- Most VA loans close in 30 to 45 days, which is comparable to other loan types.
- Some VA loans may close in under 30 days, depending on appraisal turnaround, documentation speed and property condition.
- Several factors influence your timeline, including negotiations, appraisal findings and underwriting.
Buying a home is a multi-step process, and everyone's homebuying journey may vary. It’s an extremely common question for many first-time homebuyers: "How long will it take to buy a home with a VA loan?”
There’s a lingering myth that VA loans take much longer to close than other loan types, but that’s simply not true. This idea dates back to the days before the internet, when the process did take longer. Today, that's decades-old information, and VA loans now close on a timeline comparable to other loan types.
How Long Does it Take to Get a VA Loan?
You can expect your VA loan to close within 30 to 45 days. This is a pretty standard timeline for the mortgage industry, regardless of the type of financing. In fact, dig into the numbers a bit, and you don't find much difference between VA and conventional loans.
According to recent ICE Mortgage Technology data, conventional loans closed in an average of 41 days, compared to 42 days for FHA loans. For 2025, Veterans United’s average clear-to-close timeline was 44 days, and right in line with the broader mortgage market.
In some cases, VA loans may close in under 30 days, especially when documentation is completed early and the appraisal is returned quickly.
The VA Loan Purchase Timeline
Before beginning your VA homebuying journey, it is helpful to understand the general VA loan timeline. This guide will review five key factors affecting the VA loan process timeline.
1. VA Loan Preapproval
Getting preapproved for a VA loan is one of the best ways to shorten the homebuying waiting game. A “preapproved buyer” has met a lender’s basic requirements and is likely to obtain a loan, provided that certain conditions are met. VA loan preapproval shows that a buyer will likely obtain financing, eliminating potential uncertainty and delays.
It’s best to get preapproved for a loan as soon as you consider buying a home. Most lenders recommend getting preapproved months before starting the actual house hunt. This provides plenty of time to clear up any eligibility or income issues before falling in love with a home.
2. Buyer and Seller Negotiations
Just because a home is on the market doesn’t mean the sellers are ready to move immediately. Perhaps the sellers want to stay until the end of the school year. Maybe they have to wait until their new home is complete.
Buyers and sellers must negotiate and agree on a closing date, so make sure you understand the seller’s timeline and that it aligns with yours. This can significantly impact your VA loan timeline by either speeding it up or delaying the entire process. Working with an experienced real estate agent who understands VA loans can help with negotiations and keep the process moving smoothly.
3. The VA Appraisal
A home purchased with a VA home loan must get a VA appraisal. Only a VA-approved appraiser can perform this assessment. The home must meet VA Minimum Property Requirements (MPRs) and could delay the process if not.
VA lenders are responsible for ordering VA appraisals, which are generally completed within 10 days.
4. Repairs and Reconsideration of Value
The VA appraisal results can also affect the speed and efficiency of the closing process.
If the VA appraiser makes a home “subject to” repairs, those repairs must be completed before the loan can close. Extensive repairs could push the closing date back by weeks or months.
The appraisal value can also affect the final timeline. VA loans can’t be issued for more than a home’s appraisal value. If the appraisal value falls below the purchase price, buyers have some thinking (and delays) ahead.
5. Underwriting
Post-appraisal, any VA loan file is subject to final underwriting. The closing date may change if an underwriter requires additional documentation or identifies an eligibility issue.
How to Speed Up the VA Loan Process
At the end of the day, it’s very difficult to predict how long the purchase process will take. However, there are some factors that can help expedite the process.
Providing your required documentation early in the process helps underwriting review your file sooner, which can lead to a faster loan approval. It also reduces the risk of last-minute issues that could cause delays.
You may be able to speed up your VA loan process by:
- Getting preapproved
- Working with an experienced VA lender
- Choosing a reliable real estate agent
- Selecting a home in good condition that meets VA MPRs
It’s important to be flexible, give yourself wiggle room and understand that homebuying looks different for everyone.
Ready to find out how soon you could close on a home? Speak with a Veterans United VA loan expert at 855-870-8845 or get started online today to start your home loan journey!
How We Maintain Content Accuracy
Our mortgage experts continuously track industry trends, regulatory changes, and market conditions to keep our information accurate and relevant. We update our articles whenever new insights or updates become available to help you make informed homebuying and selling decisions.
Current Version
May 13, 2026
Written BySamantha Reeves
Reviewed ByDon Wilson
Article updated with closing data. Content fact checked by underwriter reviewer Don Wilson.
Veterans United often cites authoritative third-party sources to provide context, verify claims, and ensure accuracy in our content. Our commitment to delivering clear, factual, and unbiased information guides every piece we publish. Learn more about our editorial standards and how we work to serve Veterans and military families with trust and transparency.
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