Conforming Loan Limit Increase for 2022: What it Means for U.S. Transferring Employees
*Please note that this is an updated version for 2022. The original blog was post on January 8th, 2021.
What You Need to Know About the Conforming Loan Limit Increase for 2022
In November of 2021, the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) announced that the conforming loan limit for Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac will increase from $548,250 to $647,200 in 2022. This marks the sixth consecutive year of an increase.
What is the Conforming Loan Limit?
The conforming loan limit is the maximum loan amount for one-unit properties that can be guaranteed and purchased by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. A loan amount higher than the conforming loan limit is considered a jumbo loan.
How is the Conforming Limit Determined?
The Housing and Economic Recovery Act of 2008 (HERA) requires that the conforming loan limit be adjusted each year to reflect the change in the national average U.S. home price. According to FHFA, home prices increased 18.05% on average between 2020 and 2021, so the conforming loan limit will increase by the same percentage. This is the largest increase since 2008.
What Does this Mean for Transferees?
This is good news for organizations with U.S. transferees or assignees who are hoping to purchase a home in the United States. An increase in the conforming loan limit means employees can borrow an additional $98,950 without requiring a jumbo loan, which is typically more difficult to qualify for and requires more documentation than a conforming loan.
How Does This Impact High-Cost Areas?
A high-cost area is a location in which 115% of the local median home value exceeds the conforming loan limit. In these high-cost areas, the conforming loan limit can go up to a ceiling of $970,800 (150% of $647,200).
In any given year, there are roughly 150-200 counties in the U.S. that are considered high-cost areas, and many employers need to entice employees to relocate to these locations. Some examples include areas in the vicinity of New York City, the San Francisco Bay Area, as well as Washington D.C. and surrounding counties. The increase of the conforming loan limit may put these areas within reach for some employees through easier-to-obtain financing.
Whatever the financing needs of your transferees may be, SIRVA Mortgage is here to help. With over 25 years of focus and expertise in relocation mortgage lending, we understand the important role home financing plays in the relocation process. Please visit our mortgage website to learn more, or contact us, at MortgageClientServices@sirva.com.
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Contributors:
Cheryl Pfaffenberger, Director, Client Services
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