Do VA loans require a down payment?

No. Eligible borrowers with full entitlement can purchase with zero down payment. The VA guarantees a portion of the loan so private lenders can offer those terms.

Is there PMI on a VA loan?

No. VA loans never require private mortgage insurance (PMI), even with zero down.

Can I use my VA loan more than once?

Yes. You can reuse after you pay off and sell a prior VA-financed home, or use remaining entitlement for another purchase if you keep a prior VA loan as a rental.

Who is exempt from the VA funding fee?

Veterans receiving VA disability compensation, certain surviving spouses receiving DIC, and active-duty Purple Heart recipients with evidence dated on or before closing pay no funding fee.

What is the VA funding fee in 2026?

First-use purchase fees are 2.15% with less than 5% down, 1.50% with 5% or more down, and 1.25% with 10% or more down. Subsequent use with less than 5% down is 3.30%. Confirm with your lender before closing.

Your VA Loan Is Reusable. Here's How to Use It Without Getting Burned

Military family housing on Ramstein Air Base, used as the share image for the reusable VA loan guide.

No down payment, no PMI, and you can use the benefit more than once. Funding fees, entitlement, and MPRs are where families get surprised. Here is how to reuse the VA loan across a career without painting yourself into a corner.

Key Takeaways

Eligible borrowers can buy with zero down and no PMI using a VA loan.
You can reuse the benefit across a career if entitlement and underwriting allow.
Funding fees apply unless you are exempt for disability, certain DIC, or qualifying Purple Heart status.
Get a Certificate of Eligibility review before you shop, especially with a prior VA loan open.
MPRs focus on safety and soundness, not cosmetic perfection.

The Short Version

The VA home loan is a government-backed mortgage for eligible servicemembers, veterans, Guard and Reserve members, and some surviving spouses. No down payment. No PMI. A one-time funding fee unless you are exempt.

You can use it more than once if entitlement and underwriting allow. Work with a VA-experienced lender and a VA-savvy agent.

Best for: Zero-down purchases at a duty station or retirement location.
Watch for: Subsequent-use funding fees, MPRs on appraisal, and entitlement if a prior VA loan is still open.
Next step: VA loans hub, then agent match at your gaining zip.

Entitlement Without the Fog

Entitlement is the amount of VA loan guaranty still available to you. Full entitlement with no prior VA loan means no VA-imposed loan limit for zero-down purchases (lenders still underwrite).

If you still have a VA loan on a rental, you may have remaining entitlement for a second purchase, or you may need to free entitlement through sale or assumption with substitution. Get a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) review before you shop. If you are house-hacking, see VA multifamily rules.

Funding Fee: Where People Get Burned

The funding fee is a one-time VA charge unless you are exempt. It can be rolled into the loan.

First use, under 5% down: 2.15% (about $8,600 on a $400,000 loan)
First use, 5%+ down: 1.50%
First use, 10%+ down: 1.25%
Subsequent use, under 5% down: 3.30%
Exempt: qualifying disability compensation, certain DIC spouses, eligible Purple Heart recipients

Exempt status still needs documentation before closing. Flag it with your lender early.

Reuse Across PCS Cycles

Many families use a VA loan, keep the house as a rental, and buy again if entitlement remains. Others sell and restore full entitlement.

Assumptions can help you sell a low rate, with entitlement caveats. Read assumptions and assumable VA loans. If orders hit while you own, use PCSing with a house you own.

MPRs and Agents

MPRs are Minimum Property Requirements. They are about safety and soundness, not cosmetic perfection. An agent who understands VA appraisals will not waste your time on doomed listings.

Ask how many VA closings they ran last year. Then get matched. Before you buy at the next station, read before you buy and price the payment against the BAH calculator.

What to Do Next

Pull or update your Certificate of Eligibility.
Ask a VA lender whether you have full or remaining entitlement, and whether you are funding-fee exempt.
Run the payment against BAH before you tour.
Match with a VA-savvy agent at the gaining zip.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do VA loans require a down payment?: No. Eligible borrowers with full entitlement can purchase with zero down payment. The VA guarantees a portion of the loan so private lenders can offer those terms.
Is there PMI on a VA loan?: No. VA loans never require private mortgage insurance (PMI), even with zero down.
Can I use my VA loan more than once?: Yes. You can reuse after you pay off and sell a prior VA-financed home, or use remaining entitlement for another purchase if you keep a prior VA loan as a rental.
Who is exempt from the VA funding fee?: Veterans receiving VA disability compensation, certain surviving spouses receiving DIC, and active-duty Purple Heart recipients with evidence dated on or before closing pay no funding fee.
What is the VA funding fee in 2026?: First-use purchase fees are 2.15% with less than 5% down, 1.50% with 5% or more down, and 1.25% with 10% or more down. Subsequent use with less than 5% down is 3.30%. Confirm with your lender before closing.

Ready to put this into action?

Connect with a verified military real estate agent at your gaining installation, or start planning your PCS with our free Mission Planner tool.

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