What are the VA requirements?
| Requirement | VA |
|---|---|
| Minimum credit score | None set by VA; lenders commonly require 580–620 |
| Minimum down payment | $0 when the price doesn't exceed appraised value |
| Debt-to-income | 41% guideline plus VA residual-income test |
| Mortgage insurance | None; one-time funding fee (2.15% first use with <5% down) unless exempt |
| Occupancy | Primary residence |
| Loan limit | No limit with full entitlement; county limit applies to remaining entitlement |
What are the 2026 loan limits in Iowa's largest counties?
| County | Conforming (1 unit) | FHA (1 unit) | Jumbo above (20% down) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Polk County | $832,750 | $541,287 | $1,040,000 |
| Linn County | $832,750 | $541,287 | $1,040,000 |
| Scott County | $832,750 | $541,287 | $1,040,000 |
| Johnson County | $832,750 | $541,287 | $1,040,000 |
| Black Hawk County | $832,750 | $541,287 | $1,040,000 |
| Woodbury County | $832,750 | $541,287 | $1,040,000 |
| Dallas County | $832,750 | $541,287 | $1,040,000 |
| Dubuque County | $832,750 | $541,287 | $1,040,000 |
| Story County | $832,750 | $541,287 | $1,040,000 |
| Pottawattamie County | $832,750 | $541,287 | $1,040,000 |
| Warren County | $832,750 | $541,287 | $1,040,000 |
| Clinton County | $832,750 | $541,287 | $1,040,000 |
| Cerro Gordo County | $832,750 | $541,287 | $1,040,000 |
| Muscatine County | $832,750 | $541,287 | $1,040,000 |
| Marshall County | $832,750 | $541,287 | $1,040,000 |
Can I use Iowa down payment assistance with a VA loan?
- FirstHome Down Payment and Closing Costs Grant — $2,500 grant (Grant (no repayment))
- Iowa Finance Authority 2nd Loan Program — Up to 5% of the home's sale price or appraised value (whichever is lower), with no maximum (Deferred-payment loan, 640+ credit)
How does VA mortgage insurance work?
VA loans have no monthly mortgage insurance. Instead there's a one-time funding fee — for first use with less than 5% down it is 2.15% of the loan, falling to 1.5% with 5% down and 1.25% with 10% down. Veterans receiving VA disability compensation are exempt.
Frequently asked questions
$832,750 for one unit in 2026.
No — credit, down payment and DTI rules are national. What varies by location is the county loan limit, plus state down payment assistance.
Yes — we've verified 2 Iowa programs listed below; most pair with FHA, VA, USDA or conventional first mortgages from the state agency.
Sources
- VA — VA-backed purchase loans
- VA — Funding fee and closing costs
- FHFA — 2026 Conforming Loan Limit Values
- HUD — 2026 FHA Forward Mortgage Limits (county file)
Data last updated October 23, 2026.
See if you qualify for a VA loan in Iowa
Answer a few quick questions and get matched with purchase mortgage lenders in your area. Free, and it won't affect your credit score.
Get My MatchesFigures 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.