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Starting in 2020, VA loan limits were eliminated for active-duty military and veterans who have full VA loan entitlement.
However, loan limits still apply to mortgage applicants who have defaulted on a VA loan or have other active VA loans.
Here’s what you need to know.
» MORE: VA loan or conventional loan?
What are VA loan limits?
VA loan limits are the maximum loan amounts the Department of Veterans Affairs will guarantee with no down payment.
The limits match those set by the Federal Housing Finance Agency on conforming loans. They do not cap the amount you can borrow; they set the maximum you can finance for no money down.
When do VA loan limits apply?
Service members and veterans who have one or more active VA loans, or who have defaulted on a VA loan, will still be subject to loan limits.
For a single-family residence in a typical U.S. county, the limit in 2026 is $832,750. That’s the maximum a VA loan borrower subject to the limit can finance for no money down in those counties.
Higher limits are established in high-cost areas, such as Honolulu, New York and San Francisco counties, where the one-unit residential limit in 2026 is $1,249,125.
VA loan limit exemptions
You do not have a VA loan limit if any of the following apply:
- This is your first VA loan.
- You’ve had a VA loan before, but have paid off the mortgage and are buying a new primary residence.
- You’ve had a VA loan before but had a foreclosure or short sale and repaid the VA in full.
» MORE: How much is the VA funding fee?
2026 VA county loan limits
See the VA loan limit in your county for borrowers to whom limits still apply.
VA loan limits don’t restrict how much you can borrow
If you're subject to VA loan limits and have found a property you really love — and can afford — you can still get a VA loan if it's over the county limit. It’s just a matter of coming up with a down payment. The required down payment will be subject to a formula based on your entitlement and home price.
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