VA Loan Limits in California for 2026: What’s Changed and What Still Applies

If you’ve heard that VA loans don’t have limits anymore… you’re half right.

Yes, VA loan limits were technically eliminated in 2020 but that doesn’t mean there aren’t any boundaries. The reality depends on whether:

1. You’ve used your VA loan before
2. You have remaining entitlement
3. You’re applying for a second VA loan or a high-cost home

Let’s break it down for 2026 in plain English.

If You Have Full VA Entitlement (First-Time Use or Previously Restored)

-There is no loan limit in California or anywhere else.

✅-You can buy above the conforming loan limit with zero down, assuming you qualify with income and credit.

This is huge since Conventional loans cap at:

• Fresno County: $832,750
• Tulare County: $832,750
• Kings County (Hanford/NAS Lemoore): $832,750
• Los Angeles/San Diego: Over $1M

You’re not capped by county limits if your entitlement is fully available.

If You’ve Already Used Part of Your Entitlement…

Here’s where loan limits come back into play.

Let’s say you:

• Still own a home with a VA loan
• Used your entitlement on a previous property that wasn’t restored

In that case, your remaining entitlement is limited, and you’ll have to stay within your county’s conforming limit or bring in a partial down payment if you go over. This isn’t a deal breaker, but it does change how we calculate what you can afford with $0 down.

VA Jumbo Loans Still Exist (Sort Of)The term “VA jumbo” still gets used when:

• You’re buying above the conforming limit
• You’re using remaining entitlement
• Or your lender has internal overlays (extra rules) on large loan amounts

But the VA itself doesn’t limit your purchase price as long as you qualify and the loan is backed appropriately.

Bottom Line for California Buyers in 2026

•  If you’ve got full entitlement: no limit, no down payment
•  If you’ve used your benefit and haven’t restored it: limits apply
•  If you’re not sure what your entitlement looks like I can pull your COE and break it down for you

This is where strategic planning matters. Especially in high-cost counties where $0 down on a $900K home might still be possible with the VA loan.