Who is required to live in the property acquired with a VA loan?

When using a VA loan, the primary requirement is that the borrower, typically the veteran, must occupy the property as their primary residence. This stipulation is in place to ensure that the benefits of the VA loan program are utilized for housing the veteran rather than for investment purposes.

The intention behind this occupancy requirement is to support veterans in securing stable housing. If the property is not occupied by the veteran, the VA loan terms may be violated, leading to potential consequences, including the need to refinance into a different loan type. While family members may reside in the home alongside the veteran, only the veteran is mandated to live in the property to meet the loan's conditions. Thus, it is critical for veterans considering a VA loan to understand and comply with this occupancy requirement.