2026 loan limits in Lee County
These are the 2026 limits for one-unit homes in Lee County, set by HUD (FHA) and FHFA (conforming). Two- to four-unit properties have higher limits. We confirm the current figures before every rate lock.
Buying a home in Lee County
Lee County took Hurricane Ian's direct hit in 2022, and Fort Myers Beach, Sanibel and parts of Cape Coral are still rebuilding. Many newly built or elevated homes now carry lower flood premiums than the houses they replaced. Cape Coral's canal homes are a staple for both second-home buyers and DSCR investors.
Areas served in Lee County
- Fort Myers · FHA loans, Jumbo loans, DSCR loans
- Cape Coral
- Sanibel Island
- Bonita Springs
- Estero
- Lehigh Acres
- Fort Myers Beach
Also serving North Fort Myers and the rest of Lee County.
Florida closing costs on a Lee County purchase
Example: a $560,000 purchase with an FHA loan of $540,400. The state taxes on that deal:
- Deed doc stamps: $0.70 per $100 of price = $3,920. The standard Florida contract has the seller pay this; check yours.
- Doc stamps on the mortgage note: $0.35 per $100 of loan = $1,891. Paid by the buyer.
- Intangible tax on the mortgage: 0.2% of the loan = $1,081. Paid by the buyer.
Add title insurance, lender fees, prepaid taxes and insurance, and recording fees for the full picture. Run your own numbers with the Florida closing cost calculator.
Homestead exemption in Lee County
If the home will be your primary residence, file for the homestead exemption with the Lee County Property Appraiser by March 1 of the year after you close. It can take up to about $50,000 off your assessed value and caps future increases under Save Our Homes. Details in the homestead guide.
Loan programs available in Lee County
- Conventional: Low down payment options for qualifying first-time buyers.
- FHA: Low down payment and flexible credit; minimum scores vary by lender.
- VA: For eligible veterans and service members.
- USDA: For eligible homes in qualifying rural and suburban areas.
- Jumbo: Loans above the conforming limit.
- DSCR: Investment property qualified on rental income.
- Bank statement: For self-employed borrowers.
- Construction-to-perm: One closing for building a new home.
- Foreign national: For buyers without US credit.
- Down payment assistance: Including Florida Hometown Heroes.