Since 2020, veterans with full VA entitlement have had no loan limits — they can borrow any amount with zero down (subject to lender approval). But for veterans with remaining entitlement, the 2026 FHFA conforming loan limits determine zero-down eligibility. Here is a state-by-state breakdown. For deeper context, see our guide on how VA loan entitlement works.
What It Means
VA loan limits are technically the maximum amount the VA will guarantee without requiring a down payment on loans where entitlement has been partially used. With full entitlement (never used a VA loan, or entitlement fully restored), there is no limit. In 2026, the standard conforming limit is $806,500. High-cost counties have higher limits up to $1,209,750. See our VA loan limits deep dive for the full analysis.
Requirements
2026 VA Loan Limits by State (key examples):
| State | Standard Limit | High-Cost Counties |
|---|---|---|
| Texas | $806,500 | None (all standard) |
| Florida | $806,500 | Monroe County: $929,200 |
| California | $806,500 | San Francisco/LA/SD: up to $1,209,750 |
| Virginia | $806,500 | DC Metro counties: $1,149,825 |
| Hawaii | $1,149,825 | All counties high-cost |
| Colorado | $806,500 | Eagle/Pitkin: $1,012,900 |
| Washington | $806,500 | King/Snohomish: $977,500 |
| New York | $806,500 | NYC boroughs: $1,209,750 |
Examples
Full entitlement in Texas: Veteran with full entitlement buys a $900,000 home in Austin. No loan limit applies — zero down required. Lender approves based on income and credit.
Remaining entitlement in California: Veteran has $150,000 remaining entitlement (one active VA loan). In Los Angeles (limit $1,149,825), his zero-down ceiling is 4x remaining entitlement = $600,000. He wants $700,000 — needs 25% down on the $100,000 excess = $25,000 down payment.
Tips
- Find your specific county limit at benefits.va.gov or your lender can look it up instantly
- If limits affect your purchase, consider restoring entitlement first — see our entitlement restoration guide
- In high-cost markets where your target price exceeds even high-cost limits, consider the VA jumbo loan. See our VA jumbo guide
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Do VA loan limits change every year?
A: Yes — they follow FHFA conforming loan limits, updated annually in November. Limits generally increase as home values rise nationwide.
Q: Is the VA loan limit the same as the maximum loan amount?
A: No — it is only the zero-down threshold for remaining-entitlement borrowers. Full-entitlement veterans have no maximum loan amount from the VA.
Q: What states have the most high-cost counties?
A: California, New York, Hawaii, Virginia (DC suburbs), Colorado, and Washington state have the most counties with limits above the standard baseline. Contact us to check your specific county.
