Leveraging Full VA Entitlement for a $1 Million Zero-Down Home Purchase

For eligible veterans and active-duty service members, the VA loan program offers one of the most powerful benefits in real estate: zero down payment, no mortgage insurance, and favorable terms—even on homes valued at $1 million or more.

Thanks to changes in the VA loan guidelines, full VA entitlement now allows qualified buyers to go well above traditional conforming loan limits without a down payment. That means purchasing a $1 million home with zero down is more achievable than ever before.

This guide breaks down how full entitlement works, what you need to qualify, and how to maximize this benefit for a high-value home in 2025.

What Is Full VA Entitlement?

Full VA entitlement means a veteran has access to the maximum VA loan benefit with no dollar cap on loan size—as long as they qualify with their income, credit, and the lender’s guidelines.

You have full entitlement if:

• You’ve never used a VA loan, or
  
• You’ve used a VA loan in the past but sold the property and repaid the loan in full, or
  
• You’ve had a previous VA loan foreclosed, but the entitlement has been restored
  

Check your VA entitlement status and eligibility here

Key Benefits of VA Loans for High-Dollar Purchases

Learn how VA jumbo loans work without a traditional down payment

Can You Really Buy a $1M Home with Zero Down?

Yes. As of 2020, the VA eliminated loan limits for borrowers with full entitlement. That means if you qualify for a $1 million loan based on your income, credit, and debt-to-income (DTI) ratio, you can finance the entire amount with $0 down.

Example:

• Purchase Price: $1,000,000
  
• Down Payment: $0
  
• VA Funding Fee: $21,500 (first-time use, not disabled; can be financed)
  
• Total Loan: $1,021,500 (with financed fee)
  

This allows you to keep your capital for reserves, renovations, or investments—while still owning a high-end home.

Want to see if you qualify for $1M with zero down?
Schedule a VA loan consultation

How to Qualify for a $1 Million VA Loan

While the VA doesn’t cap your loan amount, lenders still need to see that you can afford the monthly payment.

General Requirements:

• Credit Score: 620+ (some lenders allow lower)
  
• DTI Ratio: Typically ≤ 50%
  
• Residual Income Test: Must meet VA regional income requirements
  
• Income Documentation: W-2s, tax returns, or verified self-employment
  
• VA Certificate of Eligibility (COE): Required for approval
  

Pro Tip: A strong credit score, low debt, and healthy reserves can help you get approved even with a high-dollar loan.

Need help calculating your max purchase power?
Use our VA Loan Affordability Calculator

VA Funding Fee on a $1M Home

The VA funding fee helps keep the program self-sustaining and is based on the loan size and your usage history.

| First-Time Use | 2.15%
| Subsequent Use | 3.3%
| Exempt (Disabled Vet) | 0%

On a $1M purchase, that’s $21,500 for first-time use, which can be rolled into the loan instead of paid upfront.

FAQs: Using Full VA Entitlement Above $1M

Read Next:

• How to Find the Right Mortgage for Me: Jumbo Loan vs. Conventional Loan
• VA Home Loans vs Conventional: Which is Better?
  

Final Thoughts

The ability to buy a $1 million home with zero down is a unique and powerful benefit of full VA entitlement. Whether you’re a retired officer, an active-duty service member, or a veteran returning to the market, this strategy gives you elite homebuying power without a massive upfront investment.

Ready to put your VA benefits to work?
Apply now to check your $1M eligibility with full VA entitlement

Prefer to speak with a VA mortgage expert?
Schedule a 1-on-1 consultation and get personalized guidance for your purchase.