VA Loan Inspection Requirements: A Complete List of What’s Required

More than $148 billion in VA loans were issued throughout the 12 months leading up to August 2025. It proves that VA financing is still an extremely powerful tool for veterans and active-duty service members looking to buy a home. VA loans do not require a down payment. The interest rates are also competitive. It’s no wonder so many borrowers look for a VA loan.

However, VA loans are backed by the government, which means the property you are purchasing must meet a few Minimum Property Requirements (MPRs). These MPRs ensure the property is safe, sound, and structurally secure. Keep in mind that the VA does not require a separate home inspection. What they DO require is a VA appraisal or VA loan inspection requirements that also check these basic MPRs.

The Difference Between VA Loan Inspection Requirements vs. Home Inspection

Many buyers confuse the VA appraisal with a property inspection, often using the term “VA inspection.” In reality, however, they are different and serve distinct purposes.

An Appraisal is Necessary for a VA Loan

A VA loan appraisal is a more inclusive assessment of the home that looks for visible issues that could affect livability and loan eligibility.

A lender connected to a VA mortgage broker in CA orders a VA appraisal, not the buyer or seller. It has to be completed by a VA-approved appraiser who is specifically trained to adhere to VA guidelines. Once the task is done, they must submit a report called the “Notice of Value.” It states the appraised value of the property and any repairs that need to be made to meet the VA MPRs.

What the VA appraisal looks for:

• Roof and structure are intact.
• Utilities and plumbing are available.
• No major health or safety hazards.
• Proper access to the property (road or easement).
• No visible signs of a pest infestation or severe water intrusion.

Optional But Recommended

A property inspection is a private, buyer-ordered assessment of a home that goes beyond what the VA requires. Home inspections give you a chance to understand the true condition of the property, not just whether it meets the baseline standards of the VA. It can also give you a heads up to issues in the home that a VA appraisal might flag, before the actual appraisal happens.

A home inspector:

• Test heating, cooling, plumbing, and electrical systems.
• Examine the roof, foundation, walls, and attics/basements for damage or wear.
• Identify maintenance issues and estimate future repair costs.
• Review appliances, fixtures, windows, and doors.
• Check for pests, mold, and water damage (often available as add-ons).

VA Loan Inspection Requirements Explained

The MPRs of the VA are baseline standards, and every home must meet them to qualify for a VA loan. Those MPRs are inspected during the appraisal. They cover important livability expectations, such as roof integrity, plumbing, heating, access, and structural soundness. The requirements are in place to make sure the home is in good enough condition to be safe and comfortable for the veteran, while also protecting the VA’s investment.

While this is a general overview of the VA loan inspection requirements, working with a real estate agent who understands the scope of the VA loan process is key to ensuring requirements are met.

Safety

The home must be free from conditions that could endanger the occupants:

• No exposed or unsafe electrical wiring.
• Sturdy handrails on stairs and balconies.
• Proper egress (windows and doors) from bedrooms.
• Safe heating system (no space heaters as primary heat source).
• No trip hazards or broken steps.
• Proper ventilation in bathrooms, kitchens, and attics.
• Working smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.

Structural Soundness

The property should have a solid structure and enough room to support typical residential use.

• The roof is weather-tight and has reasonable remaining life.
• The foundation is stable, with no major cracks or settlement.
• Walls and ceilings show no severe damage or rot.
• Floors are level and secure.
• Crawl spaces and basements are dry and ventilated.
• Attics are free of moisture, mold, or sagging.
• No evidence of termites, wood rot, or dry rot.

Sanitation

The home must provide safe, sanitary living conditions and functional utilities.

• Continuous supply of safe drinking water.
• Approved sewage disposal system (public or private septic).
• Functional plumbing with no active leaks.
• Operational electricity and lighting.
• Adequate heating and cooling (particularly in colder regions).
• Kitchens and bathrooms with working fixtures.
• Property free of debris, hazardous waste, or infestations.

Access and Utilities

Every home must have safe, legal, and permanent access from a public or private road, plus functional utilities.

• Year-round access by public road or recorded private easement.
• Utilities (water, electricity, gas, sewer) are available and safe.
• If private roads exist, a maintenance agreement must be recorded.

Site Conditions and Hazards

The VA appraiser also evaluates the land and the surrounding environment.

• No active or potential sinkholes, landslides, or flooding issues.
• Site drains water away from the foundation.
• No nearby environmental hazards (such as oil tanks, toxic waste, high-voltage lines, etc.).
• Home not built within high-risk flood zones unless properly insured.

Environmental Hazards

A home must be free from environmental or health hazards that could affect occupants.

• No chipping, peeling, or otherwise deteriorating paint.
• Safe distance from industrial or hazardous sites.
• No evidence of radon, contaminated soil, asbestos, lead, or other known environmental hazards.

Additional Requirements for Multi-Unit or Unique Properties

If you’re buying a multi-family property, condo, or rural home, the VA adds extra considerations.

• Each living unit must have independent access, utilities, and sanitary facilities.
• Common areas must be maintained in good condition.
• Wells and septic systems must meet local health authority standards.

What Would Cause a Home to Fail a VA Inspection

VA loan problems happen when major issues become evident during the appraisal process. The appraiser is looking for things that would make the home unsafe or uninhabitable. That’s why fixer-upper homes will almost always be denied for a VA loan. Here are a few other common dealbreakers.

• A leaky or severely damaged roof that is not going to last long.
• Water intrusion, damp basements or crawlspaces.
• Peeling paint, especially in older homes (risk of lead-based paint).
• Termite/wood-destroying insect damage or infestations.
• Unsafe electrical systems (exposed wiring, overloaded panels).
• Poor or non-existent access road, or serious site issues (drainage, subsidence).
• Plumbing/heating is not operational.

The plus side of this is that if smaller problems are found during the appraisal and are addressed before closing, the home purchase can still go through. Once repairs are made, the VA appraiser returns for a quick reinspection to make sure the home now meets the minimum property requirements.

There is a negative aspect, too. If the repairs are too big, expensive, or time-consuming to fix before closing, maximum VA loan limits likely will not be approved, and you will need to walk away and choose another home.

Tips for Passing a VA Appraisal and Inspection

Your best chance at passing a VA loan appraisal inspection starts before you even put an offer in on a home.

• Run a quick visual inspection of the home’s exterior. Look for roof damage, peeling paint, or signs of water entering the home, as well as any safety hazards.
• Ask your agent if the property has public utilities or an approved private well and septic system.
• Request disclosures early, because if the seller already knows about foundation, plumbing, or pest issues, you can address them instantly.
• Prioritize homes that are ready to be occupied, or ask about the age of the roof, furnace, and water heater before you make an offer. Or, make sure they are checked during a home inspection.
• Work with a VA-experienced agent and lender. They will know how to locate problematic properties and guide you toward homes that meet VA standards. And if you are wondering how many times can you use a VA loan, read all about it here.
• Keep communication open. Once the appraisal report comes back, you need to act quickly on any repair requests, as some sellers will even negotiate on repairs to help the sale go through.
• Plan your time. On average, VA appraisals take between 7 and 10 business days; build that into your closing schedule, as well as time to address potential repairs.
• Use Reconsideration of Value or ROV. If the appraisal comes in lower than the sale price, you can ask for an ROV that gives the lender additional market data. This data supports a higher valuation. Alternatively, you can walk away using the amendatory (escape) clause for VA loans.

Final Thoughts

The VA loan inspection requirements are designed to protect every party involved, including veterans, lenders, and the long-term value of a home. While the VA appraisal is often seen as an inspection, it’s actually looking at the livability of a property, rather than providing a thorough review of the home’s systems like a general home inspection.

Serious buyers should still schedule a home inspection to uncover any hidden or long-term maintenance issues. Especially when combined with the VA appraisal, a home inspection should give buyers confidence that they are making a smart purchase.

FAQs

Q1. How long are VA appraisal results valid?

VA appraisal results are generally valid for six months from the date of the Notice of Value. If closing takes longer, the lender may need an extension or a new appraisal.

Q2. Who pays for required repairs after a VA appraisal?

The purchase agreement determines who covers repair costs. In many cases, sellers agree to complete required repairs. Buyers may also negotiate credits or adjust the purchase price.

Q3. Do newly built homes need to meet VA inspection requirements?

Yes. New construction must meet VA Minimum Property Requirements. Builders must provide certifications, and the home must pass a final inspection before the VA guarantee is issued.

Q4. Can a buyer appeal a VA appraisal decision?

Yes. Buyers may request a Reconsideration of Value through their lender. Additional comparable sales or documentation may support a higher value if the appraisal seems inaccurate.

Q5. Are VA inspection requirements different for condos?

Yes. Condos must be located in a VA-approved development. The unit must meet Minimum Property Requirements, and common areas must be properly maintained and structurally sound.