VA Minimum Property Requirements
VA home loans are backed by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, enabling veterans, service members, and their families to achieve their homeownership goals more easily, often with no down payment and lower interest rates. However, to be eligible for a VA-backed loan, a property must meet the VA’s Minimum Property Requirements for safety, durability, and more.
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- The VA’s Minimum Property Requirements, or MPRs, establish quality standards for the roof, structure, mechanical and electrical safety, water and sewage systems, site access, and environmental hazards of houses purchased by veterans with VA loans.
- Under VA MPRs, homes must be safe, structurally sound, and sanitary, and major hazards require repair before closing.
- While VA MPRs set minimum standards for home safety, quality, and durability, local codes still apply, and some municipalities may require stricter compliance before a home can be sold.
VA Minimum Property Requirements are a set of standards established by the Department of Veterans Affairs to ensure that homes financed with VA home loans are safe, structurally sound, and durable for the future. Homes must meet these MPRs so veterans and their families can be free from health and safety hazards. While most MPRs apply nationwide, some vary by state. For example, several states have different requirements for providing information on wood-destroying insects.
There are over 40 minimum requirement categories in the VA’s Minimum Property Requirement procedures, including:
- Marketable Real Estate Entity
- Space Requirements
- Access
- Encroachments
- Drainage and Topography
- Geological or Soil Instability, Subsidence, and Sinkholes
- Special Flood Hazard Area
- Coastal Barrier Resources System
- Lava Flow Hazard Areas
- Non-Residential Use
- Zoning
- Local Housing/Planning Authority Code Enforcement
- Utilities
- Water Supply and Sanitary Facilities
- Individual Water Supply
- Individual Sewage Disposal
- Shared Wells
- Community Water Supply/Sewage Disposal Requirements
- Hazards
- Defective Conditions
- Mechanical Systems
- Heating
- Leased Mechanical Systems and Equipment
- Alternative Energy Equipment
- Roof Covering
- Attics
- Crawl Space
- Basements
- Swimming Pools
- Burglar Bars
- Lead-Based Paint
- Wood Destroying Insects/Fungus/Dry Rot
- Radon Gas
- Potential Environmental Problem
- Stationary Storage Tanks
- Mineral, Oil, and Gas Reservations or Leases
- High Voltage Electric Transmission Lines
- High-Pressure Gas and Liquid Petroleum Pipelines
- Properties Near Airports
- Manufactured Home Classified as Real Estate
- Modular Homes
- Energy Conservation and Sustainability
What Are VA Minimum Property Requirements, or MPRs?
For a property to be eligible for financing with a VA home loan, it must meet the VA’s Minimum Property Requirements, or MPRs. This set of standards aims to ensure that a property is safe, secure, structurally sound, sanitary, and capable of serving as a long-term residence.
Key VA Minimum Property Requirements
The VA has specific requirements that properties must meet before the buyer can receive a guaranty of their loan by the VA. Below is a high-level overview of the minimum property requirements the VA will look for.
1. Access to the Property
To be eligible for a VA loan, a property must be accessible year-round with adequate pedestrian or vehicular access from a public or private road with an all-weather surface. The home must have enough space for exterior upkeep and not share access roads with neighboring properties.
2. Property Layout and Structure
VA-backed properties must be a single and marketable piece of real estate with at least 75% residential space, including a bathroom, living area, sleeping quarters, kitchen, and dining area. Mechanical systems such as plumbing, electrical, and heating must be appropriately sized, safe, and in good working condition. If a well supplies the property’s water, the water must be safe for drinking, and the well must have a maintenance agreement if it is shared.
3. Roof Coverings
Under VA standards, property roofs must be free from leaks, and any necessary repairs must be made in accordance with these standards. Roof coverings must prevent the entrance of moisture and provide reasonable future utility and durability. Homes with extensive roof damage must undergo thorough maintenance to meet VA MPRs.
4. Ventilation and Access to Attics and Crawl Spaces
Attics and crawl spaces must have proper ventilation, be clear of debris, and have adequate access for repairs to plumbing, electrical, and ductwork to meet VA MPRs. The structure must have natural ventilation to mitigate the effects of excess heat and moisture that could cause the structure to deteriorate. Any excessive dampness or water pooling in crawl spaces must be corrected, and the heating system must be adequate to ensure comfortable living conditions.
5. Structural and Mechanical Integrity
VA MPRs require structures to be sound, free from issues like dry rot, mold, termites, peeling paint, and evidence of continuing settlement. Homes should be in overall good condition, including ensuring that shared walls between units are free from gaps. Additionally, mechanical systems throughout the house must be safe to operate, protected from destructive elements, have reasonable future utility, and be of adequate quality. Units must have electricity for lighting and necessary equipment.
6. Drainage and Site Conditions
To meet VA MPRs on drainage and site conditions, a property must have proper drainage to prevent water accumulation around the foundation, and the ground cover should be stable. Properties in areas subject to regular flooding, or within a certain proximity to high-voltage lines or pipelines, may require additional approvals or flood insurance.
Special Requirements for Manufactured Homes
Manufactured homes, including mobile homes, have additional requirements to be eligible for a VA loan, including the need for a permanent foundation and sufficient floor space. Under VA MPRs, adequate floor space means at least 400 square feet for a single-wide and 700 square feet for a double-wide. They also must comply with HUD Manufactured Home Construction and Safety Standards.
Common Issues That May Impact VA Home Loan Approval
Potential Red Flags: Some of the most common issues that prevent properties from meeting VA MPRs include significant structural damage, inadequate heating, plumbing issues, or unpermitted additions.
How to Address Issues: There are various ways buyers can address MPR issues. You may be able to negotiate with the property seller for repairs or seek a second opinion on the scope of the problem. If major issues cannot be resolved in a timely, efficient manner, you may want to consider other properties.
Why VA MPRs Are Important
Ensuring Safety and Longevity: The goal of the VA Minimum Property Requirements is to ensure that veterans and their families purchase homes that are not only financially feasible but also safe, healthy, and durable. These requirements aim to serve the best interests of veterans, their families, lenders, and the VA.
Protecting the Veteran’s Investment: Adhering to the VA’s MPR standards helps protect a veteran’s investment and ensures they are moving into a home that will provide long-term stability for their family.
Next Steps After MPRs Are Met
Meeting VA Minimum Property Requirements is a crucial step in securing a VA home loan. In most cases, you cannot close on a VA loan with unresolved MPR issues. MPRs work to ensure VA-backed homes are safe, structurally sound, and sanitary, all in the best interest of the veteran, their family, the lender, and the VA.
If you are a veteran, service member, or family member shopping for a home with a VA loan, work closely with your realtor, VA-approved lender, and appraiser to ensure the property you’re considering meets the VA’s minimum requirements before moving forward with the purchase.
