DENVER REAL ESTATE | COLORADO LIFESTYLESThe short answer
For one-unit properties in 2026, FHFA lists a $862,500 conforming loan limit in Denver, Adams, Arapahoe, Broomfield, Douglas and Jefferson counties. Boulder County is $879,750 and Weld County is $832,750. These are loan-amount limits, not home-price ceilings or promises of approval. Verify the county, unit count and applicable loan product before deciding that a purchase requires jumbo financing.
| County | Maximum loan amount |
|---|---|
| Adams, Arapahoe, Broomfield, Denver, Douglas, Jefferson | $862,500 |
| Boulder | $879,750 |
| Weld | $832,750 |
Source: FHFA calendar-year 2026 county limits. Limits apply to loan amount, not purchase price; other unit counts and loan products differ.
Use the county rather than the mailing city
A city name can cross county lines, so identify the parcel’s actual county. This is particularly useful in northern Front Range searches where nearby homes can fall under different limits. The figures above come from FHFA’s calendar-year 2026 county table, reviewed October 28, 2026. Do not carry them into a later loan year without checking the new official table.
Translate the price into the loan amount
A hypothetical $1 million home purchased with $200,000 down produces an $800,000 starting loan before any financed charges. That amount is below the listed one-unit limit in each of the counties above. A lower purchase price with a smaller down payment can produce a larger loan. The amount financed is the number to compare, not the list price.
Do not confuse one-unit and multi-unit limits
FHFA publishes separate limits for one-, two-, three- and four-unit properties. Ask the lender how the property is classified and whether its actual configuration is acceptable. A finished basement or advertised rental suite does not automatically make a house a qualifying two-unit property. Financing eligibility, zoning and permitted use are separate questions that should be resolved before the offer is built around rental income.
Compare products even when you qualify
Being under the limit does not establish that a particular conforming loan is the best available option. Ask for actual rates, fees, mortgage-insurance costs and reserve requirements. If the proposed balance sits just above a limit, request a second scenario showing the additional down payment needed to move below it. Consider whether retaining cash is more valuable than the quoted financing difference.
Your decision checklist
- Confirm the parcel’s county.
- Use the 2026 FHFA county table.
- Match the correct unit count.
- Compare the loan balance, not purchase price.
- Ask for alternatives near the threshold.
Common questions
Are FHA limits the same as conforming limits?
They are separate program limits. Check HUD’s applicable FHA limit and lender requirements rather than assume the FHFA figure controls every mortgage.
Does a conforming balance guarantee a conforming loan?
No. The borrower, property and other underwriting requirements still apply, even when the amount falls below the county limit.
Sources & further reading
Sources checked for this guide on October 28, 2026. Reporting periods and effective dates are identified where relevant; linked agencies may update their pages.
- FHFA: 2026 county loan limits — 2026-10-28
Official source reviewed October 28, 2026; verify address-specific terms and subsequent updates.
- CFPB: Loan Estimate explainer — 2026-10-28
Official source reviewed October 28, 2026; verify address-specific terms and subsequent updates.
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