
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
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 Type | Rate Range | Max Loan (LA County) | Min Credit Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| Conventional Conforming | 5.75% - 6.75% | $1,249,125 | 620 |
| FHA Streamline | 5.50% - 6.50% | $1,249,125 | 580 |
| VA IRRRL | 5.50% - 6.25% | No limit | 620* |
| Jumbo | 6.25% - 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
Source: Zillow Research
$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
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]
| Fee | Typical Range |
|---|---|
| Appraisal | $500 - $800 |
| Title Insurance | $1,500 - $3,000 |
| Escrow Fees | $1,000 - $2,500 |
| Recording Fees | $75 - $200 |
| Lender Origination Fee | 0% - 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.
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.
Stop searching bank by bank. Get matched with 6,000+ vetted lenders competing for your deal.
No credit check. Takes 2 minutes.
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.
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.
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.
| Program | Min Credit | Max LTV | LA County Limit | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Conventional | 620 | 97% | $1,249,125 | Most borrowers with good credit |
| FHA Streamline | 580 | 97.75% | $1,249,125 | Existing FHA loan holders |
| VA IRRRL | 620* | 100% | No limit | Veterans and active military |
| Jumbo | 700 | 80% | $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.
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 Type | Baseline (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 |
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.
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]
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
California has specific regulations and programs that affect the refinancing process. Understanding these requirements helps ensure a smooth closing.[5]
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 Drop | Monthly Savings | Annual Savings | Break-Even (at $10K costs) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0.25% | $128 | $1,536 | 78 months |
| 0.50% | $258 | $3,096 | 39 months |
| 0.75% | $390 | $4,680 | 26 months |
| 1.00% | $524 | $6,288 | 19 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.
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]
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
2026 Conforming Loan Limit Values. Federal Housing Finance Agency, November 2025.
https://www.fhfa.gov/data/conforming-loan-limit.
Primary Mortgage Market Survey. Freddie Mac, 2026.
https://www.freddiemac.com/pmms.
Existing Home Sales Statistics. National Association of Realtors, 2026.
https://www.nar.realtor/research-and-statistics.
What You Should Know About Home Refinancing. Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, 2024.
https://www.consumerfinance.gov/owning-a-home/refinance/.
Mortgage Lending Licenses. California Department of Financial Protection and Innovation, 2025.
https://dfpi.ca.gov/mortgage-lending/.
Los Angeles Home Values and Market Trends. Zillow Research, 2026.
https://www.zillow.com/home-values/12447/los-angeles-ca/.
Every loan officer in our network is licensed, experienced, and committed to exceptional service.
We don't believe in one-size-fits-all. Get connected with experts tailored to your unique financial profile.
Skip the frustration of contacting multiple lenders individually. We bring the right experts to you.
Tap into a wide array of mortgage solutions through specialists within our network.
Financing solutions for every stage of the commercial property lifecycle
Financing for the purchase of new commercial assets
Rate, term, and cash-out solutions for existing commercial debt
Long-term, fixed-rate financing for stabilized commercial properties
Short-term funding for quick acquisitions or property stabilization
Securitized, large balance non-recourse commercial real estate mortgages
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.