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FHA Loan Limits in San Mateo County, California (2026)

In San Mateo County — anchored by San Mateo County — the 2026 FHA loan limit for a single-family home is $1,249,125. As a high-cost county, that ceiling runs above the $541,287 national floor.

Property Type2026 FHA Loan Limit
One-unit (single family)$1,249,125
Two-unit (duplex)$1,599,225
Three-unit (triplex)$1,933,200
Four-unit (fourplex)$2,402,475

Every community in San Mateo County — San Mateo County — shares the same 2026 FHA limits shown above, which differ from those in adjacent Los Angeles and San Diego Counties.

Affording a home in San Mateo County & San Mateo County

Homes around San Mateo County carry an estimated local median near $1,500,000, so an FHA buyer in San Mateo County puts down about $43,719 (3.5%). With California's 0.75% effective property-tax rate, the all-in payment runs near $9,002 a month — comfortable on household income around $348,000, above California's $91,905 median household income, so budget carefully.

FHA payment scenarios in San Mateo County

Here is what an FHA payment looks like at three San Mateo County budgets, all with 3.5% down at a 6.25% example rate:

Purchase PriceDown (3.5%)Est. Monthly Payment
Entry-level — $1,080,000$37,800$7,799
Local median — $1,249,125$43,719$9,002
At the FHA limit — $1,249,125$43,719$9,002

Estimates include FHA MIP plus California property taxes and insurance. Rates move daily near San Mateo County too — get notified.

Buyers across San Mateo County pair FHA with local down-payment assistance to keep upfront cash low — often turning the $43,719 down payment near San Mateo County into little out of pocket.

Multi-unit FHA limits in San Mateo County

Looking at a duplex or fourplex near San Mateo County? FHA allows up to $1,599,225 on two units and $2,402,475 on four in San Mateo County, with the same low 3.5% down for owner-occupants.

Across San Mateo County and the rest of San Mateo County (the West Coast, median income ~$91,905), FHA remains the most flexible path to a first home — gift funds and assistance can cover the down payment.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the FHA loan limit in San Mateo County for 2026?
In San Mateo County (San Mateo County), the 2026 FHA limit is $1,249,125 for one unit, $1,599,225 for a duplex, $1,933,200 for a triplex, and $2,402,475 for a fourplex.
What income do I need to buy in San Mateo County with FHA?
For a median-priced ($1,249,125) San Mateo County home, plan on income around $348,000 at a 31% housing ratio — about $9,002/month including taxes, insurance, and MIP.
How much is the FHA down payment in San Mateo County?
3.5% with a 580+ score — roughly $43,719 on a $1,249,125 San Mateo County-area home. Gift funds are allowed.
Is San Mateo County a high-cost FHA area?
Yes — San Mateo County's $1,249,125 one-unit limit tops the $541,287 national floor.

FHA loan limits near San Mateo County