VA construction
One-close construction-to-permanent financing for eligible veterans and qualified projects.
Short answer
A VA construction-to-permanent loan can combine eligible land, construction, and permanent financing into one closing for a qualified veteran building a primary residence. The builder, plans, budget, appraisal, draw process, and property must meet VA and lender requirements, so early feasibility work matters more than a quick application.
Who this is for
- Eligible veterans building a primary residence
- Veterans who own land or are buying the lot with the build
- Borrowers comparing one-close and two-close construction structures
- Families using an approved builder and a complete plans-and-budget package
What it takes to qualify
- VA eligibility and lender qualification for the permanent loan.
- A lender-approved builder, plans, specifications, contract, budget, and construction schedule.
- A completed-value appraisal and a property that will meet VA minimum property requirements when finished.
Private lender. Not affiliated with or endorsed by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs or any government agency.
How it works with me
A process you can see the whole way through
Feasibility first
We review land, location, build type, budget, timeline, and builder before a full loan file.
Builder and project approval
The builder, plans, permits, specifications, contingency, and contract are reviewed.
Close and draw
Funds move through controlled draws as documented work is completed.
Permanent phase
After completion and final approval, the loan continues or converts into permanent financing under its terms.
What to know before you decide
One closing, many moving parts
A one-close structure can reduce duplicate closing steps, but the file still has two jobs: approve the borrower and prove the project can be completed. Builder review, permits, contingency, draw controls, and change orders deserve as much attention as rate.
Land and equity can change the structure
Owned land may contribute equity, while a new lot purchase can sometimes be included. The correct treatment depends on ownership history, value, liens, contract, and the lender's current VA construction program.
Construction paths
| VA one-close | Conventional one-close | Private bank or bridge | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best fit | Eligible veteran, primary home | Qualified primary or second-home borrower | Complex project, speed, or flexible asset profile |
| Down payment | May allow zero down with full entitlement, subject to lender | Usually required | Usually meaningful equity required |
| Documentation | VA, lender, builder, and project review | Agency, lender, builder, and project review | Asset and project focused |
| Exit | Permanent VA loan | Permanent conventional loan | Sale or refinance often expected |
Availability and terms vary materially by lender and project.
Rates and terms subject to change without notice. Not a commitment to lend. Not available in all states. This is not tax, legal, or financial advice. Consult a qualified professional for your specific situation.
Run your own numbers first
Start with the payment calculator, then validate the build budget, land position, and contingency separately.
Open the calculatorsRelated programs
VA construction: common questions
Can a VA construction loan be zero down?
It may be possible with full entitlement and a project that fits the lender's program, but land, appraisal, costs, and lender requirements can change the cash needed.
Can I act as my own builder?
Most one-close programs require an approved, experienced, properly licensed and insured builder. Owner-builder structures are uncommon and need separate review.
Can the loan include land?
Often yes, either by financing a lot purchase or recognizing eligible equity in land already owned. The treatment is file-specific.
What causes construction files to fail?
Incomplete plans, unrealistic budgets, weak contingency, builder approval issues, permit delays, appraisal shortfalls, and unplanned change orders are common causes.
Fine-tune your VA construction plan
Send the property, purpose, timing, and numbers you already know. The email opens prefilled for this VA construction page so the review starts in the right lane.
MortgageOne Inc. is licensed for consumer mortgage lending in 41 states and Washington, DC. Chris Lamm is individually licensed in 19 states. Private lender. Not affiliated with or endorsed by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs or any government agency.