VA New Construction Loans

VA loans are for eligible Veterans, active-duty service members, and qualifying surviving spouses to acquire land and build a primary residence. One-time close. 100% financing. No payments during construction.

Reasons to choose a VA
ground up construction loan

Combines purchase/refinance and renovation costs into a single conventional mortgage with one monthly payment, avoiding separate loans, multiple closings, or high-interest options like HELOCs, personal loans, or credit cards —so you can tackle fixer-uppers without draining your savings.

30-year VA ground up construction guidelines

To qualify for a VA new construction loan, you will need:

Zero down payment: Up to 100% financing for qualified borrowers with VA entitlement
580 Minimum credit score is eligible for maximum conforming loan limit ($806,500 in 2026). 580+ eligible for loan amounts up to $4,000,000
Property Requirements: Can be used for a 1-4 unit property.
Debt-to-income: No stated maximum, but up to 50% total debt-to-income is recommended
Max loan limit: $4,000,000
Builder & Project must be approved by lender
11 month maximum build period
5% of construction cost will be held for contingency fund

Apply for a VA New Construction loan

1 -4 unit properties are eligible for primary residences

No, however, you are able to obtain a 4% builder credit, which may be sufficient to cover substantially all of your closing costs.

On a typical VA purchase or refinance, Scout Advisors can close in as little as 14 days. With a VA new construction loan, we suggest a minimum of 45 days (60 days is ideal) to allow sufficient time to obtain builder approval, project approval and an appraisal.

Work should be completed within 11 months

The builder and borrower have agreed to the build time and the lender does a virtual inspection and checks for all permits before each draw. If there were issues or delays these should be caught before the end of the build period. The lender will work with the builder to get back on track.

Any expired credit documents will be need to be updated with the lender before the loan can be modified to a fixed loan (15 or 30 year). No new loan documents need to be disclosed to the borrower unless the updated credit documents show the borrower is ineligible for the closed loan. If the borrower is ineligible for the loan already closed, the borrower will need to work with the lender to be requalified for a new loan.

Eligibility of Barndominiums and all unique properties follow VA guidelines and are contingent upon an appraisers ability to find comparable sales near the proposed subject property

Yes. The existing home foundation can be used for the new home, if allowed by local building codes. The demolition cost can be included in the budget.

Reach out to your Scout Advisors mortgage expert to obtain the new construction project and builder forms

Have additional questions?

We’re here to help. Let’s talk.

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. Savings, if any, vary based on the consumer’s credit profile, interest rate availability, and other factors. Contact your Scout Advisors loan officer for current rates. Restrictions apply.
info@scoutadvisors.com