VA loan down payment
Can I buy a home with a VA loan and no down payment?
Often, an eligible borrower with sufficient VA entitlement can buy a home with no down payment. “No down payment” does not mean no upfront costs, and lender approval still applies.
Reviewed October 25, 2026 · Based on current VA guidance
Short answer: A VA-backed purchase loan may allow a qualified borrower to buy with zero down when the sales price does not exceed the VA-established appraised value and the borrower has enough entitlement for the transaction. Your lender must approve your credit, income, and overall application.
When can a VA loan have zero down?
For borrowers with full entitlement, VA says there is no VA-imposed loan limit, but the lender decides how much it is willing to lend, based on ability to repay and the property appraisal. With partial entitlement, prior use of the benefit can affect how much guaranty remains and whether a lender requires a down payment. The county conforming loan limit may be part of calculating remaining entitlement in that situation; it is not a universal maximum loan amount for every VA borrower.
A borrower may also choose to make a down payment even when one is not required. A larger down payment may lower the amount borrowed and can affect the VA funding fee in some purchase-loan cases. Ask the lender to compare the full costs before deciding.
Does no down payment mean no money due at closing?
No. You may still have closing costs, prepaid expenses, an earnest-money deposit, moving costs, or a funding fee if you are not exempt. A seller may agree to pay certain buyer closing costs, but seller-paid closing costs and VA seller concessions follow different rules. Review your Loan Estimate and ask what cash you may need at closing.
On a purchase or construction-permanent loan, VA says only the funding fee may be financed into the loan amount; other fees and charges generally need to be paid at closing. If an appraisal comes in below the contract price, discuss options with your lender and real estate professional; the gap is not automatically covered by the VA guaranty.
Budget beyond the down payment
Ask the lender for a written estimate using a specific home price and loan scenario. Build a separate budget for expenses that may not be included in the lender's cash-to-close figure.
- Review closing costs, prepaid taxes and insurance, and any funding fee that may apply.
- Ask which costs, if any, a seller credit could cover and what the contract allows.
- Set aside for inspection, moving, utility setup, and early maintenance costs.
- Ask how an appraisal below the agreed price would affect your options and cash needed.
Is there a VA loan limit for a no-down-payment loan?
It depends on your entitlement. Borrowers with full entitlement are not subject to VA county loan limits, though lender underwriting, the appraisal, and ability to repay still constrain the loan. If you have remaining or partial entitlement, the county loan limit can help determine the amount a lender may approve without a down payment. See our guide to VA loan limits and entitlement.