What is a VA jumbo loan?
The U.S. Department of Veteran Affair (VA) offers government-back home loans for eligible military servicemembers, veterans and surviving spouses with requirements that aren’t quite as strict as they are for a conventional loan. Jumbo loans are loans with amounts above the conforming limits for an area.
A VA jumbo loan is a loan for an amount above an area’s conforming limit with more lenient requirements. Borrowers hoping to get a VA jumbo loan will still have to meet the requirements set by both the VA and lenders.
Speak to a lender today to learn if you qualify for a VA jumbo loan and see what yours would look like.
VA jumbo loan limits
VA loan limits are the same conforming limits as other loans. These limits are set by the Federal Housing Financing Agency (FHFA) and change annually. Conforming limits can vary based on counties.
As of 2025, conforming limits are $806,500 as a baseline and $1,209,750 for high-cost areas. Any loan above this amount will be a jumbo loan.
VA jumbo loan requirements
The VA is more lenient when it comes to qualifying for their loans. However, you will still need to meet the VA’s requirements as well as any other requirements set by lenders to be eligible for a VA jumbo loan.
Credit score
While the VA does not typically set a minimum credit score requirement borrowers must meet to qualify for their loan, individual lenders do set a credit score minimum.
Most lenders look for a credit score of 620, though some will accept credit scores of as low as 580.
Debt to income
Your debt to income (DTI) ratio lets lenders see how much of your monthly income is accounted for. Similar to credit score, the VA doesn’t set requirements for an eligible borrower’s DTI, but your lender will. Lenders tend to look for a 45% maximum DTI for standard VA loans. Check with your lender to learn what they look for regarding a VA jumbo loan DTI maximum.
Down payment
The VA offers zero-down payment options for their loans. Down payment is a hurdle that not all borrowers can overcome. Loan options without down payments, like a VA jumbo loan, make home buying more accessible. Avoiding a down payment can also help streamline the mortgage process, getting borrowers into their homes sooner.
VA requirements
One of the VA’s main requirements for any of their loans is a military Certificate of Eligibility (COE). This shows lenders that a borrower is a military service member or surviving spouse and eligible for a VA loan. Some VA-approved lenders can request a COE, but if not, COE applications are available on the VA website.
A COE is required for both VA loans and VA jumbo loans.
Other requirements
For a property to be eligible for a VA jumbo loan, the property must get an appraisal. While an inspection is not required, it is advised to ensure that the property is safe to move into. Depending on where the property is located, you may also be required to get a termite inspection.
Benefits of VA jumbo loans
The biggest benefit of a VA jumbo loan is the less-stringent requirements borrowers need to meet in order to receive larger loans. These benefits include flexible underwriting requiremnts and down payment options, as well as higher DTI.
How to apply for a VA jumbo loan
If you are ready to apply for a VA jumbo loan, the first thing you will want to do is check the VA’s requirements to be sure you are eligible for a COE. After that, you can start your VA jumbo loan application with a trusted lender.
Lenders will look at your situation and show you what your loan amount, mortgage rate and monthly payments will be. This can help you plan your monthly expenses and prepare for your financial future.
Start your application and see what your VA jumbo loan would look like today!
Applicant subject to credit and underwriting approval. Not all applicants will be approved for financing. Receipt of application does not represent an approval for financing or interest rate guarantee. Refinancing your mortgage may increase costs over the term of your loan. Restrictions may apply.
Owning is a private corporation organized under the laws of the State of Delaware. It has no affiliation with the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, the US Department of Veterans Affairs, the Nevada Department of Veterans Services, the US Department of Agriculture, or any other government agency. No compensation can be received for advising or assisting another person with a matter relating to veterans’ benefits except as authorized under Title 38 of the United States Code.