limit is $1,238,500

These limits are applicable for FHA loans in Riverside County for the year 2024.

It’s important to note that loans exceeding these limits would be classified as jumbo loans and would not qualify for FHA financing.

The limits are based on the property type and are specifically set for Riverside County, California​.

What Determines FHA Loan Limits?

FHA loan limits are determined individually for each county, primarily based on median home prices from the previous year.

The Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) uses housing price data to set conforming loan limits for conventional loans.

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) employs these limits to establish both a “floor” and a “ceiling” for FHA loans.

The “floor” represents the maximum loan amount available for FHA loans in most regions, calculated as 65% of the conforming loan limit.

In contrast, the “ceiling” pertains to high-cost areas and can be as much as 150% of the conforming loan limit.

In 2024, California has new FHA loan ceilings of $498,257 for single-family properties, $637,950 for two-family properties, $771,125 for three-family properties, and $958,350 for four-family properties.

Some high-cost-of-living counties with elevated home prices may surpass these limits.

How Can I Qualify for an FHA Loan in California?

An FHA-backed loan offers homebuyers in California an opportunity to purchase a home with a lower credit score and a smaller down payment compared to conventional loan requirements.

Here’s a general guide on how to qualify for an FHA loan in California in 2024:

1. Credit Score Requirements

  • Minimum Credit Score: Typically, a minimum credit score of 580 is required for an FHA loan, allowing a down payment as low as 3.5%.
  • Lower Credit Scores: Applicants with credit scores between 500 and 579 may still be eligible but might need a down payment of at least 10%.

2. Down Payment

  • Standard Down Payment: With a credit score of 580 or higher, a 3.5% down payment is standard.
  • Gift Funds: FHA loans permit down payments using gift funds, subject to specific conditions and documentation.

3. Debt-to-Income Ratio (DTI)

  • DTI Limits: Generally, your DTI should not exceed 43% to 45%, comparing your gross monthly income to your monthly debt obligations.
  • Higher DTI Ratios: In some cases, lenders may accept higher DTI ratios if there are compensating factors, such as a higher credit score or larger down payment.

4. Mortgage Insurance

  • Upfront and Annual Premiums: FHA loans require both upfront and annual mortgage insurance premiums (MIP). The upfront MIP can be rolled into the mortgage, while the annual MIP is paid monthly as part of your mortgage payment.

5. Property Requirements

  • Primary Residence: The property must serve as your primary residence, not an investment property.
  • FHA Appraisal: An FHA-approved appraiser must assess the property to ensure it meets specific safety, security, and structural integrity standards.

6. Employment History

  • Stable Employment: Lenders generally prefer a stable employment history, usually two years with the same employer or in the same line of work.

7. Income Verification

  • Proof of Income: Provide proof of income through pay stubs, tax returns, and W-2s.
  • Consistent Income: The income should be consistent and expected to continue.

8. Loan Limits

  • Adherence to Loan Limits: Ensure that the loan amount you seek falls within the FHA loan limits for your area in California.

9. Additional Documentation

  • Identification: A valid government-issued ID.
  • Social Security Number: Required for all borrowers on the loan application.
  • Additional Documents: Depending on the lender, other documentation may be necessary.

10. Lender Specific Requirements

  • Lender Overlay: Some lenders may have additional ‘overlays’ or requirements beyond what the FHA mandates.

Looking for an FHA Loan in California? WE CAN HELP!

You’ve got questions…

We’ve got expert answers!

If you want to buy or refinance your home for less, to include California FHA loans at a great low rate, you can get in touch with us HERE.

>> Click HERE to get a great low California FHA loan rate in 60 seconds or less!

About the Author

Brian Reese is a senior advisor and co-owner at District Lending. He is one of the world’s leading experts in veteran benefits, having helped millions of veterans secure their financial future since 2013. Brian is the founder VA Claims Insider, an education-based Coaching & Consulting company whose mission is to educate and empower veterans to get the VA disability benefits they’ve earned for their honorable service. A former active-duty air force officer, Brian deployed to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. He is a distinguished graduate of management of the United States Air Force Academy and earned his MBA as a National Honor Scholar from the Spears School of Business at Oklahoma State University.

“As a military veteran, I’ve made it my life’s mission to help people live happier and wealthier lives. District Lending brings this mission to life. We believe in integrity, honesty, and transparency, which is why you’ll see our rates right on our website. You’ll find lower rates and zero lending fees, which means you can buy your dream home for less. The savings are passed on to you — the way it should be.”

– Brian Reese, Advisor and Co-Owner, District Lending

Buy a home and refinance at no cost.
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Realtor credits
Get .5% towards your closing costs
18 Day closing
2X more likely to get your offer accepted
Price match guarantee
We beat competitors’ rates by .125% or more
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