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VA loans in California

Quick answer

VA loans in California let eligible veterans and service members buy with 0% down and no monthly mortgage insurance. With full entitlement there's no VA loan limit; a one-time funding fee applies unless exempt.

By Purchase Mortgage Loan Editorial Team Checked against official sources per our editorial standardsLast updated

VA loan snapshot for California

ItemEstimate
Minimum down payment0%
Minimum credit scoreNo VA minimum (lenders often 580–620)
Typical CA home value$695,400
3.5% down on typical home$24,339
20% down on typical home$139,080
Avg. effective property tax0.71%/yr (~$410/mo)
Income for typical home (31% rule)$214,000

Rate assumption: 7.18% (Freddie Mac PMMS 30-year fixed average, week of November 5, 2026). Change it in the payment calculator.

Which California programs pair with VA loans?

  • MyHome Assistance: A deferred-payment junior loan that can cover part of the down payment or closing costs for first-time buyers.
  • Dream For All Shared Appreciation: When funded, provides a large down payment loan repaid with a share of future appreciation; rounds open periodically.
  • CalPLUS: A first mortgage with a slightly higher rate paired with closing cost assistance.

Details and current limits: California Housing Finance Agency (CalHFA).

Who is eligible for a VA loan?

  • Veterans who meet minimum service requirements (commonly 90 consecutive days in wartime or 181 days in peacetime).
  • Active-duty service members after 90 continuous days.
  • National Guard and Reserve members with 6 years of service, or 90 days of active-duty service under Title 10/32.
  • Surviving spouses of service members who died in service or from a service-connected disability (in many cases).

What is the VA funding fee?

The fee can be financed into the loan. Veterans receiving VA disability compensation, and some others, are exempt. Fees shown are for purchase loans and may change.

Down paymentFirst useSubsequent use
Less than 5%2.15%3.3%
5% to under 10%1.5%1.5%
10% or more1.25%1.25%

VA loans in California cities

VA in Los AngelesVA in San DiegoVA in San JoseVA in San FranciscoVA in FresnoVA in SacramentoVA in Long BeachVA in OaklandVA in BakersfieldVA in AnaheimVA in StocktonVA in RiversideVA in Santa AnaVA in IrvineVA in Chula VistaVA in Santa ClaritaVA in FremontVA in San BernardinoVA in ModestoVA in FontanaVA in Moreno ValleyVA in OxnardVA in Huntington BeachVA in GlendaleVA in OntarioVA in Elk GroveVA in Santa RosaVA in Rancho CucamongaVA in OceansideVA in Garden GroveVA in LancasterVA in PalmdaleVA in SalinasVA in HaywardVA in CoronaVA in SunnyvaleVA in RosevilleVA in EscondidoVA in PomonaVA in TorranceVA in VisaliaVA in FullertonVA in OrangeVA in PasadenaVA in VictorvilleVA in Santa ClaraVA in Simi ValleyVA in Thousand OaksVA in VallejoVA in ConcordVA in ClovisVA in BerkeleyVA in FairfieldVA in AntiochVA in RichmondVA in East Los AngelesVA in CarlsbadVA in DowneyVA in MurrietaVA in Costa Mesa

Frequently asked questions

Yes. VA loans are available statewide in California through approved lenders, subject to county loan limits where they apply.

Often yes. California Housing Finance Agency (CalHFA) and local programs frequently pair assistance with FHA, conventional, VA or USDA first mortgages. Eligibility depends on income, price and program rules.

Answer a few questions on Purchase Mortgage Loan and we'll match you with lenders and loan officers in our network who serve California.

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Figures on this page are estimates for educational purposes only and are not a loan offer or commitment to lend. Rates, loan limits, fees and assistance programs change frequently and vary by lender, location and borrower profile. Confirm current terms with a licensed loan officer.