Home loans in San Diego County
Buying, refinancing or investing in San Diego, Chula Vista, Oceanside, Escondido and Carlsbad? One application, one soft pull, 130+ lenders.
San Diego County at a glance
San Diego County is a high-cost area, so its conforming limit of $1,104,000 sits above the $832,750 limit that applies in most of the country.
The one-unit conforming limit rose $26,450 from 2025's $1,077,550. The FHA limit rose $26,450 from $1,077,550.
Its FHA limit matches the conforming limit at $1,104,000, based on a median sale price of $960,000.
Many homes here sell near the conforming limit, so it pays to compare a high-balance conforming loan with a jumbo before you write an offer.
| Conforming | FHA | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 unit | $1,104,000 | $1,104,000 |
| 2 units | $1,413,350 | Higher limits apply. Ask us. |
| 3 units | $1,708,400 | |
| 4 units | $2,123,100 | |
| VA | No limit with full entitlement | |
Median sale price HUD used for San Diego County: $960,000
San Diego County by the numbers
HUD's median sale price for San Diego County, $960,000, is about 9.0 times the median household income.
About 55% of occupied homes here are owned by the people living in them.
CalHFA's 2026 income limit for its first-time buyer loans in San Diego County is $259,000.
U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2020-2024 5-year estimates; HUD; CalHFA (effective June 30, 2026).
Loans that fit San Diego County
Down payment help in San Diego County
These programs can be paired with a loan we arrange. Funding changes often, so we confirm each one before you apply.
| Program | What it offers | Status |
|---|---|---|
| MyHome Assistance Program Statewide | Deferred down payment and closing cost help of up to 3.5% of the price, paired with a CalHFA first mortgage. | Open (no closure notice) |
| CalPLUS with ZIP Statewide | A CalHFA first mortgage paired with a junior loan for closing costs. | Open (no closure notice) |
| California Dream For All Statewide | Down payment help for first-generation buyers, repaid with a share of appreciation. Awarded by drawing. | Closed to new applicants |
| GSFA Platinum Statewide | Down payment and closing cost help of up to 5.5% of the loan amount. No first-time buyer requirement. | Open (no closure notice) |
| County of San Diego Down Payment and Closing Cost Assistance (DCCA) County of San Diego Housing and Community Development Services; administered by the San Diego Housing Commission | Deferred loan of up to 22% of the price plus closing cost help, for first-time buyers at or below 80% of area median income. | Confirm funding with the program |
| City of San Diego First-Time Homebuyer Program (deferred loan and closing cost grant) San Diego Housing Commission (SDHC) | Deferred loan of up to 25% of the price (max $150,000) plus a closing cost grant, in the City of San Diego. | Confirm funding with the program |
| City of Chula Vista and City of El Cajon first-time homebuyer loans Listed by the San Diego Housing Commission | Deferred first-time buyer loans in Chula Vista (up to 22%) and El Cajon (up to 25%). | Confirm funding with the program |
Status as stated on each program's official page, checked November 10, 2026. Programs have income, price and first-time buyer rules.
Buying a rental in San Diego County
A DSCR loan qualifies a rental on its rent instead of your personal income. The lender compares the property's rent to its full monthly cost.
HUD's Fair Market Rents are a useful starting point. The lender uses the appraiser's rent estimate for the actual property.
| Unit size | HUD Fair Market Rent |
|---|---|
| Studio | $2,192 |
| 1 bedroom | $2,335 |
| 2 bedrooms | $2,823 |
| 3 bedrooms | $3,743 |
| 4 bedrooms | $4,526 |
HUD FY2027 Fair Market Rents, effective October 1, 2026 (San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA MSA).
Property taxes and transfer tax
The median San Diego County homeowner pays $5,774 a year in real estate taxes (Census). Under Proposition 13 the base rate is 1% of the purchase price, plus local assessments.
The county documentary transfer tax is $1.10 per $1,000 of the price.
Keeping your tax base
Under Proposition 19, homeowners 55 and older, severely disabled homeowners and wildfire or disaster victims can carry their property tax base to a replacement home anywhere in California, up to three times.
Licensed across California
Our office is in San Diego, and we close loans across California. Everything from application to e-signature happens online, and you can call or text Rafie directly.
Good to know
What is the conforming loan limit in San Diego County for 2026?
$1,104,000 for a one-unit home, $1,413,350 for two units, $1,708,400 for three units and $2,123,100 for four units. That's up $26,450 from 2025.
What is the FHA loan limit in San Diego County for 2026?
$1,104,000 for a one-unit home. Two- to four-unit properties have higher limits; ask us for yours.
What down payment assistance is available in San Diego County?
Local options include County of San Diego Down Payment and Closing Cost Assistance (DCCA), City of San Diego First-Time Homebuyer Program (deferred loan and closing cost grant), City of Chula Vista and City of El Cajon first-time homebuyer loans. Statewide, CalHFA's MyHome program and GSFA Platinum are listed as current. California Dream For All is closed to new applicants. We confirm funding before you apply (checked November 10, 2026).
What is the CalHFA income limit in San Diego County?
$259,000 for 2026, effective June 30, 2026.
What does HUD list as fair market rent for a 2-bedroom in San Diego County?
$2,823 a month for FY2027. For a DSCR loan, the lender uses the appraiser's rent estimate for the actual property.
How much are property taxes in San Diego County?
The median homeowner pays $5,774 a year (Census). The base rate under Proposition 13 is 1% of the purchase price, plus local assessments.
Do VA loans have a limit in San Diego County?
Veterans with full entitlement have no VA loan limit. If part of your entitlement is in use, the county conforming limit is used to work out what you can borrow with no down payment.
What is a jumbo loan in San Diego County?
Any loan above $1,104,000 for a one-unit home. We shop jumbo loans with 130+ lenders too.
Do I have to live near San Diego to work with MTG Wholesale?
No. We're licensed throughout California and work with borrowers in San Diego County by phone, text, email and e-signature.
2026 limits: Federal Housing Finance Agency (conforming) and U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (FHA, CY2026). Limits apply to loans that close in 2026. Not an offer of credit; loan approval depends on the lender's guidelines.