Calculator
2026 VA Loan Limit Calculator
Veterans and eligible service members with reduced VA loan entitlement must follow VA loan limits. VA loan limits do not determine the maximum amount you can borrow but help determine how much you can borrow without needing to factor in a down payment.
County Loan Limit
VA loan limits no longer apply if you have your full VA loan entitlement.
Looking to Refinance Your VA Loan?
Instantly check your VA IRRRL eligibility >
Introduction to VA Loan County Loan Limits
VA loans offer eligible veterans and service members a pathway to homeownership with competitive benefits. One critical factor to understand is VA loan county loan limits, which dictate how much you can borrow without needing a down payment. In this guide, we will break down how these limits work, how they vary by location, and what changes to expect in 2026.
How VA Loan Limits Work
VA loan limits are set based on conforming loan limits established by the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA). While there is no hard limit on VA loans for borrowers with full entitlement, those with remaining entitlement must adhere to county loan limits. Here’s how they work:
-
The FHFA updates loan limits annually based on housing market trends.
-
Counties with higher housing costs have higher VA loan limits.
-
If you exceed the limit, a down payment may be required.
Why County Loan Limits Matter
VA loan limits are essential because they determine how much you can finance without making a down payment. Since housing prices fluctuate, these limits help ensure fair access to homeownership across various regions. If you’re purchasing in a high-cost county, understanding these limits can save you thousands.
Changes to VA Loan Limits in 2026
Each year, the FHFA adjusts loan limits to reflect market conditions. For 2026:
-
The baseline conforming loan limit is expected to rise due to increasing home values.
-
High-cost areas may see limits exceeding $1 million.
-
Veterans with full entitlement continue to have no VA loan limit.
VA Loan Limits by State and County
Below is a sample of VA loan limits for 2026 in select high-cost counties:
| State | County | 2026 VA Loan Limit |
| California | Los Angeles County | $1,249,125 |
| New York | New York County | $1,209,750 |
| Virginia | Arlington County | $1,249,125 |
| Alaska | Anchorage Municipality | $1,249,125 |
| Washington | Pierce County | $1,063,750 |
How to Find Your County’s VA Loan Limit
You can determine your county’s VA loan limit for 2026 by simply putting in your location (city, county, or military base) into our VA County Loan Limit Calculator.
What Happens if You Exceed VA Loan Limits?
If you exceed the county loan limit, you may still qualify for a VA loan but will need to make a down payment on the excess amount. The formula typically follows:
Down Payment Required = (Loan Amount - County Loan Limit) × 25%
Looking to Purchase a Home in 2026?
Get Started with a VA Loan Pre-Approval >
Frequently Asked Questions
Some common questions we get about VA Loan County Loan Limits.
Do VA loans have loan limits in 2026?
Only for those with remaining entitlement. Borrowers with full entitlement have no set loan limit.
What is the VA loan limit in high-cost areas?
It varies by county but can exceed $1 million in certain locations.
How does the VA determine loan limits?
The VA follows the FHFA conforming loan limits, adjusting annually based on market trends.
Can I borrow more than the VA loan limit?
Yes, but you may need to make a down payment on the excess amount.
Do VA loan limits apply to refinancing?
Yes, the same limits apply when refinancing a home with a VA loan.
Where can I check my county's VA loan limit?
By visiting WeVett's VA County Loan Limit Calculator and inputting your desired location.
Still have questions?
Can’t find the answer you’re looking for? We can help you.
Create your own PCS success story
We have already helped over 1,000 families. You can be next.