Mortgage Guide: San Mateo County, California
In San Mateo County, California, the 2026 FHA loan limit for a single-family home is $811,931, and the conforming loan limit is $1,249,125. The median home value in this county is $1,559,600, and median household income is $158,855.
📋 2026 Loan Limits by Property Type
FHA and Conforming limits for 1-4 unit properties in San Mateo County
| Property Type | FHA Limit | Conforming Limit |
|---|---|---|
| 1-Unit | $811,931 | $1,249,125 |
| 2-Unit | $1,039,593 | $1,599,375 |
| 3-Unit | $1,256,580 | $1,933,200 |
| 4-Unit | $1,561,706 | $2,402,625 |
Source: FHFA Conforming Loan Limits 2026, HUD FHA Forward Mortgage Limits 2026.
💰 Monthly Payment Estimate (Median-Priced Home)
Based on current 30-year fixed rate of 7.40% and a home price of $1,559,600
| Loan Type | Down Payment | Est. Monthly P&I |
|---|---|---|
| FHA | 3.5% ($54,586) | $10,420/mo |
| Conventional (10%) | 10% ($155,960) | $9,718/mo |
| Conventional (20%) | 20% ($311,920) | $8,638/mo |
Estimates include principal and interest only. Property tax, insurance, and mortgage insurance (MIP/PMI) not included. Use our full calculator →
📝 Mortgage Market Insight
San Mateo County sits in California's baseline FHA loan tier with a single-family limit of $811,931. Based on the current median home value of $1,559,600, FHA financing covers 52% of the median-priced home. The 2026 conforming limit ($1,249,125) provides additional headroom for buyers with stronger credit.
How San Mateo County Compares
| Metric | San Mateo County | U.S. Baseline |
|---|---|---|
| FHA Limit (1-unit) | $811,931 | $524,225 |
| Conforming Limit (1-unit) | $1,249,125 | $832,750 |
| Median Home Value | $1,559,600 | $355,000 (est.) |
| Median Household Income | $158,855 | $75,000 (est.) |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the FHA loan limit in San Mateo County?
The 2026 FHA limit for a single-family home in San Mateo County is $811,931. This is above the national floor of $524,225.
What is the conforming loan limit in San Mateo County?
The 2026 conforming loan limit is $1,249,125 for a single-family home. Loans above this amount are considered "jumbo" and typically require stricter credit and larger down payments.
Can I use a VA or USDA loan in San Mateo County?
VA loans have no county limit for eligible veterans with full entitlement. USDA loans are available in eligible rural areas—check the USDA's eligibility map to confirm San Mateo County qualifies.
Data Source: FHFA Conforming Loan Limits 2026, HUD FHA Forward Mortgage Limits 2026, U.S. Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. All data is public domain. This page is for informational purposes and does not constitute financial advice.