Joint VA Loans: How They Work and Who Qualifies

Written by: Courtney Muller
  |  4 min read
Explore how joint VA loans work, who qualifies, and when they make sense. Learn VA rules for buying a home with a non-Veteran co-borrower.

Key Takeaways

  • Joint VA loans allow homebuying with non-Veterans, including friends or partners.

  • VA guarantees only the eligible Veteran’s portion of the loan, requiring a down payment from non-Veterans.

  • All co-borrowers must meet underwriting criteria, including income, credit, and occupancy requirements.

  • VA approval is mandatory for non-spouse co-borrowers, making the process more complex than traditional VA loans.

If you’re a Veteran interested in buying a home with someone who isn’t your spouse or another Veteran, a joint VA loan might be the solution. This unique home loan program, backed by the Department of Veterans Affairs, allows qualified Veterans to purchase a home with a non-Veteran co-borrower, including a friend, family member, or unmarried partner. Understanding the VA loan eligibility, down payment rules, and co-borrower guidelines is essential before you apply.

What Is a Joint VA Loan?

A joint VA loan allows a Veteran and one or more non-military co-borrowers to buy a home together. This is different from a traditional VA loan, which usually involves only the Veteran and their spouse. With a joint VA loan, you can share homeownership with a non-Veteran—though VA has specific requirements for these arrangements.

Here’s how it breaks down:

Feature Traditional VA Loan Joint VA Loan
Co-borrowers allowed Veteran and spouse only Veteran and non-Veteran (friend, partner, relative), or multiple Veterans
Down payment required? Usually no Yes, on the non-guaranteed portion (if co-borrower is a non-Veteran)
VA prior approval required? No Yes, when co-borrower is not the Veteran’s spouse
Ownership split Typically 100% Veteran/spouse Shared ownership based on borrower contributions
CHECK YOUR VA LOAN ELIGIBILITY.

Who Can Use a Joint VA Loan?

VA allows several combinations of co-borrowers under the joint loan program:

  • One Veteran and a non-Veteran who is not their spouse
  • Two or more Veterans using their VA entitlements (equally or unequally)
  • A Veteran and a Veteran spouse, both contributing entitlement
  • Veterans with remaining partial entitlement, combining with another eligible borrower

Note: If a Veteran is buying a home with a legal spouse—even if the spouse isn’t eligible for VA benefits—it’s typically not considered a joint VA loan.

Joint VA Loan Requirements

To qualify, borrowers must meet standard VA loan guidelines and several joint loan-specific rules:

  • At least one borrower must be VA-eligible and live in the home as their primary residence.
  • VA must approve the loan when a non-spouse, non-Veteran is involved.
  • All borrower credit profiles, incomes, and debt obligations are reviewed during underwriting.
  • Non-Veterans may be required to make a down payment on the unguaranteed portion of the loan.
  • If multiple Veterans use different entitlement amounts, a written agreement is required.
  • The VA funding fee applies to the Veteran unless they’re exempt (e.g., disability rating).
Get Pre-Approved for Veteran Loan

Understanding VA Entitlement

VA entitlement refers to the portion of the loan the VA guarantees. In a joint VA loan:

  • The VA guarantees only the Veteran’s share of the loan.
  • Any loan portion assigned to a non-Veteran is unguaranteed, often requiring a down payment.
  • If two or more Veterans apply, each may use full, partial, or no entitlement—depending on their financial and VA status.

Pros and Cons of a Joint VA Loan

Pros Cons
Use VA loan benefits without being married VA funding fee applies unless the borrower is exempt
Combine incomes to increase homebuying power Non-Veterans may need to contribute a down payment
Co-own a home with a non-spouse (friend, relative, or partner) More paperwork and VA approval required
Eligible for multi-unit properties with multiple VA borrowers May reduce available entitlement for future use

When to Consider a Joint VA Loan

A joint VA loan could be a strong option in these situations:

  • You’re a Veteran buying with a non-Veteran partner, relative, or friend.
  • You’re in a committed but unmarried relationship and want to purchase a home together.
  • You need to pool finances with another buyer to afford a larger or multi-unit property.
  • You’re using remaining entitlement and teaming up with another Veteran with full eligibility.

 

Next Steps

A combined VA loan offers flexibility for Veterans who want to buy a home with someone outside of the traditional VA loan structure. Although the process involves extra paperwork and potential down payment requirements, it can make homeownership more accessible when paired with the right co-borrower. Before applying, make sure you understand how VA entitlement, loan structure, and co-ownership responsibilities will affect your finances long-term.

 

FAQs about Joint VA Loans

Yes, Veterans can use a joint VA loan to purchase a home with a non-Veteran, such as a friend, family member, or unmarried partner.
Yes, if a non-Veteran is on the loan, a down payment may be required on their portion of the mortgage not guaranteed by the VA.
Only if the co-borrower is not the Veteran’s legal spouse—VA must approve joint loans involving non-spouse, non-Veteran co-borrowers.Only if the co-borrower is not the Veteran’s legal spouse—VA must approve joint loans involving non-spouse, non-Veteran co-borrowers.
Yes, two or more Veterans can combine their VA loan entitlements to increase buying power or purchase multi-unit properties.
Get My Custom Rate Quote

No SSN required. Zero impact to credit. Your Information is never sold.