A 0% Down VA Loan Can Put Veterans in a Home 4.4 Years Sooner

Rhea-AI Summary

NWS (Nov 10, 2025) highlights a Realtor.com and NAR analysis showing a 0% down VA loan can let first-time buyers reach homeownership 4.4 years sooner than a typical conventional loan. The report finds 74% of first-time VA users put 0% down versus a 12% median down payment for conventional first-time buyers. On a $430,000 median home, a conventional buyer needs about $51,600 upfront that a VA borrower would not. The release documents metro-by-metro benefit intensity, low utilization in high-cost co-op markets (example: 3.8 VA sales per 1,000 military households in New York), and a campaign to boost awareness (only about one-third of Veterans know about the no-down-payment benefit).

Positive

• 0% down cuts homeownership time by 4.4 years
• 74% of first-time VA users put 0% down
• Typical buyer saves about $51,600 on a $430,000 home

Negative

• 3.8 VA-financed sales per 1,000 military households in New York
• Only about one-third of Veterans know about 0% down benefit

Insights

Housing policy analyst

0% down VA loans materially shorten time-to-homeownership for qualified Veterans, especially in high-cost metros.

The analysis shows that VA loans, which often require 0% down for first-time VA users versus a 12% median for conventional buyers, remove a major upfront barrier. On a typical $430,000 home the conventional buyer would need roughly $51,600 upfront, which at a 15% savings rate on a median $78,700 income implies about 4.4 years of additional saving before purchase. Those arithmetic facts drive the core mechanism: lower initial capital required directly reduces the time to buy and lets buyers build equity earlier.

Benefits concentrate unevenly: high-cost, co-op-heavy metros (Los Angeles, San Francisco, New York) show the largest time savings—up to 10 years sooner in Los Angeles—yet report some of the lowest VA utilization rates, creating a clear mismatch between need and use. Conversely, military hubs (Virginia Beach, Colorado Springs) show both high utilization and large shares of military households, which aligns supply of program awareness with demand. Key dependencies include co-op and condo eligibility rules and local awareness; the campaign launch on November 11, 2025 aims to close that awareness gap.

Watch the campaign reach and metrics over the next 6–12 months: changes in VA-financed sales per 1,000 military households (baseline examples: 3.8 in New York, 42.1 in Virginia Beach), utilization shifts in mismatch metros (Boston, San Francisco, Los Angeles), and any reported change in share of first-time buyers using VA loans from the cited 74%. Those concrete measures will indicate whether awareness efforts convert into measurable increases in homeownership timing benefits.

Underutilization of VA loans delays homeownership, especially in high-cost markets, co-op-heavy cities, and areas where Veterans may not know about their benefits

AUSTIN, Texas, Nov. 10, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- For many U.S. Veterans, buying a home can feel out of reach, but a 0% down Veterans Affairs home loan can help first-time buyers move in 4.4 years sooner than with a typical conventional loan, according to a new report from Realtor.com^® and the National Association of Realtors^®.

A custom analysis of NAR's 2024 Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers finds that 74% of first-time VA loan users put 0% down, compared with a 12% median down payment for conventional first-time buyers. With a VA loan, borrowers only need to cover standard closing costs, which are similar for both types of loans. On a typical $430,000 home, a conventional buyer would need roughly $51,600 upfront that a VA loan buyer wouldn't need. For a first-time buyer saving 15% of a median $78,700 annual gross income, it would take about 4.4 years to accumulate that amount.

A lower 10% savings rate stretches the timeline to 6.6 years, while a more aggressive 20% rate shortens it to 3.3 years. In short, a 0% down VA loan lets buyers enter the market and start building equity years sooner.

"For many Veterans and service members, a VA loan can be a game changer," said Danielle Hale, chief economist at Realtor.com^®. "By removing the hurdle of a large down payment, these loans open doors to homeownership and financial security years sooner."

Across U.S. markets, VA loans unlock homeownership 2.7 to 10 years sooner

Across U.S. metro areas, VA loans give first-time buyers a head start, cutting years off the path to a home. Assuming the same 0% down payment for VA loans versus 12% for conventional loans, and a 15% household saving rate for first-time buyers making the local median income and purchasing a home at the local median price, these loans can help buyers get a foothold in their local market years sooner. On the lower end, a VA loan lets buyers reach homeownership 2.7 years sooner than a conventional loan in Akron, Ohio, and 2.8 years sooner in Dayton, Ohio, while in higher-cost areas, it ranges from 6.5 years sooner in New York City, 7.5 years in both San Diego and Oxnard–Thousand Oaks, Calif., and up to 10 years sooner in Los Angeles.

High-cost, co-op heavy markets lag in VA loan use, while military hubs lead the way

Despite the clear advantages of VA loans, use remains low in some areas – especially high-priced metros like Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Jose, and New York, where home prices, co-op restrictions, and limited awareness all play a role.

"The VA Home Loan program has opened the door to homeownership for more than 48 million veterans and service members – one of the most successful housing initiatives in American history," said Lawrence Yun, NAR chief economist. "The standout benefit of a VA loan is the 0% down payment but without the extra risk. The lower upfront cost makes homeownership more attainable, especially in high-cost markets and amid elevated mortgage rates, giving qualified buyers a critical advantage and the ability to start building equity sooner. The VA Home Loan program is a shining example of how smart federal policy can expand access to homeownership, strengthen communities, and reward those who've served our nation."

In metros with a high concentration of co-ops, like New York, additional barriers limit access to VA loans, resulting in one of the nation's lowest utilization rates – just 3.8 VA-financed home sales per 1,000 military households. That's because in addition to high-costs, VA loans cannot currently be used to purchase co-ops, and condos or townhomes must be VA-approved to qualify. Identifying and addressing these underutilized markets is key, as many are exactly where Veterans could benefit most from the 0% down payment advantage.

Conversely, metros near major military bases – including Virginia Beach, Va., and Colorado Springs, Colo. – show some of the highest VA loan utilization rates, 42.1 and 43.1, respectively, reflecting both the concentration of military households and stronger awareness of the program. In contrast, markets like Salt Lake City and Fresno, Calif., have fewer military households, which may contribute to lower awareness despite the potential for significant financial benefit.

Mission Zero: Closing the awareness gap to help more Veterans achieve homeownership

Despite VA loans' many advantages, only about one-third of Veterans and active-duty service members know they can buy a home with no money down, according to a 2025 survey from Veterans United Home Loans.

"Many Veterans don't realize that a VA loan removes the need for a down payment, which is one of the biggest hurdles to homeownership," said Chris Birk, vice president of Mortgage Insight and Education, Veterans United Home Loans. "As the nation's largest VA lender, we see every day how this benefit changes lives. When Veterans understand the power of their VA loan, they can start building equity and stability for their families years sooner."

This report is part of the Mission Zero campaign, launched two years ago by Realtor.com^® in partnership with Veterans United, to ensure every Veteran knows about and can use their VA home loan benefit. The 2025 campaign launches November 11 in partnership with Veterans United Home Loans, The New York Post, The Wall Street Journal, RE/MAX, Home Depot, NAR, Veterans of Foreign Wars, and Homes for Our Troops.

This year, Army Veterans Terry Lashley, Shelia Roberts, & Ronnie Baldwin have joined Mission Zero to help more Veterans learn about the VA loan that makes homeownership possible with 0% down. On November 11, you can watch their stories and find out more about VA loans at www.realtor.com/veterans. The Veterans & Military Benefits section on Realtor.com^® for-sale home listings also includes information about this benefit.

Metro	Utilization Rate: # sales with VA loans per 1000 Military HH	Benefit Intensity: Yrs sooner to ownership	VA Loan Utilization Rate	VA Loan Benefit Intensity	Mismatch: (Low VA utilization & High Benefit Intensity)	Share of military HH	Avg. Median Price
Akron, OH	9.4	2.7	Low	Low		13.40 %	$232,806
Albany-Schenectady-Troy, NY	6.1	4.1	Low	Low		12.30 %	$437,533
Albuquerque, NM	17.7	4.6	High	High		17.60 %	$408,479
Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ	9.1	4	Low	Low		13.70 %	$388,913
Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA	15.8	3.7	High	Low		13.70 %	$409,920
Augusta-Richmond County, GA-SC	33.7	3.8	High	Low		24.90 %	$318,199
Austin-Round Rock-San Marcos, TX	18.2	4	High	Low		12.20 %	$508,505
Bakersfield-Delano, CA	17.2	4.8	High	High		12.10 %	$400,463
Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD	18.2	3.2	High	Low		14.60 %	$377,448
Baton Rouge, LA	13.7	3.6	Low	Low		12.00 %	$300,796
Birmingham, AL	14.4	3.3	Low	Low		13.90 %	$296,398
Boise City, ID	19.8	5.5	High	High		17.00 %	$595,852
Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH	5.8	6.1	Low	High	Mismatch	9.80 %	$836,038
Bridgeport-Stamford-Danbury, CT	3.1	5.7	Low	High	Mismatch	8.20 %	$810,754
Buffalo-Cheektowaga, NY	4.6	3.1	Low	Low		14.50 %	$272,724
Cape Coral-Fort Myers, FL	11.4	4.6	Low	High	Mismatch	17.40 %	$427,193
Charleston-North Charleston, SC	32.6	4.9	High	High		22.30 %	$519,421
Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC	15.8	4.3	High	Low		13.10 %	$434,796
Chattanooga, TN-GA	14.2	4.5	Low	High	Mismatch	16.30 %	$406,576
Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN	10.8	3.4	Low	Low		8.40 %	$365,693
Cincinnati, OH-KY-IN	11.2	3.4	Low	Low		13.10 %	$337,322
Cleveland, OH	9.1	3	Low	Low		12.40 %	$256,469
Colorado Springs, CO	43.1	4.5	High	High		32.60 %	$497,170
Columbia, SC	28.3	3.7	High	Low		21.10 %	$309,880
Columbus, OH	13.1	3.7	Low	Low		12.10 %	$369,660
Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, TX	22.8	3.9	High	Low		12.00 %	$428,734
Dayton-Kettering-Beavercreek, OH	18.3	2.8	High	Low		19.40 %	$243,677
Deltona-Daytona Beach-Ormond Beach, FL	19.4	4.4	High	High		20.20 %	$389,564
Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO	16.8	4.4	High	High		12.50 %	$592,295
Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA	15.8	3.3	High	Low		12.90 %	$354,895
Detroit-Warren-Dearborn, MI	9.1	2.9	Low	Low		10.00 %	$261,956
El Paso, TX	37.4	4.2	High	Low		18.70 %	$296,193
Fayetteville-Springdale-Rogers, AR	20.3	4.6	High	High		12.80 %	$437,613
Fresno, CA	11.7	5.3	Low	High	Mismatch	10.50 %	$474,410
Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI	9.9	3.8	Low	Low		10.50 %	$394,015
Greensboro-High Point, NC	13.1	4.2	Low	Low		13.00 %	$330,121
Greenville-Anderson-Greer, SC	12.4	4.4	Low	High	Mismatch	15.40 %	$373,227
Harrisburg-Carlisle, PA	10.6	3.6	Low	Low		14.50 %	$349,527
Hartford-West Hartford-East Hartford, CT	7.3	3.7	Low	Low		11.00 %	$437,754
Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX	20.5	3.7	High	Low		10.50 %	$365,753
Indianapolis-Carmel-Greenwood, IN	16.4	3.2	High	Low		13.20 %	$320,608
Jackson, MS	7.9	4	Low	Low		13.70 %	$309,875
Jacksonville, FL	25.7	3.9	High	Low		23.60 %	$397,028
Kansas City, MO-KS	15.5	3.9	High	Low		14.70 %	$389,016
Kiryas Joel-Poughkeepsie-Newburgh, NY	4.4	4.7	Low	High	Mismatch	12.50 %	$538,212
Knoxville, TN	16.7	5	High	High		16.20 %	$451,078
Lakeland-Winter Haven, FL	21.3	4.3	High	Low		17.00 %	$340,821
Las Vegas-Henderson-North Las Vegas, NV	24.8	5.2	High	High		16.80 %	$473,693
Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway, AR	23.6	3.6	High	Low		17.00 %	$293,246
Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA	4.3	10	Low	High	Mismatch	7.20 %	$1,140,124
Louisville/Jefferson County, KY-IN	14.1	3.5	Low	Low		13.80 %	$317,372
McAllen-Edinburg-Mission, TX	13.9	4.3	Low	Low		8.70 %	$271,472
Memphis, TN-MS-AR	16.5	4	High	Low		14.10 %	$336,104
Miami-Fort Lauderdale-West Palm Beach, FL	8.8	5.5	Low	High	Mismatch	8.20 %	$513,279
Milwaukee-Waukesha, WI	7.1	4.1	Low	Low		10.30 %	$384,617
Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI	10	3.6	Low	Low		11.80 %	$434,058
Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN	16.4	5.1	High	High		12.40 %	$539,897
New Haven, CT	4.9	4	Low	Low		10.10 %	$465,333
New Orleans-Metairie, LA	7.3	4.1	Low	Low		11.80 %	$320,519
New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ	3.8	6.5	Low	High	Mismatch	6.50 %	$771,265
North Port-Bradenton-Sarasota, FL	12.5	4.8	Low	High	Mismatch	17.90 %	$479,698
Oklahoma City, OK	25.1	3.6	High	Low		17.50 %	$318,721
Omaha, NE-IA	20.6	3.7	High	Low		16.40 %	$392,633
Orlando-Kissimmee-Sanford, FL	14.4	4.5	Low	High	Mismatch	14.20 %	$423,797
Oxnard-Thousand Oaks-Ventura, CA	6.9	7.5	Low	High	Mismatch	13.10 %	$1,013,650
Palm Bay-Melbourne-Titusville, FL	23.4	3.9	High	Low		25.90 %	$384,857
Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD	8.7	3.4	Low	Low		11.30 %	$372,115
Phoenix-Mesa-Chandler, AZ	19.1	4.7	High	High		14.50 %	$512,950
Pittsburgh, PA	7.8	2.7	Low	Low		13.70 %	$242,702
Portland-South Portland, ME	5.9	5.6	Low	High	Mismatch	14.00 %	$641,960
Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA	10.6	5.1	Low	High	Mismatch	12.60 %	$602,917
Providence-Warwick, RI-MA	9.9	5.3	Low	High	Mismatch	11.90 %	$566,817
Raleigh-Cary, NC	18.4	3.7	High	Low		12.60 %	$451,088
Richmond, VA	17	4	High	Low		16.50 %	$439,469
Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA	15.8	5.6	High	High		13.60 %	$599,154
Rochester, NY	4.8	3.1	Low	Low		11.20 %	$275,483
Sacramento-Roseville-Folsom, CA	9.5	5.3	Low	High	Mismatch	13.40 %	$623,501
Salt Lake City-Murray, UT	9.4	4.7	Low	High	Mismatch	10.30 %	$578,375
San Antonio-New Braunfels, TX	36.3	3.6	High	Low		22.70 %	$333,489
San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA	13.4	7.5	Low	High	Mismatch	18.60 %	$968,285
San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA	3.3	5.7	Low	High	Mismatch	7.30 %	$958,645
San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA	2.7	6.9	Low	High	Mismatch	5.80 %	$1,359,153
Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA	7.3	3.2	Low	Low		14.00 %	$256,173
Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA	10.8	5.4	Low	High	Mismatch	13.80 %	$762,296
Spokane-Spokane Valley, WA	16.5	5.5	High	High		19.90 %	$501,225
St. Louis, MO-IL	15.9	2.9	High	Low		15.40 %	$291,925
Stockton-Lodi, CA	10.6	5.3	Low	High	Mismatch	12.00 %	$584,012
Syracuse, NY	6.6	3.5	Low	Low		13.70 %	$307,975
Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL	18.4	4.5	High	High		17.20 %	$406,643
Toledo, OH	13	3	Low	Low		11.40 %	$234,814
Tucson, AZ	18.6	4.6	High	High		19.60 %	$391,659
Tulsa, OK	11	3.9	Low	Low		15.50 %	$326,973
Urban Honolulu, HI	28	5.5	High	High		28.10 %	$678,865
Virginia Beach-Chesapeake-Norfolk, VA-NC	42.1	4	High	Low		31.70 %	$402,939
Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV	21.8	3.9	High	Low		16.10 %	$601,948
Wichita, KS	21.6	3.3	High	Low		16.30 %	$293,057
Winston-Salem, NC	15.9	4.2	High	Low		14.20 %	$346,447
Worcester, MA	15	4.9	Low	High	Mismatch	12.60 %	$551,979
Average	15.0	4.4				14.6 %	$456,477

About Realtor.com^®

Realtor.com^® pioneered online real estate and has been at the forefront for over 25 years, connecting buyers, sellers, and renters with trusted insights, professional guidance and powerful tools to help them find their perfect home. Recognized as the No. 1 site trusted by real estate professionals, Realtor.com^® is a valued partner, delivering consumer connections and a robust suite of marketing tools to support business growth. Realtor.com^® is operated by News Corp [Nasdaq: NWS, NWSA] [ASX: NWS, NWSLV] subsidiary Move, Inc.

Media contact:  Sara Wiskerchen, press@realtor.com

 

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/a-0-down-va-loan-can-put-veterans-in-a-home-4-4-years-sooner-302609287.html

SOURCE Realtor.com

FAQ

How many years sooner can Veterans buy a home with a 0% down VA loan (NWS)?

The analysis estimates a 4.4-year median advantage for first-time buyers.

What percentage of first-time VA loan users put 0% down (NWS)?

74% of first-time VA loan users reported putting 0% down.

How much upfront cash does a conventional buyer need on a $430,000 home versus a VA buyer (NWS)?

A conventional buyer would need roughly $51,600 upfront that a VA buyer would not.

Which metros show low VA utilization despite high benefit intensity (NWS)?

High-cost, co-op-heavy metros such as New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco, and San Jose show low utilization.

What share of Veterans know they can buy with no money down (NWS)?

About one-third of Veterans and active-duty service members know about the no-down-payment option.

Where are VA loans most used according to the report (NWS)?

Metros near major bases like Virginia Beach and Colorado Springs show the highest utilization rates.