Do VA Loans Need a Down Payment? (2026 Rules)

For most buyers, the idea of buying a home without a down payment sounds too good to be true. But for eligible veterans, service members, and surviving spouses, it’s a real and powerful benefit of the VA loan program.

If you’ve asked, “Do VA loans require a down payment?” the answer is usually no. In fact, VA loans are among the last remaining true zero-down mortgage options in the U.S. housing market. But like all great programs, there are important details, exceptions, and compliance nuances to understand.

• Most VA loans do not require a down payment, offering one of the few true $0-down paths to homeownership.
• No private mortgage insurance (PMI) is required, saving hundreds monthly compared to FHA or conventional.
• Down payments may be needed in rare cases: exceeding county loan limits or low appraisals.
• Eligibility is based on military service history, not just credit - but lender overlays may still apply.

This article breaks down how VA loans work without a down payment, when you might still need one, and how to maximize your benefits-including how to purchase a home commission-free through reAlpha.

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VA loans are backed by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, which guarantees a portion of the loan to private lenders. That guarantee gives lenders the confidence to offer loans with no down payment and no PMI (Private Mortgage Insurance).

Here’s why that matters:

• No down payment means you can buy sooner, without waiting to save 5%, 10%, or 20%.
• No PMI means lower monthly payments compared to FHA or conventional.
• Easier approval for borrowers with past credit hiccups, bankruptcy, or limited assets.

"You served your country. This benefit helps you own a home without sacrificing years of savings."

While most VA loans are zero-down, there are a few exceptions:

1. You exceed your VA entitlement: If you're buying above your county loan limit and have reduced entitlement, a down payment may be needed.
2. The home appraises for less than the purchase price: VA will only guarantee the appraised value. You may need to cover the difference.
3. Lender requirements: Some lenders may require down payments in higher-risk situations, even though the VA itself doesn't.

Pro Tip: Always ask your lender to walk you through their overlay policies. 

Eligibility is based on military service. You may qualify if you:

• Served 90 consecutive days during wartime
• Served 181 days during peacetime
• Have more than 6 years in the National Guard or Reserves
• Are the surviving spouse of a service member who died in the line of duty or from a service-related injury.

Note: Most lenders will still have credit score and income requirements. reAlpha Mortgage (NMLS #1743790) specializes in helping VA buyers - including first-timers - secure approvals with trusted, VA-friendly lending partners

The buying process can be stressful enough - why pay more than you need to?

That’s where reAlpha comes in. As a commission-free real estate platform, reAlpha helps VA buyers keep more money in their pockets by removing traditional agent commissions from the equation.

Benefits of buying with reAlpha:

• No buyer agent commission fees
• Transparency-first platform
• Tech-enabled matching to VA-compliant listings and lenders

Combine that with VA's no-down-payment advantage, and you're on the most cost-effective path to homeownership.

Veterans Can Save Up to 1.5% at Closing with reAlpha

Save up to 1.5% on your purchase price by using reAlpha Realty and Mortgage together

Unlock Savings

Buying a home is a big decision - and having the right information puts you ahead. But the real advantage comes from pairing smart research with a smarter way to buy.

When you use a reAlpha real estate company, you can be eligible to receive up to 1% of the home purchase price back as a credit at closing. Add reAlpha Mortgage, and that rebate can increase to up to 1.5% back, helping offset closing costs and keep more money in your pocket when it matters most.

The rebate is simple, transparent, and applied directly at closing - no complicated hoops, no delayed payouts. Just real savings tied to using a fully integrated homebuying experience.

See how much you could save:

• Check your eligibility
• Explore homes that fit your budget today.
• Your next move could come with thousands back at closing.

Estimate your savings → Rebate Calculator

• reAlpha is not a mortgage broker or lender. It is a homebuying platform that connects you with trusted lending and title partners.
• reAlpha Mortgage is a licensed lender (NMLS #1743790).
• This blog is intended for educational purposes and does not constitute legal, financial, or lending advice.
• VA loan eligibility, terms, and rebate offers may vary. Always verify rates and terms with a licensed mortgage provider.