Can I Get a VA Loan With 0% Down / 100% Financing?
Yes. VA loans let eligible veterans, service members and some surviving spouses buy with no down payment, as long as the price doesn't exceed the appraised value. It isn't cash-free, though. The VA funding fee can be rolled into the loan, but earnest money, the VA appraisal and any inspection usually come out of pocket unless a seller or lender credit covers them.
Last updated September 29, 2026How does 100% financing work on a VA loan?
You can finance the whole purchase price with no down payment if the home appraises at or above the agreed price. If it appraises lower, you'll generally have to cover the gap in cash or renegotiate. The no-down-payment feature works anywhere in the country, with no income limit, unlike some other zero-down programs.
What costs still apply with no down payment?
On a purchase, the VA funding fee is the cost you can finance. Other charges, like the earnest money you put down with your offer, the required VA appraisal and a home inspection if you get one, have to be paid in cash or covered by a credit. Prepaid items such as homeowners insurance and property tax reserves add to the cash you'll need at closing.
A seller can help. VA rules let the seller pay your closing costs, and on top of that, concessions of up to 4% of the home's value. Ask your loan officer for a written estimate of your cash to close before you make an offer, so you know what to negotiate for.
Can a surviving spouse use the benefit?
Yes, in some cases. Certain surviving spouses, such as those whose spouse died in service or from a service-connected disability, can get a Certificate of Eligibility and use the same no-down-payment benefit. Eligibility depends on the circumstances, so confirm yours before you start house hunting.
Is a VA loan the only mortgage with no down payment?
No. USDA loans also allow 0% down, but the home has to be in an eligible rural or suburban area and your household income has to fall under the program's limits. VA and USDA are the two main zero-down options; most other loans need some down payment.
| Down payment | 0%, if the price doesn't exceed the appraised value |
|---|---|
| Costs you can finance on a purchase | The VA funding fee |
| Paid in cash or by a credit | Earnest money, VA appraisal, inspection, prepaids |
| Seller help | Closing costs, plus concessions up to 4% of the home's value |
| Surviving spouses | Some qualify through a Certificate of Eligibility |
| Other zero-down option | USDA loans, with area and income limits |
Related questions
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- how Does VA Eligibility Affect Cash-Out Refinance LTV Limits and Funding Fees
- can You Reuse Your VA Loan Entitlement to Get Another VA Loan on a Different Property
- minimum credit score to qualify
Sources
- https://www.va.gov/housing-assistance/home-loans/loan-types/purchase-loan/
- https://www.va.gov/housing-assistance/home-loans/funding-fee-and-closing-costs/
- https://www.veteransunited.com/education/homebuying/closing-costs/
- https://www.rocketmortgage.com/learn/home-inspection-cost
- https://themilitarywallet.com/guide-to-va-appraisal/
- https://www.va.gov/family-and-caregiver-benefits/housing-assistance/surviving-spouse-home-loan/
- https://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/single-family-housing-programs/single-family-housing-guaranteed-loan-program
- https://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/single-family-housing-programs/single-family-housing-direct-home-loans
Sourced from licensed loan officers and brokers in the FreeRateUpdate network.
Educational information only, not individualized financial or legal advice. Program details and rates change; verify current terms with a licensed loan officer before making a decision.