VA Loan Limits in 2025: What Southern California Homebuyers Need to Know

VA loans are one of the most powerful tools for buying a home. They offer no down payment, no private mortgage insurance, and often lower interest rates compared to conventional financing. But one of the most common questions we hear is: “How much can I borrow with a VA loan in 2025?” Here’s what you need to know.

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VA Loan Limits in 2025: What Southern California Homebuyers Need to Know

For veterans, active-duty service members, and some surviving spouses, VA loans are one of the most powerful tools for buying a home. They offer no down payment, no private mortgage insurance, and often lower interest rates compared to conventional financing.

But one of the most common questions we hear is: “How much can I borrow with a VA loan in 2025?”

Here’s what you need to know.

The Basics: VA Loan Limits in 2025

In 2020, the VA removed most loan limits for eligible borrowers with full entitlement. This means if you have your full VA loan benefit available, you can buy a home at any price your lender approves — without a required down payment — as long as you can afford the monthly payment.

However, loan limits still matter if:

  • You have remaining (partial) entitlement due to an existing VA loan, or
  • You’ve had a foreclosure or short sale on a VA-backed property that reduced your benefit

In those cases, VA loan limits apply, and they’re based on Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) conforming loan limits for your county.

2025 VA Loan Limits for Key Southern California Counties (Partial Entitlement)

For borrowers with partial entitlement, here are the 2025 conforming loan limits:

  • Los Angeles County: $1,149,825
  • Orange County: $1,149,825
  • San Diego County: $1,149,825
  • Riverside County: $766,550
  • San Bernardino County: $766,550

If the home you’re buying is above these limits, you may still be able to use your VA benefit, but a down payment will be required on the portion above the limit.

Example: Buying Above the Limit

Let’s say you have partial entitlement and want to purchase in San Diego County, where the limit is $1,149,825.

  • Home price: $1,249,825
  • Limit: $1,149,825
  • Difference: $100,000

You would be required to put down 25% of the difference:
$100,000 × 25% = $25,000 down payment.

Who Qualifies for a VA Loan?

You may be eligible if you meet one of these criteria:

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

Benefits of a VA Loan

  • 0% down payment with full entitlement
  • No private mortgage insurance (PMI)
  • Competitive interest rates
  • Flexible credit guidelines compared to many conventional programs
  • Ability to finance the VA funding fee or have it waived if exempt

Ready to Explore Your VA Loan Options?

We’ve helped veterans and service members throughout Southern California purchase homes with $0 down — even in higher-cost markets like Los Angeles, San Diego, and Orange County.

If you’re a veteran or currently serving, we can guide you through your entitlement, confirm your eligibility, and help you secure a home with the best terms possible.

Call or text us today:

Can You Help Us Reach More Veterans?

If you know a veteran, active-duty service member, or surviving spouse thinking about buying, selling, or refinancing, can we count on you to connect us with a quick text?

That’s how we continue to serve — by helping those who have served us.