Federally-Backed Mortgage Loan Limits to Rise for the First Time in Over a Decade
✉️ Want to forward this article? Click here.
A few years ago, the question was whether or when the government would lower the limits on mortgage loans backed by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. Now, the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) is set to increase the limits next year.
Currently, the loan limit in most counties nationwide is at $417,000; as of next year, it will rise to $424,100 — the first time the limit has been raised since 2006. The previous increase was much more dramatic, as the 2006 baseline was $359,650.
Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac are Government Sponsored Enterprises (GSEs) charged with guaranteeing a great portion of mortgages in the country, often at lower costs and more favorable lending terms. The increased loan limits will enable those GSEs to underwrite loans for more homeowners, who have seen housing costs bounce back demonstrably since the market crashed in 2009.
In some “high cost” counties, such as those in the DC metro area, the loan limit is already higher than what is typical nationwide and will increase from $625,500 to $636,150.
See other articles related to: fannie mae, freddie mac, loan, loan limits, mortgage lending, mortgages
This article originally published at https://dc.urbanturf.com/articles/blog/federally-backed_loan_limits_to_rise/11919.
Most Popular... This Week • Last 30 Days • Ever

The all-cash trend in DC's housing market is maintaining its momentum in 2026.... read »

In this article, we will delve into what mortgage recasting entails and how it works.... read »

One of the more unusual properties in the District is the latest downtown conversion ... read »

If you drive through downtown Bethesda, it seems like there is a new project going up... read »

The market wrapped up the last week with a handful of numbers that paint a nuanced pi... read »
- 1 In 4 DC Homebuyers Paying All Cash In 2026
- What Does It Mean to Recast Your Mortgage?
- The DC Building With a Highway Running Through It Just Sold And The New Owner Is Thinking Conversion
- The Bethesda Building Boom: One Neighborhood, 16 Projects and 6,500 Units
- What A Week Of Data Tells Us About The DC-Area Housing Market
DC Real Estate Guides
Short guides to navigating the DC-area real estate market
We've collected all our helpful guides for buying, selling and renting in and around Washington, DC in one place. Start browsing below!
First-Timer Primers
Intro guides for first-time home buyers
Unique Spaces
Awesome and unusual real estate from across the DC Metro










