If you're a veteran or active-duty service member in San Antonio looking to buy a home in 2026, understanding VA loan limits — and how they've changed — can make a big difference in what you can afford.
There Are No VA Loan Limits for Most Veterans
Here's the good news: if you have full VA entitlement, there is no loan limit. You can borrow as much as a lender will approve without needing a down payment, regardless of the home's price.
This changed in 2020 when Congress eliminated VA loan limits for veterans with full entitlement. So if you've never used your VA benefit before — or you've paid off a previous VA loan — you have full entitlement and no cap applies.
What About Veterans With Remaining Entitlement?
If you currently have an active VA loan or had a foreclosure on a previous VA loan, you may have reduced entitlement. In that case, loan limits do apply.
For 2026, the baseline conforming loan limit in most Texas counties is $806,500. In higher cost areas it goes higher, but most of San Antonio and Bexar County falls under the standard limit.
If you have remaining entitlement and want to borrow above that limit, you'd need to make a down payment on the portion above the limit — but you can still use your VA benefit.
What This Means for San Antonio Buyers
San Antonio's median home price has stayed relatively affordable compared to other major Texas cities, which means most veterans buying here won't run into any limit issues even with partial entitlement.
Whether you're buying near JBSA-Fort Sam, Lackland, or anywhere in the greater San Antonio area, your VA benefit is one of the most powerful tools available to you.
How to Know Where You Stand
The best way to know your exact entitlement status is to pull your Certificate of Eligibility (COE) — which I can help you do — and review your situation together.
Even if you've used your VA benefit before, you may have more buying power than you think.
Ready to find out? Book a free call with Trey or start your pre-approval today.
Trey Garza is a Licensed Texas Loan Officer and VA Loan Specialist at Efinity Mortgage in San Antonio. NMLS# 2700813. Equal Housing Opportunity.