The size of the Conventional Loan you can obtain is not limitless. It is strictly controlled by federal caps known as Conforming Loan Limits. These limits, set annually by the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA), determine whether your mortgage is a Conforming Loan (within the cap) or a Jumbo Loan (above the cap).
For homebuyers and investors across Kansas and Missouri, understanding these limits is essential, as exceeding them triggers stricter underwriting requirements and potentially higher interest rates.
To understand how these limits affect your borrowing power, see our guide on Jumbo vs. Conventional loan options.
What is a Conventional Conforming Loan Limit?
A Conventional Conforming Loan Limit is the maximum dollar amount a mortgage can be while still being eligible for purchase by government-sponsored enterprises Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.
If your loan amount exceeds the county limit, it is classified as a Non-Conforming or Jumbo Loan. Conventional loans are the most common type of financing, and their limits are reviewed and updated every year based on average home price data. For a complete list of what you’ll need to apply, view our Conventional Loan Documentation Checklist.
How Loan Limits Are Determined
The FHFA calculates these limits every year based on home price appreciation across the country. Limits are then published in late November or early December, taking effect for the following calendar year (2026). Areas with significantly higher home values than the national average may qualify for a High-Cost Area Limit.
Standard vs. High-Cost Loan Limits (2026)
For 2026, the FHFA has set the following Standard Limits, which apply to the majority of counties across the U.S. and both Kansas and Missouri. You can find a full breakdown of regional figures in our Kansas and Missouri Loan Limits Guide.
High-Cost Areas in Kansas and Missouri
It is important to note that no counties in the states of Kansas or Missouri are currently classified as “High-Cost” areas that would qualify for a limit above the national standard. Therefore, the $832,750 limit for a single-unit property is the maximum Conventional Loan you can obtain in this region.
Conventional Loan Limits by County: Filterable Data Table
Because the limit for a single-family home may still be below the national standard in some less-populated counties, it is important to confirm the exact limit for your target county.
Use the interactive table below to filter by state and county to confirm the 2026 Conforming Loan Limit for a 1-Unit property in your specific market area, such as Overland Park or the wider Kansas City metro.
Implications and Exceptions: Why Limits Matter
The limits are the dividing line between standard mortgage underwriting and the more stringent requirements of a Jumbo Loan.
What Happens If I Exceed the Limit?
If the purchase price of your property requires a loan amount above your county’s limit (e.g., above $832,750 for a single-family home), you will need a Jumbo Loan (or Non-Conforming Loan) to finance the property.
Jumbo Loans typically require:
- Higher minimum credit scores (often 700 FICO or higher). See our Credit Score Tiers guide for more details.
- Larger down payments and stricter reserve requirements.
Multi-Unit Property Limits
If you are planning to purchase a multi-unit property (2, 3, or 4 units) to live in and rent out, your maximum Conventional Loan limit is significantly higher, as detailed in the table above. This makes multi-unit properties an excellent strategy for high-value properties that might otherwise require a Jumbo Loan.
How to Use This Data for Local Homebuying
Knowing the limit for your county helps you budget and determines which loan product is right for you. For instance, homebuyers in high-demand areas like Johnson or Jackson County must be prepared for property values that push close to or exceed the conforming limit.
If you are comparing low-down-payment options, you may also want to review the differences between FHA vs. Conventional Loans or explore the Conventional 97 program for 3% down payment options.
For a localized guide on using these limits to buy a home, see our Conventional Loan Guide for Kansas City Homebuyers.
Ready to Finance Your Home?
Our licensed loan originators stay current on all FHFA changes and specialize in helping borrowers secure the right financing in both the Kansas and Missouri markets, ensuring your loan meets all conforming limits and DTI ratio guidelines.
For a detailed look at all conventional loan eligibility and features, including specialized programs like HomeReady, start with our main Conventional Loans in Kansas City page.