VA loan limits 2026, explained
If you have full entitlement, there's no VA loan limit. If you don't, here's how to figure out what you can borrow with $0 down.
Updated September 29, 2026 · By the Digital Mortgage, LLC VA lending team
Full entitlement: no VA loan limit
Since 2020, veterans with full entitlement have no VA loan limit. With full entitlement, the VA guarantees up to 25% of the loan amount to your lender. You still need to qualify on income and credit, and your loan can't exceed the lower of the purchase price or the appraised value (VA.gov).
You generally have full entitlement if you've never used your benefit, or if you used it, repaid the loan in full, and sold the home.
Partial entitlement: county limits apply
If you still have a VA loan open, the county conforming loan limit is used to calculate your remaining entitlement. For 2026, the one-unit baseline is $832,750 in most of the country, up $26,250 from 2025, according to the FHFA. Higher-cost counties have higher limits.
How to calculate remaining entitlement
- Find the entitlement already charged on your COE.
- Multiply the county one-unit limit by 25%.
- Subtract the entitlement already used.
- Multiply the result by 4 to estimate the most you can borrow with no down payment.
| Step | Example (county limit $832,750) |
|---|---|
| County limit × 25% | $208,188 |
| Minus entitlement used | − $50,000 = $158,188 |
| × 4 = max loan with $0 down | About $632,750 |
Want to go above that? A down payment can cover the difference, since most lenders want your entitlement plus down payment to cover 25% of the loan.
Frequently asked questions
What is the VA loan limit for 2026?
There is no VA loan limit for borrowers with full entitlement. For partial entitlement, the county conforming limit applies; the 2026 baseline is $832,750 for a one-unit home in most counties.
Can I have two VA loans at once?
Yes, if you have enough remaining entitlement. Your remaining entitlement is based on the county loan limit minus what's already in use.
How do I know if I have full entitlement?
Your Certificate of Eligibility shows it. A basic entitlement of $36,000 means you have full entitlement.
Do VA loan limits affect how much I can be approved for?
With full entitlement, no. Your lender still sets the amount based on your income, debts, credit, and the appraisal.
Sources: VA.gov: entitlement and loan limits · FHFA: 2026 conforming loan limits. This article is general information, not a loan commitment. Eligibility, rates, and terms depend on credit approval and program guidelines.