Guide to VA Home Inspection Requirements

Learn What the VA Requires for Home Inspections and Appraisals

VA loans support eligible veterans, service members, and surviving spouses on their homebuying journey, requiring no down payment and frequently offering lower or competitive rates. But with these benefits come the VA requirement to make sure the home you’re buying is safe, structurally sound, and livable.

That’s where VA home inspection and appraisal requirements come into play. Learn more about specific VA home appraisal requirements, what appraisers look for, and how to avoid surprises during the buying process.

Does a VA Loan Require a Home Inspection?

VA loans don’t require a standard home inspection, but you do have to get a VA appraisal, which are typically stricter than conventional appraisals. This is because VA appraisals have two purposes (to determine market value and to verify the home meets VA standards). 

A VA appraisal will confirm not only the market value of the home you’re buying (to make sure you’re not overpaying for the home), but also that it’s in compliance with VA Minimum Property Requirements (MPRs). Even though a private home inspection isn’t required to get a VA home loan, a home inspection is always highly recommended before buying a home, as it takes a thorough look at the property to find potential issues that require attention before closing on the home. 

VA Appraisal vs. Home Inspection: Key Differences

VA loan appraisal requirements primarily focus on value and basic safety standards, unlike the detailed evaluation that comes with a full home inspection. Here’s a deeper look at what each of these involves:

VA Appraisal

The VA appraisal process confirms the home’s fair market value and ensures the property meets VA MPRs for safety, sanitation, and structural integrity. 

Appraisals are ordered by VA lenders to satisfy loan requirements, and they’re conducted by a VA-approved appraiser, not a home inspector. The cost, which is set and approved by the VA, starts at $600 but can be more, depending on the home’s location and if it’s larger than a single-family home.

Home Inspection

Home inspections with VA loans are optional but always recommended, and they’re ordered by you, the buyer, for added peace of mind. Home inspections provide a detailed evaluation of the home’s condition and identify potential repair needs or maintenance issues. These problems may not affect loan approval, but they could affect your budget later.

These inspections are conducted by a licensed home inspector of your choice and typically cost between $300 and $500, depending on the property location and size. 

VA Minimum Property Requirements

VA loan inspection criteria are referred to as MPRs. These ensure the property is safe, sanitary, and structurally sound, and that it has proper utility connections.

Here are some common MPRs your VA appraisal will look at:

• Accessibility: The property must have suitable pedestrian and vehicular access from a street (public or private) with an all-weather surface.
• Space: The home must have enough space for living, cooking, dining, sleeping, and bathroom facilities.
• Water supply, sewage disposal, and sanitation: There must be a safe water supply for drinking, showering or bathing, and sanitary facilities. There also needs to be a safe method of sewage disposal. 
• Utilities: The property must have functioning electricity, gas, and water utilities.
• Drainage: There needs to be proper drainage on the property to drain water away from the home without ponding in areas where it shouldn’t.
• Hazards: There can’t be hazards on or near the property that could damage the home or anyone’s safety. These hazards include flood zones, lead-based paint, sinkholes, and, in rare instances, lava. 
• Pest infestation: In some states, appraisers need to check for insect infestations that may have caused or could cause fungus, wood damage, or dry rot. 
• Noise: If the property is in the vicinity of an airport, appraisers need to note how the noise level might affect the property value and livability.
• Pools: If there’s a pool on the property, it must be free of structural defects. If the appraiser can’t determine if the pool is in good working order because it’s been winterized, for example, they can still complete the appraisal. It would just be assumed that the pool either functions or could be repaired at minimal cost.
• Encroachments: The appraiser reports if the home or any structures cross property lines, easements, or restrictions. They also must flag any encroachments from the neighbors.

If an appraisal verifies that the home clears these checks, it’s considered safe and eligible to qualify for VA financing.

Should You Get a VA Home Loan Inspection?

A home inspection offers a deeper look into the home’s condition and can help you avoid or be better prepared for any expensive surprises down the road. Some of the key benefits of home inspections include:

• Finding hidden issues: Inspections go beyond the VA appraisal, identifying problems like roof damage, faulty wiring, or plumbing leaks that could cost thousands.
• Budgeting for repairs: Knowing the home’s actual condition helps you plan for any immediate fixes and future maintenance before you commit to a purchase.
• Negotiating opportunities: An inspection report can give you leverage to request repairs or credits from the seller.
• Gaining peace of mind: Understanding the home’s structure and issues means fewer unknowns and can provide more confidence at closing.

If you want to protect your investment by ensuring the property is safe, functional, and retains its value for years to come, a home inspection is likely worthwhile.

A Summary of VA Home Inspection Requirements

VA loans may not require a home inspection, but they do have requirements to ensure the property is valuable, clean, safe, and sound. While the VA appraisal is required to check home value and MPRs, a private VA loan home inspection provides a more comprehensive examination.

By understanding the difference between VA appraisals and inspections—and choosing to invest in a full home inspection—you can be much better prepared to negotiate repairs, plan for upkeep, and move into your new home with confidence. All with a loan that you earned through your service and that’s designed to make homeowning inexpensive and achievable. Freedom Mortgage has helped thousands of American military families enjoy their VA loan benefit and we can help you.

If you’re ready to save money with your hard-earned VA loan benefit, get started today so you can find the home that meets VA inspection requirements.

By Victoria Araj; Published on October 9th, 2025

Victoria Araj is the Senior Director, Managing Editor at Freedom Mortgage. She holds a bachelor’s degree in journalism with an emphasis in political science from Michigan State University, and a master’s degree in public administration from the University of Michigan.