California vs New York: mortgage lending
In 2023, New York had the lower mortgage denial rate of the two — 18.3% versus 19.1% in California, a gap of about 0.8 points. California originated about 335,898 loans and New York about 154,253. By loan type, California was 84.2% conventional / 11.7% FHA / 4.1% VA, versus 89.3% / 8.3% / 2.2% in New York. Informational data, not lending advice.
Source: HMDA Data Browser (FFIEC / CFPB). Data as of June 2026.
California vs New York side by side
| Indicator | California | New York |
|---|---|---|
| Total originations | 335,898 | 154,253 |
| Denial rate | 19.1% | 18.3% |
| Home-purchase denial rate | 12.9% | 13.7% |
| Refinance denial rate | 32.2% | 29.3% |
| Conventional share | 84.2% | 89.3% |
| FHA share | 11.7% | 8.3% |
| VA share | 4.1% | 2.2% |
Verdict
On denial rate alone, an application looks more likely to be approved in New York than California by roughly 0.8 points — but that mostly reflects who applies and for what kind of loan, not a promise about your file. Read each state's full profile for context: California and New York. To estimate a payment in either, use the mortgage calculator.
Frequently asked questions
Is it harder to get a mortgage in California or New York?
By denial rate, California turned down a higher share of applications in 2023: 19.1% versus 18.3% in New York, a gap of about 0.8 points. Denial rate reflects the applicant pool and loan mix as much as lender strictness, so it is a signal, not a guarantee about your own application.
Which state originates more mortgages, California or New York?
California originated more — about 335,898 home-purchase and refinance loans versus 154,253 in New York (HMDA 2023). Volume mostly tracks population and home values.
How do the loan-type mixes compare?
In California, conventional loans were 84.2%, FHA 11.7% and VA 4.1% of originations; in New York they were 89.3%, 8.3% and 2.2%. A higher FHA/VA share usually means more first-time, lower-down-payment, or veteran buyers.
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Last updated: 2026-06-20