Can You Use a VA Loan for a Second Home or Vacation Property?

If you're thinking about buying a second home like a cabin by the lake, beach condo, or a getaway spot, you might wonder if you can use your VA loan to do it. Short answer: No, not for second homes or vacation properties. But that doesn’t mean you’re out of options.

Let’s break down the rules, the “why,” and what you can do next.

The VA Loan Is for Primary Residences Only

VA loans are designed to help eligible veterans, active-duty service members, and surviving spouses buy a primary residence only. This means a home you intend to live in full-time. The VA wants to make sure the benefit is used to support housing stability, not to build real estate portfolios or vacation homes. So here’s the deal:

• Vacation homes? Not allowed
• Second homes for personal use? Not allowed
• Investment properties? Only if you live in one unit of a multi-family

But What If You Already Own a Home With a VA Loan?

This is where it gets interesting. You can use your VA loan benefit more than once, even if you still own the previous home just as long as you’re using it to purchase a new primary residence.

So if you:

• PCS to a new duty station
• Move out of state for work
• Outgrow your current home
• Plan to rent out your first VA-financed property

…you might still be eligible for a second VA loan, using your remaining entitlement.

What You Can’t Do With a VA Loan

Just so we’re clear:

• You can’t buy a lake house or Airbnb as a “second home” with VA
• You can’t buy a second home that you only visit on weekends
• You can’t claim a vacation property as your primary and not move in

The VA checks occupancy. And if you don’t intend to live in the home full-time within 60 days of closing, it doesn’t count.

What Are Your Options If You Want a Second Home?

If you're in a strong equity position or your income supports it, here are a few alternatives:

1. Conventional Second Home Loan
   • 10% down minimum (sometimes more)
   • Must qualify for both mortgages if you keep your current home
2. Cash-Out Refi on Your VA Loan
   • Take equity from your current home and use it to buy the second property with cash or a separate loan
3. Rent Out Your First Home and use remaining VA entitlement (if any) to buy again, as long as it becomes your new primary

Bottom Line

VA loans are for primary homes only but that doesn’t mean your real estate goals are out of reach.

With the right game plan, you might still be able to buy a second home using a different strategy. If you're not sure what your entitlement looks like or whether you could qualify again, let’s break it down.