San Diego is home to one of the largest military communities in the United States. Naval Base San Diego, MCAS Miramar, and Camp Pendleton make San Diego County a top VA loan market in the country. If you are active duty, a veteran, or a surviving spouse, a VA loan is almost certainly the best mortgage available to you here.
Why VA Loans Are Ideal for San Diego
San Diego home prices are among the highest in California. The 2026 conforming loan limit for San Diego County is $1,006,250 — and VA loans can go above that with no down payment required for eligible borrowers with full entitlement. That means a veteran can purchase a $1.1M+ San Diego home with zero down and no PMI. No other program offers that combination in this market.
VA Loan Benefits
- Zero down payment for eligible borrowers with full entitlement
- No private mortgage insurance (PMI) — saving hundreds per month
- Competitive interest rates — consistently among the lowest available
- Flexible qualifying guidelines — more forgiving on credit and DTI than conventional
- Assumable loan — a significant feature when rates are higher
Who Qualifies?
- Active duty service members (typically 90+ continuous days)
- Veterans honorably discharged meeting minimum service requirements
- National Guard and Reserve members with qualifying service
- Surviving spouses of veterans who died in service or from service-connected disability
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a VA loan above the San Diego conforming limit?
Yes. Borrowers with full VA entitlement have no loan limit and can purchase above $1,006,250 with zero down. The VA simply guarantees a portion of the loan to the lender.
Is the VA funding fee required?
Most borrowers pay a one-time VA funding fee that can be financed into the loan. Veterans with a service-connected disability rating of 10%+ are exempt.
San Diego VA Loan Specialists
Free consultation. DiVita Home Finance — 40+ wholesale lenders.
DiVita Home Finance | NMLS #323700 | CA DRE #01818285
