Commercial real estate property representing lending opportunities

Refinance Your
Los Angeles Home

Compare rates from 50+ competing lenders. LA County loans up to $1,249,125 conforming. One application, no credit pull to start, same-day rate quotes.

What are current refinance rates in Los Angeles?

Los Angeles refinance rates in 2026 range from approximately 5.75% to 7.25% depending on loan type, credit score, and LTV ratio. Conforming loans (up to $1,249,125 in LA County) typically carry rates 0.25-0.50% lower than jumbo loans. FHA Streamline refinances offer some of the lowest rates for borrowers with existing FHA loans. Borrowers with 740+ credit and under 80% LTV qualify for the most competitive rates.

Key Takeaways

  • LA County 2026 conforming loan limit is $1,249,125, the highest tier nationally
  • Median home price in Los Angeles is approximately $960,000
  • One application reaches 50+ competing lenders with no credit pull to start
  • Conforming, FHA, VA, and jumbo refinance options all available
  • Typical closing costs in LA range from $8,000 to $12,000
  • Same-day rate quotes delivered after a single application

What Are Current Refinance Rates in Los Angeles?

Los Angeles refinance rates follow national mortgage rate trends but are influenced by the local high-cost market. Because LA County has one of the highest conforming loan limits in the country at $1,249,125, many borrowers who would need jumbo loans elsewhere can access lower conforming rates here.[1]

Rate spreads between conforming and jumbo loans in Los Angeles typically range from 0.25% to 0.50%. Borrowers with strong credit profiles (740+ score, under 70% LTV, and documented income) qualify for the most competitive rates regardless of loan type.[2]

Loan TypeRate RangeMax Loan (LA County)Min Credit Score
Conventional Conforming5.75% - 6.75%$1,249,125620
FHA Streamline5.50% - 6.50%$1,249,125580
VA IRRRL5.50% - 6.25%No limit620*
Jumbo6.25% - 7.25%$3,500,000+700

* VA has no official minimum; most lenders require 620. Rates as of early 2026 and vary by lender, credit score, and LTV.

$960K

LA Median Home Price

$1,249,125

LA County Conforming Limit

Source: FHFA

$8K-$12K

Avg. Closing Costs in LA

Source: CFPB

$240-$480/mo

Typical Monthly Savings

Source: Freddie Mac

How Much Does It Cost to Refinance in Los Angeles?

Refinancing a home in Los Angeles involves closing costs that typically range from 2% to 5% of the loan amount. On an $800,000 loan, that means $16,000 to $40,000 before factoring in lender credits. However, many lenders offer no-closing-cost options where the fees are rolled into a slightly higher rate, typically 0.125% to 0.25% above the standard rate.[4]

Los Angeles County Closing Cost Breakdown

FeeTypical Range
Appraisal$500 - $800
Title Insurance$1,500 - $3,000
Escrow Fees$1,000 - $2,500
Recording Fees$75 - $200
Lender Origination Fee0% - 1% of loan
Credit Report$30 - $50
Flood Certification$15 - $25

Los Angeles County does not charge a transfer tax on refinances since no change in ownership occurs. This saves borrowers the $4.50 per $1,000 county transfer tax that applies to purchase transactions. The city of Los Angeles charges an additional $4.50 per $1,000 on sales but this does not apply to refinances either.

Break-Even Example for Los Angeles

On an $800,000 loan at the LA median, reducing your rate by 0.5% saves approximately $267 per month. With $10,000 in closing costs, your break-even point is 37 months. If you plan to stay in your home at least 4 years, the refinance pays for itself and saves you $2,204 per year thereafter. Use our mortgage calculator to model your specific scenario.

Need Financing for This Project?

Stop searching bank by bank. Get matched with 6,000+ vetted lenders competing for your deal.

No credit check. Takes 2 minutes.

What Types of Refinance Loans Are Available in Los Angeles?

Los Angeles homeowners have access to the full range of residential refinance programs. Your best option depends on your current loan type, equity position, credit score, and financial goals.

Rate-and-Term Refinance

Replace your current mortgage with a new loan at a lower interest rate, a different term, or both. This is the most common refinance type and works best when rates have dropped since you obtained your original loan.

  • Lower your monthly payment
  • Switch from ARM to fixed rate
  • Shorten your term (30yr to 15yr)
  • Remove PMI with 20%+ equity

Cash-Out Refinance

Access the equity you have built in your LA home by refinancing for more than your current balance. With median values near $960,000, many LA homeowners have substantial equity available.

  • Access equity without selling
  • Fund home renovations or ADU
  • Consolidate high-interest debt
  • Invest in additional property

Refinance Programs Compared

ProgramMin CreditMax LTVLA County LimitBest For
Conventional62097%$1,249,125Most borrowers with good credit
FHA Streamline58097.75%$1,249,125Existing FHA loan holders
VA IRRRL620*100%No limitVeterans and active military
Jumbo70080%$3,500,000+Loans above $1,249,125

* VA has no official minimum credit score; 620 is a common lender overlay. LTV limits shown are for rate-and-term refinances. Cash-out refinances typically cap at 80% LTV.

What Are the 2026 Los Angeles County Conforming Loan Limits?

Los Angeles County is designated a high-cost area by the Federal Housing Finance Agency, which means the conforming loan limit is significantly higher than the national baseline. This benefits LA homeowners because conforming loans carry lower rates than jumbo loans.[1]

Property TypeBaseline (Most Counties)LA County (High-Cost)
1 Unit$832,750$1,249,125
2 Units$1,066,025$1,599,025
3 Units$1,288,350$1,932,525
4 Units$1,601,150$2,401,725

What This Means for Your Refinance

If your loan balance is under $1,249,125, you qualify for conforming rates even though your loan would be considered jumbo in most of the country. This can save you 0.25% to 0.50% compared to jumbo rates. For loans above $1,249,125, see our jumbo refinance program with access to 50+ specialized jumbo lenders.

What Are the Best Los Angeles Neighborhoods for Refinancing?

Home values across Los Angeles vary dramatically by neighborhood, which directly affects your refinance options, loan type, and available rates. Here is how the major LA markets break down:[6]

Westside (Santa Monica, Brentwood, Venice, Pacific Palisades)

Median home values range from $1.5 million to $4 million or higher. Most refinances here fall into jumbo territory above the $1,249,125 conforming limit. Borrowers typically need 700+ credit and 20%+ equity. Cash-out refinances are popular for funding ADU construction or second-home purchases given the substantial equity most Westside homeowners hold.

South Bay (Manhattan Beach, Hermosa Beach, Redondo Beach)

Home values typically range from $1.2 million to $3 million. Many properties fall in the high-balance conforming range near $1,249,125, making loan type selection critical. Borrowers close to the conforming limit should work with a lender who can price both conforming and jumbo options to determine which saves more.

San Fernando Valley (Encino, Sherman Oaks, Studio City, Tarzana)

Median values range from $800,000 to $2 million depending on the specific area. Many Valley homes fit within the conforming limit, qualifying for the best conventional rates. This area sees strong demand for rate-and-term refinances as homeowners who purchased during higher-rate periods look to reduce payments.

Northeast LA (Pasadena, Glendale, Eagle Rock, Highland Park)

Home values typically range from $700,000 to $1.5 million. Most refinances fall within conforming limits, and FHA Streamline refinances are common for borrowers who used FHA financing for their original purchase. This area has seen significant appreciation, giving many homeowners enough equity to remove PMI through refinancing.

Central LA (Silver Lake, Los Feliz, Echo Park, Mid-City)

Values range from $900,000 to $1.8 million. A mix of conforming and jumbo loans depending on the property. Condo refinances are common in areas like Downtown LA and Koreatown. Homeowners should verify their condo project approval status early in the process to avoid delays.

How Does Refinancing Work in California?

California has specific regulations and programs that affect the refinancing process. Understanding these requirements helps ensure a smooth closing.[5]

California Licensing and Disclosure Requirements

All mortgage lenders operating in California must be licensed by the Department of Financial Protection and Innovation (DFPI), formerly the Department of Business Oversight. California requires specific disclosures including the Mortgage Loan Disclosure Statement and the Good Faith Estimate. These protect borrowers by ensuring full transparency on rates, fees, and loan terms before closing.

Proposition 13 and Property Tax Implications

A common concern among LA homeowners is whether refinancing triggers a property tax reassessment. Under Proposition 13, property taxes are based on the purchase price with a maximum 2% annual increase. Refinancing does not constitute a change of ownership and does not trigger reassessment. Your property tax basis remains the same regardless of how many times you refinance.

California Housing Finance Agency (CalHFA) Programs

CalHFA offers programs that may benefit LA homeowners looking to refinance, including interest rate reduction programs for qualifying borrowers. While primarily focused on first-time homebuyers, certain CalHFA programs extend to refinancing for income-qualifying households. Contact CalHFA directly to determine eligibility for below-market rate programs.

3-Day Right of Rescission

Federal law (Regulation Z) gives homeowners refinancing a primary residence three business days after closing to cancel the transaction without penalty. This cooling-off period is unique to refinances and does not apply to purchase mortgages. Factor this into your timeline when planning your refinance closing date.

When Does Refinancing Make Sense in Los Angeles?

The decision to refinance depends on your specific financial situation, current rate, and how long you plan to stay in your home. Here is how common rate reduction scenarios play out on an LA-sized loan:[2]

Rate Reduction Scenarios ($768,000 Loan, 30-Year Fixed)

Rate DropMonthly SavingsAnnual SavingsBreak-Even (at $10K costs)
0.25%$128$1,53678 months
0.50%$258$3,09639 months
0.75%$390$4,68026 months
1.00%$524$6,28819 months

These figures assume an $800,000 original loan balance on a 30-year fixed mortgage. Actual savings depend on your specific rate, balance, and closing costs. A 0.50% rate reduction is generally considered the minimum threshold where refinancing makes sense for most LA homeowners planning to stay at least 3-4 years.

When a Cash-Out Refinance Makes Sense

With LA home values near $960,000 and many long-term homeowners sitting on significant equity, cash-out refinances are increasingly popular for funding ADU construction (especially after California's expanded ADU laws), home renovations, debt consolidation, or investment property down payments. If your current rate is already competitive, consider a home equity loan as an alternative that preserves your existing rate.[3]

Frequently Asked Questions

What credit score do I need to refinance in Los Angeles?

Minimum credit score requirements depend on the loan type. Conventional refinances require a 620 minimum, though 740+ qualifies for the best rates. FHA Streamline refinances accept scores as low as 580. VA IRRRLs have no minimum score set by the VA, though most lenders require 620. Jumbo refinances in Los Angeles typically require 700+ due to the higher loan amounts involved.

Can I refinance a condo in Los Angeles?

Yes, condos in Los Angeles are eligible for refinancing. For conventional and FHA loans, the condo project must be on the approved list for Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, or FHA. Many LA condo buildings in areas like Downtown, Century City, and Westwood are already approved. If your building is not approved, a spot approval or single-unit approval may be possible depending on the lender and loan program.

How long does refinancing take in California?

A typical refinance in California takes 30 to 45 days from application to closing. California requires a 3-day right of rescission after closing, which adds time compared to purchase transactions. Streamline refinances (FHA or VA) can close faster since they require less documentation. Delays commonly occur during appraisal scheduling and title searches, especially in high-volume periods.

What documents do I need to refinance?

Standard documentation includes two years of W-2s or tax returns, 30 days of pay stubs, two months of bank statements, your current mortgage statement, homeowners insurance declaration, and a government-issued ID. Self-employed borrowers need two years of personal and business tax returns plus a year-to-date profit and loss statement. FHA and VA Streamline refinances require less documentation.

Is it worth refinancing for 0.5%?

On a $768,000 loan (typical for an LA median-priced home), a 0.5% rate reduction saves roughly $240 per month or $2,880 per year. With closing costs averaging $8,000 to $12,000 in Los Angeles, the break-even point is 33 to 50 months. If you plan to stay in your home longer than that, the refinance pays for itself and continues saving money every month after.

Can I refinance with an FHA loan in Los Angeles?

Yes, two FHA refinance options are available. An FHA Streamline refinance lets you reduce your rate with minimal documentation and no appraisal if you currently have an FHA loan. An FHA rate-and-term refinance is available even if your current loan is conventional, with a minimum credit score of 580 and up to 97.75% LTV. The 2026 FHA loan limit for LA County is $1,249,125.

What is the conforming loan limit for LA County in 2026?

The 2026 conforming loan limit for Los Angeles County is $1,249,125, which is the maximum high-cost area limit set by the FHFA. This is significantly higher than the baseline national limit of $832,750. Loans up to $1,249,125 qualify for conventional conforming rates, which are typically 0.25% to 0.50% lower than jumbo rates. Loans above this amount require jumbo financing.

How much equity do I need to refinance in Los Angeles?

For a rate-and-term refinance, most lenders require at least 5% equity (95% LTV) for conventional loans and 2.25% equity for FHA. Cash-out refinances require at least 20% equity (80% LTV) for conventional loans. Given LA median home values near $960,000, many homeowners have built substantial equity through appreciation, making both rate-and-term and cash-out refinances accessible.

Works Cited

  1. 2026 Conforming Loan Limit Values. Federal Housing Finance Agency, November 2025.
    https://www.fhfa.gov/data/conforming-loan-limit.

  2. Primary Mortgage Market Survey. Freddie Mac, 2026.
    https://www.freddiemac.com/pmms.

  3. Existing Home Sales Statistics. National Association of Realtors, 2026.
    https://www.nar.realtor/research-and-statistics.

  4. What You Should Know About Home Refinancing. Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, 2024.
    https://www.consumerfinance.gov/owning-a-home/refinance/.

  5. Mortgage Lending Licenses. California Department of Financial Protection and Innovation, 2025.
    https://dfpi.ca.gov/mortgage-lending/.

  6. Los Angeles Home Values and Market Trends. Zillow Research, 2026.
    https://www.zillow.com/home-values/12447/los-angeles-ca/.

Related Resources

The Clear House Lending Advantage

Commercial Loan Programs

Financing solutions for every stage of the commercial property lifecycle

Commercial Acquisitions

Financing for the purchase of new commercial assets

Commercial Refinancing

Rate, term, and cash-out solutions for existing commercial debt

Permanent Financing

Long-term, fixed-rate financing for stabilized commercial properties

Bridge Loans & Interim Debt

Short-term funding for quick acquisitions or property stabilization

CMBS (Conduit Loans)

Securitized, large balance non-recourse commercial real estate mortgages

SBA Loans (7a & 504)

Government-backed financing for owner-occupied commercial real estate

Commercial financing

Ready to secure your next deal?

Fast approvals, competitive terms, and expert guidance for investors and businesses.

  • Nationwide coverage
  • Bridge, SBA, DSCR & more
  • Vertical & Horizontal Construction Financing
  • Hard Money & Private Money Solutions
  • Up to $50M+
  • Foreign nationals eligible
Chat with us