KEY TAKEAWAYS<\/h3>\n- Since 2020, eligible borrowers who have full entitlement are not subject to loan limits.<\/li>\n
- For borrowers with partial entitlement, VA loan limits vary based on the county you\u2019re buying a home in. As of 2026, the standard VA loan limit in most parts of the country is $832,750.<\/li>\n
- Limits placed on a VA loan by the VA do not reflect limits placed by individual mortgage lenders, only the maximum amount the VA will guarantee to the lender in the event of a default.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n
What Are VA Loan Limits?<\/h2>\n
VA home loan limits specify the maximum amount an eligible borrower can take out for a VA-backed loan without the need for a down payment. However, following the Blue Water Navy Vietnam Veterans Act of 2019<\/a>, there have been no limits to VA loans<\/a> for borrowers with full entitlement.<\/p>\nThis means that since 2020, eligible active service members, reservists, veterans, and surviving spouses who have full entitlement have been able to purchase a house at any price with their loan backed by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. For those borrowers who do not have full entitlement, limits remain in place. Those VA loan limits vary from year to year and can <\/span>change<\/span> based on current housing prices in the county <\/span>where<\/span> the home is located.<\/span><\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/griffinfunding.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/image4-1.png\")
<\/p>\n
The limit on VA loans does not reflect the amount a borrower is eligible to take out for a mortgage, which is something that will be decided by the mortgage lender, and will be determined by certain other factors such as income and<\/span> VA loan rates<\/span><\/a>. While those taking out VA loans will have some flexibility when it comes to things like their <\/span>credit score<\/span><\/a> and DTI ratio, they will still need to <\/span>meet minimum requirements<\/span><\/a> in order to qualify for financing.<\/span><\/p>\nBy working closely with a qualified VA lender like Griffin Funding, you can determine whether you\u2019re eligible for a VA loan, compare VA loan options, and take part in a <\/span>streamlined VA loan application process<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\nHow Entitlement Affects VA Loan Limits<\/h2>\n
A borrower’s VA entitlement<\/a> is the amount that the VA will pay to the lender in the event the borrower defaults. Many VA loan applicants will have their full entitlement, especially first-time home buyers. Specifically, so long as at least one of the following criteria are met by the borrower, they will have full entitlement for a VA mortgage loan:<\/p>\n\n- They have never used their VA home benefit.<\/li>\n
- Any prior VA loan has been paid off and the home has been sold.<\/li>\n
- Any previous VA loan foreclosure has been paid off.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
For any eligible buyer who does not meet one of the above criteria, there are limits placed on the amount the VA will back on a mortgage. However, borrowers may still be eligible for partial entitlement, specifically if they meet one of the following:<\/p>\n
\n- They are still paying back an active VA loan.<\/li>\n
- A prior VA loan has been paid off but they still own the home.<\/li>\n
- They have refinanced a VA loan into a non-VA loan and still own the home.<\/li>\n
- They made a short-sale on a previous VA loan without paying the VA back in full.<\/li>\n
- They entered into a deed in lieu of foreclosure on a previous VA loan.<\/li>\n
- They have a previous VA loan foreclosure that has not been fully paid back.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Eligible VA buyers who meet one of the above criteria will be limited to some portion of the full entitlement based on their particular situation. That remaining entitlement can be used <\/span>to cover<\/span> the full purchase price of a home or <\/span>combined <\/span>with a down payment that makes up the difference between the purchase price and the entitlement. Understanding how much entitlement you have can help you determine whether you\u2019re subject to VA loan limits and whether you need to make a down payment on a home.<\/span><\/p>\nFind out if you qualify for a VA loan with Griffin Funding.<\/h3>Get Started<\/a><\/div><\/span><\/p>\nVA Loan Limits in 2026<\/h2>\n
In 2026, the <\/span>VA loan limit is $832,750<\/span><\/a> for most VA loans made to borrowers with partial entitlement. For those borrowers in higher-priced counties, the VA loan limits in 2026 are as high as $1,249,125 for a single-family home.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\nAdditionally, the following areas have a baseline VA loan limit of $1,249,125 for single-unit properties:<\/span><\/p>\n\n- Alaska<\/span><\/li>\n
- Hawaii<\/span><\/li>\n
- Guam<\/span><\/li>\n
- U.S. Virgin Islands<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Note <\/span>that these VA loan limits are determined by the VA<\/span> and do not necessarily reflect the limits placed by the mortgage broker from which the loan is obtained. For any borrower that is limited in their VA backing eligibility, any home costs above the limit will need to be covered using a down payment. This means that there is no limit on how much a home can cost, just that <\/span>any discrepancy between the VA loan maximum limit and the actual cost of the home will result in the borrower needing to make a down payment.<\/span><\/p>\nVA Loan Limit Example<\/span><\/h3>\nTo provide a quick illustration of how VA loan limits work in practice, here\u2019s an example. Let\u2019s say that you\u2019re eligible for a VA loan and are currently using $40,000 of your entitlement. Meanwhile, the county you\u2019re looking to buy in has a VA loan limit of $832,750.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\nSince the VA guarantees up to 25% of the loan limit in a given county, the max VA entitlement in this county would be $201,625. The next step would be deducting the entitlement you\u2019re currently using from this maximum entitlement:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n$201,625 – $40,000 = $161,625 in remaining entitlement\u00a0<\/i><\/b><\/p>\n
Now we multiply your remaining entitlement by four in order to get the max VA loan amount you can qualify for without needing a down payment:<\/span><\/p>\n$161,625 x 4 = $646,500 is max loan amount with no down payment<\/i><\/b><\/p>\n
In this example, if you wanted to buy a home that costs more than $646,500, you would need to cover the difference between this max loan amount and the purchase price with a down payment.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\nRemember that if you have your full VA entitlement, none of the above will apply. Those with full entitlement are not subject to VA loan limits and will not be required to make a down payment, even if the price of the home they\u2019re buying exceeds their county\u2019s VA loan limits.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<\/p>\n
\nMarch 2026 Update<\/p>\n
VA Loan Rates Are Near Multi-Year Lows \u2014 and With Full Entitlement, These Limits Don’t Apply to You<\/p>\n
VA loan interest rates are currently averaging in the mid-5% range as of early March 2026 \u2014 down significantly from the 7%+ range seen throughout much of 2024. And if you have full entitlement, the loan limits on this page don’t apply to you at all \u2014 you can purchase a home at any price with no down payment required<\/strong>. Griffin Funding is a VA-approved direct lender with automatic VA loan approval authority<\/strong>, meaning we underwrite and approve your loan in-house with no third-party delays. Check today’s VA loan rates \u2192<\/a><\/p>\nNot sure whether you have full or partial entitlement? Our VA loan specialists can review your Certificate of Eligibility and walk you through exactly what you can borrow \u2014 at no cost and no obligation. We’ve proudly partnered with Shelter to Soldier<\/a> since 2014, donating $100 to the organization in every borrower’s name at closing. Talk to a VA loan specialist \u2192<\/a> Rates are subject to change daily based on market conditions.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\nWhat Is the Maximum VA Loan Amount?<\/h2>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/griffinfunding.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/image2-1.png\")
<\/p>\n
The maximum VA loan amount available depends on whether the borrower has full or partial entitlement and the county in which the home is located.<\/p>\n
For borrowers with full entitlement, there is no limit to the amount the VA will back \u2014 meaning you can finance a home at any price without a down payment requirement from the VA. However, you’ll still need to work with your lender to determine how much financing they’re willing to provide based on your income, credit, and other qualifying factors.<\/p>\n
For borrowers with partial entitlement, the maximum amount the VA will guarantee is $832,750 for most U.S. counties. In high-cost counties, that limit rises to $1,249,125. Borrowers should check with the VA or their mortgage lender to determine whether the home they wish to purchase is located in a high-cost county.<\/p>\n
Download the Griffin Gold app today!<\/h3>
Take charge of your financial wellness and achieve your homeownership goals
\r\nUse invitation code: GRIFGOLD<\/b> to register.<\/p>![](\"https:\/\/griffinfunding.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/apple-icon.svg\")
<\/a>![](\"https:\/\/griffinfunding.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/google-store.svg\")
<\/a><\/div><\/div>\nApply for a VA Loan Through Griffin Funding<\/h2>\n
When it comes time to<\/span> apply for your first VA loan<\/span><\/a>, Griffin Funding has the experience to help you through the process. We can help you determine the value of homes in your area and evaluate if you live in a high-cost county. With that information, we can look at your available entitlement <\/span>and explore options for <\/span>restoring your entitlement<\/span><\/a> if necessary. We\u2019ll also take a look at <\/span>any other factors that may limit the amount the VA will guarantee <\/span>and review<\/span> your personal circumstances to determine your overall eligibility for a VA mortgage.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\nOur checklist<\/span><\/a> provides borrowers with specific steps that need to be followed to simplify the process, reducing the stress they may be feeling with moving to a new home. <\/span>You can also use our free<\/span> VA home loan calculator<\/span><\/a> to <\/span>estimate<\/span> your monthly payment.<\/span><\/p>\nIf you have questions about any VA loan products, feel free to reach out to Griffin Funding to discuss your options and find out how we can best meet your needs as you start an exciting new chapter in your life. Start capitalizing on your VA loan benefits today<\/a>!<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
What Are VA Loan Limits?<\/h2>\n
VA home loan limits specify the maximum amount an eligible borrower can take out for a VA-backed loan without the need for a down payment. However, following the Blue Water Navy Vietnam Veterans Act of 2019<\/a>, there have been no limits to VA loans<\/a> for borrowers with full entitlement.<\/p>\n This means that since 2020, eligible active service members, reservists, veterans, and surviving spouses who have full entitlement have been able to purchase a house at any price with their loan backed by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. For those borrowers who do not have full entitlement, limits remain in place. Those VA loan limits vary from year to year and can <\/span>change<\/span> based on current housing prices in the county <\/span>where<\/span> the home is located.<\/span><\/p>\n The limit on VA loans does not reflect the amount a borrower is eligible to take out for a mortgage, which is something that will be decided by the mortgage lender, and will be determined by certain other factors such as income and<\/span> VA loan rates<\/span><\/a>. While those taking out VA loans will have some flexibility when it comes to things like their <\/span>credit score<\/span><\/a> and DTI ratio, they will still need to <\/span>meet minimum requirements<\/span><\/a> in order to qualify for financing.<\/span><\/p>\n By working closely with a qualified VA lender like Griffin Funding, you can determine whether you\u2019re eligible for a VA loan, compare VA loan options, and take part in a <\/span>streamlined VA loan application process<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n A borrower’s VA entitlement<\/a> is the amount that the VA will pay to the lender in the event the borrower defaults. Many VA loan applicants will have their full entitlement, especially first-time home buyers. Specifically, so long as at least one of the following criteria are met by the borrower, they will have full entitlement for a VA mortgage loan:<\/p>\n For any eligible buyer who does not meet one of the above criteria, there are limits placed on the amount the VA will back on a mortgage. However, borrowers may still be eligible for partial entitlement, specifically if they meet one of the following:<\/p>\n Eligible VA buyers who meet one of the above criteria will be limited to some portion of the full entitlement based on their particular situation. That remaining entitlement can be used <\/span>to cover<\/span> the full purchase price of a home or <\/span>combined <\/span>with a down payment that makes up the difference between the purchase price and the entitlement. Understanding how much entitlement you have can help you determine whether you\u2019re subject to VA loan limits and whether you need to make a down payment on a home.<\/span><\/p>\n In 2026, the <\/span>VA loan limit is $832,750<\/span><\/a> for most VA loans made to borrowers with partial entitlement. For those borrowers in higher-priced counties, the VA loan limits in 2026 are as high as $1,249,125 for a single-family home.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Additionally, the following areas have a baseline VA loan limit of $1,249,125 for single-unit properties:<\/span><\/p>\n Note <\/span>that these VA loan limits are determined by the VA<\/span> and do not necessarily reflect the limits placed by the mortgage broker from which the loan is obtained. For any borrower that is limited in their VA backing eligibility, any home costs above the limit will need to be covered using a down payment. This means that there is no limit on how much a home can cost, just that <\/span>any discrepancy between the VA loan maximum limit and the actual cost of the home will result in the borrower needing to make a down payment.<\/span><\/p>\n To provide a quick illustration of how VA loan limits work in practice, here\u2019s an example. Let\u2019s say that you\u2019re eligible for a VA loan and are currently using $40,000 of your entitlement. Meanwhile, the county you\u2019re looking to buy in has a VA loan limit of $832,750.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Since the VA guarantees up to 25% of the loan limit in a given county, the max VA entitlement in this county would be $201,625. The next step would be deducting the entitlement you\u2019re currently using from this maximum entitlement:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n $201,625 – $40,000 = $161,625 in remaining entitlement\u00a0<\/i><\/b><\/p>\n Now we multiply your remaining entitlement by four in order to get the max VA loan amount you can qualify for without needing a down payment:<\/span><\/p>\n $161,625 x 4 = $646,500 is max loan amount with no down payment<\/i><\/b><\/p>\n In this example, if you wanted to buy a home that costs more than $646,500, you would need to cover the difference between this max loan amount and the purchase price with a down payment.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Remember that if you have your full VA entitlement, none of the above will apply. Those with full entitlement are not subject to VA loan limits and will not be required to make a down payment, even if the price of the home they\u2019re buying exceeds their county\u2019s VA loan limits.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n March 2026 Update<\/p>\n VA Loan Rates Are Near Multi-Year Lows \u2014 and With Full Entitlement, These Limits Don’t Apply to You<\/p>\n VA loan interest rates are currently averaging in the mid-5% range as of early March 2026 \u2014 down significantly from the 7%+ range seen throughout much of 2024. And if you have full entitlement, the loan limits on this page don’t apply to you at all \u2014 you can purchase a home at any price with no down payment required<\/strong>. Griffin Funding is a VA-approved direct lender with automatic VA loan approval authority<\/strong>, meaning we underwrite and approve your loan in-house with no third-party delays. Check today’s VA loan rates \u2192<\/a><\/p>\n Not sure whether you have full or partial entitlement? Our VA loan specialists can review your Certificate of Eligibility and walk you through exactly what you can borrow \u2014 at no cost and no obligation. We’ve proudly partnered with Shelter to Soldier<\/a> since 2014, donating $100 to the organization in every borrower’s name at closing. Talk to a VA loan specialist \u2192<\/a> Rates are subject to change daily based on market conditions.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n The maximum VA loan amount available depends on whether the borrower has full or partial entitlement and the county in which the home is located.<\/p>\n For borrowers with full entitlement, there is no limit to the amount the VA will back \u2014 meaning you can finance a home at any price without a down payment requirement from the VA. However, you’ll still need to work with your lender to determine how much financing they’re willing to provide based on your income, credit, and other qualifying factors.<\/p>\n For borrowers with partial entitlement, the maximum amount the VA will guarantee is $832,750 for most U.S. counties. In high-cost counties, that limit rises to $1,249,125. Borrowers should check with the VA or their mortgage lender to determine whether the home they wish to purchase is located in a high-cost county.<\/p>\n Take charge of your financial wellness and achieve your homeownership goals When it comes time to<\/span> apply for your first VA loan<\/span><\/a>, Griffin Funding has the experience to help you through the process. We can help you determine the value of homes in your area and evaluate if you live in a high-cost county. With that information, we can look at your available entitlement <\/span>and explore options for <\/span>restoring your entitlement<\/span><\/a> if necessary. We\u2019ll also take a look at <\/span>any other factors that may limit the amount the VA will guarantee <\/span>and review<\/span> your personal circumstances to determine your overall eligibility for a VA mortgage.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Our checklist<\/span><\/a> provides borrowers with specific steps that need to be followed to simplify the process, reducing the stress they may be feeling with moving to a new home. <\/span>You can also use our free<\/span> VA home loan calculator<\/span><\/a> to <\/span>estimate<\/span> your monthly payment.<\/span><\/p>\n If you have questions about any VA loan products, feel free to reach out to Griffin Funding to discuss your options and find out how we can best meet your needs as you start an exciting new chapter in your life. Start capitalizing on your VA loan benefits today<\/a>!<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<\/p>\nHow Entitlement Affects VA Loan Limits<\/h2>\n
\n
\n
Find out if you qualify for a VA loan with Griffin Funding.<\/h3>Get Started<\/a><\/div><\/span><\/p>\n
VA Loan Limits in 2026<\/h2>\n
\n
VA Loan Limit Example<\/span><\/h3>\n
What Is the Maximum VA Loan Amount?<\/h2>\n
<\/p>\nDownload the Griffin Gold app today!<\/h3>
\r\nUse invitation code: GRIFGOLD<\/b> to register.<\/p><\/a><\/a><\/div><\/div>\nApply for a VA Loan Through Griffin Funding<\/h2>\n