Honolulu Mortgage Lender

As an independent mortgage broker licensed in Hawaii, Bayview Residential Brokerage helps Honolulu buyers and homeowners shop the whole market instead of a single bank's rate sheet. Honolulu is Hawaii's largest and most varied market, from Waikiki and Kakaako condos to single-family homes in the valleys, and financing looks different for each. We match every borrower with the lender and program that fits, then handle the loan from pre-approval to closing.

Below is a plain-English guide to buying or refinancing in Honolulu in 2026: the market, Oahu loan limits, the programs available, down payment assistance, and the fee simple versus leasehold question unique to Hawaii.

The Honolulu housing market in 2026

Honolulu has shifted toward buyers. As of 2026 the median Honolulu home price is around $605,000, essentially flat year over year, but homes are sitting on the market far longer than during the frenzy, with several months of inventory now available. That gives buyers more negotiating room than they have had in years.

Honolulu has a large condo market alongside single-family homes, and the two can finance very differently, especially where leasehold land or condo project approval is involved. Being matched with a lender that handles Hawaii condos and higher price points well is where a broker earns their keep.

Loan programs for Honolulu buyers

Conventional loans. The default for buyers with solid credit, with as little as 3% down for qualified first-time buyers, and conforming limits up to $1,249,125 in Hawaii.

FHA loans. A lower 3.5% down payment and flexible qualifying. The 2026 FHA limit in Honolulu County is $828,000 for a single-family home.

VA loans. Honolulu is home to Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam and a large military community, so VA loans are especially important here for eligible veterans and active-duty service members. Zero down payment and no monthly mortgage insurance for those who qualify.

Jumbo loans. Financing above the conforming limit for higher-priced homes. In Honolulu this applies mainly to higher-priced homes in areas like Diamond Head, Manoa and Nuuanu.

Reverse mortgages. For homeowners 62 and older who want to convert equity into cash without a monthly mortgage payment.

Fee simple vs. leasehold in Hawaii

One thing that makes Hawaii different from the mainland is land ownership. Some homes and many condos are sold leasehold rather than fee simple, meaning you own the building but lease the land underneath for a set term. That affects financing, resale and long-term cost. We help Honolulu buyers understand whether a property is fee simple or leasehold and how it changes the loan before you commit.

Down payment assistance for Honolulu buyers

Hawaii buyers can access help through the Hawaii Housing Finance and Development Corporation (HHFDC), including its Mortgage Credit Certificate program, which provides a federal tax credit on part of the mortgage interest you pay, along with down payment loan programs run by the counties, such as the City and County of Honolulu Down Payment Loan Program. Eligibility depends on income and the purchase price. We help Honolulu buyers find and coordinate the right program with the loan.

Property taxes in Hawaii

One bright spot for Hawaii buyers is property taxes. Hawaii has among the lowest effective property tax rates in the country, which helps offset the state's higher home prices and keeps the tax portion of your monthly payment relatively low. When we prepare your pre-approval, we include realistic tax and insurance estimates so your monthly number is the real one.

Buying across Honolulu

Kakaako and Waikiki anchor the condo market with new high-rises and walkable living, Manoa, Nuuanu and Kaimuki offer sought-after single-family neighborhoods, and areas like Kalihi and Palolo provide relatively more accessible entry points. Diamond Head and Kahala sit at the luxury end. We match the loan to the neighborhood, property type and whether the land is fee simple or leasehold.

How the process works with Bayview

1. Pre-approval. We review your income, credit and goals, then issue a pre-approval so you can shop with confidence and make strong offers.

2. Shop and compare. Once you are under contract, we shop your loan across our lender network and bring back the most competitive fit on rate and fees.

3. Underwriting. We manage document collection and work the file through underwriting, keeping you and your agent updated.

4. Closing. Most purchases close in about 30 to 45 days from contract. You sign, fund and get the keys.

Refinancing your Honolulu home

Already own in Honolulu? Refinancing can lower your rate or payment, shorten your term, or let you tap equity through a cash-out refinance. Given how much Hawaii home values have risen over the years, many local homeowners have significant usable equity. We run the numbers both ways and only recommend a refinance if it actually moves you forward.

Honolulu mortgage FAQs

What is the 2026 conforming loan limit in Honolulu?

Honolulu County uses the high-cost conforming limit of $1,249,125 for a single-family home in 2026. Loans above that are jumbo loans.

Why is the FHA limit lower than the conforming limit on Oahu?

On Oahu the 2026 FHA limit is $828,000, which is below the $1,249,125 conforming limit. For higher-priced homes, a conventional loan often reaches further than FHA, and we help you compare.

What is fee simple versus leasehold?

Fee simple means you own the land; leasehold means you lease the land for a term while owning the building. It affects financing and long-term cost, and we explain the difference before you commit.

Do you offer VA loans in Honolulu?

Yes. With Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam and a large military community, VA loans are common here, and we offer zero-down VA financing for eligible borrowers.

Are property taxes high in Honolulu?

No. Hawaii has among the lowest effective property tax rates in the country, which helps offset higher home prices.

How long does it take to close in Honolulu?

Most purchases close in about 30 to 45 days once you are under contract, and condo or leasehold files can take a little longer.

See all mortgage FAQs ›

Nearby communities we serve

East Honolulu  ·  Pearl City  ·  Kaneohe  ·  Kailua
All Hawaii locations ›

Plan your numbers

Affordability calculator  ·  Mortgage calculator  ·  Refinance calculator