VA Loans in Arkansas: 2026 Guide for Veterans & Home Builders

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Veterans, active-duty service members, and eligible surviving spouses can use VA loans in Arkansas to buy, build, or renovate a home with no down payment, competitive rates, and flexible credit guidelines.

At Security America Mortgage, we specialize in VA One-Time Close Construction Loans, making Arkansas one of the best states for veterans who want to build a custom home instead of buying an existing one.

This guide covers:

  • VA loan benefits in Arkansas
  • VA construction loans & one-time close options
  • Land for sale in Arkansas (including already-owned land)
  • City-by-city building considerations
  • VA loan limits in Arkansas
  • Military bases & veteran resources

Options for non-veterans building in Arkansas

What Is a VA One-Time Close Construction Loan?

A VA One-Time Close Construction Loan is a VA-backed mortgage that finances the purchase of land, construction of a home, and the permanent mortgage all in a single loan and a single closing.

It is designed specifically for eligible veterans, active-duty service members, and qualifying surviving spouses who want to build a new primary residence instead of buying an existing home.

Key Benefits of a VA One-Time Close Construction Loan

1

No Down Payment

Eligible borrowers can finance 100% of land and construction.

Existing land equity can also be used.

2

One Closing (Major Cost Savings)

Avoids paying closing costs twice.

Eliminates interest-rate risk between construction and permanent financing.

3

VA-Backed Interest Rates

Typically lower than conventional construction loans.

Rates are locked before construction begins.

4

Flexible Credit Guidelines

More forgiving than conventional construction loans.

Focuses on residual income, not just credit score.

5

No PMI

No private mortgage insurance (PMI), even with 0% down.

Arkansas VA Loans

Why Arkansas Is a Strong State for VA Loans

Arkansas offers several advantages for VA borrowers, making it an attractive state for veterans looking to purchase or build a home using VA loan benefits.

  • Low land costs compared to national averages
  • Lenient zoning in many rural and suburban counties
  • Strong availability of VA-approved builders
  • No state-specific VA restrictions beyond federal VA guidelines
  • Competitive property taxes and insurance costs
For veterans wanting to build, Arkansas is especially attractive for VA One-Time Close Construction Loans , which roll land, construction, and permanent financing into a single loan.

VA Loan Limits in Arkansas (2026)

Arkansas follows standard VA loan limit guidelines established by the Department of Veterans Affairs. These limits determine how much eligible veterans can borrow with or without a down payment.

  • $0 down up to conforming limits for borrowers with full entitlement
  • Higher loan amounts available with entitlement or a partial down payment

Examples by city (subject to annual VA updates)

Little Rock
Fayetteville
Bentonville
Rogers
Springdale

Veterans with full entitlement are not capped by county loan limits, but must still qualify based on income, credit, and VA residual income guidelines.

Use the VA Loan Calculator →

How a VA One-Time Close Construction Loan Works

A VA One-Time Close Construction Loan is designed to simplify the entire building process for eligible veterans by combining everything into a single, streamlined loan.

One application
One closing
One loan
One long-term mortgage

The loan covers:

  • Land purchase (or land you already own)
  • Construction costs
  • Permanent VA mortgage after the home is complete
Unlike traditional construction loans, you do not have to re-qualify or close again when construction ends. Once your home is complete, the loan automatically transitions into a permanent VA mortgage.

Land for Sale in Arkansas (Building with a VA Loan)

Finding the right land is one of the most important steps when building a home in Arkansas using a VA loan. Location, zoning, and buildability all play a role in whether land will qualify for VA financing.

Where Veterans Look for Land in Arkansas

Northwest Arkansas (Benton & Washington Counties)
Central Arkansas (Pulaski, Saline, Faulkner)
River Valley regions
Rural acreage outside city limits

If You Already Own Land in Arkansas

Veterans who already own land may be able to:

  • Use existing land equity toward construction
  • Avoid land purchase costs
  • Potentially reduce the overall loan amount

The land must:

  • Be suitable for residential construction
  • Meet VA appraisal and zoning standards

Building a Home in Different Arkansas Cities (Pros & Cons)

Northwest Arkansas (Fayetteville, Bentonville, Rogers)

Pros

  • Strong job growth
  • Excellent schools
  • High resale value

Cons

  • Higher land costs
  • Stricter zoning and HOA rules

Central Arkansas (Little Rock, Conway, Benton)

Pros

  • Affordable land
  • Access to VA-friendly builders
  • Shorter permitting timelines

Cons

  • Some flood-zone considerations

Rural Arkansas

Pros

  • Very low land prices
  • Flexible zoning
  • Ideal for custom homes

Cons

  • Fewer builders available
  • Longer utility setup timelines

VA-Approved & Veteran-Friendly Builders in Arkansas

Builder approval is critical for VA construction loans. Working with the right builder helps ensure the project stays compliant with VA requirements and keeps construction draws and inspections running smoothly.

We work with:

VA-approved builders
Builders willing to become VA-approved
Local Arkansas builders familiar with VA draw schedules

Best Home Builders in Arkansas →

Military Bases & Veteran Presence in Arkansas

Arkansas has a strong veteran population supported by key military installations and VA healthcare facilities across the state.

Little Rock Air Force Base (Jacksonville, AR)
Arkansas National Guard facilities
VA Medical Centers in Little Rock and Fayetteville

These installations contribute to consistent VA loan usage and strong veteran housing demand throughout Arkansas.

VA Renovation & Rehab Options in Arkansas

If you’re not building new, veterans in Arkansas may still take advantage of VA-backed options by:

Purchasing a fixer-upper
Renovating an existing home

Learn More About VA Renovation Loans →

VA One-Time Close vs Traditional Construction Loans

Feature
VA One-Time Close
Traditional Construction Loan
Closings
1
2 or more
Down Payment
$0
10–25%
PMI
None
Often required
Re-qualification
No
Yes
Interest Rate Lock
Before build
After build

Not a Veteran? Construction Loan Options in Arkansas

If you are not eligible for VA benefits, Security America Mortgage still offers flexible construction loan options designed for homebuyers, builders, and investors throughout Arkansas.

One-Time Close Construction Loans
FHA construction loans
USDA construction loans (rural areas)
Conventional construction loans

One-Time Close Construction Loan (Non-VA) →

This ensures buyers, builders, and investors in Arkansas have access to construction financing options that fit their needs — even without VA eligibility.

Arkansas Frequently Asked Questions

You qualify if you are an active-duty service member, veteran, or eligible surviving spouse and have a VA Certificate of Eligibility (COE). You must also meet basic income and credit requirements set by the lender.

Veterans United Home Loans is widely recognized as the top VA loan lender in the U.S. by loan volume.

The main downside is the VA funding fee, and VA loans can have stricter appraisal requirements. They can also only be used for a primary residence.

In Arkansas, VA loan benefits include no down payment, no PMI, lower interest rates, limited closing costs, and access to local veteran housing assistance programs.

Our reviews speak for themselves

Benjamin Wilson
Benjamin Wilson
3 months ago
I can't say enough good things about Jason & Nadia. They made purchasing a home a walk in the park, compared to the horror stories I heard about. Security America Mortgage will always be the only company I refer people too.
Mary K
Mary K
3 months ago
Security America Mortgage are ROCK*STARS, and I can’t recommend them enough! My experience with them, and specifically with Jason and Nadia, was absolutely outstanding. The entire team was incredibly friendly, professional, and helpful from start to finish. They were truly engaging and made the usual complex mortgage process feel seamless and stress-free. There was a genuine, family-like feeling that set them apart from every other company I considered. They exceeded all of my expectations and truly went above and beyond to provide exceptional service. If you're looking for a mortgage lender who is not only a professional but also a pleasure to work with, look no further. Thank You!
James Reece
James Reece
2 months ago
We had an exceptional experience working with Jason and Nadia! From the very beginning, they were honest, transparent, and clear—no surprises along the way. They managed to close two loans for us in just 12 business days, which is incredible. Their professionalism and efficiency made the entire process smooth and stress-free. Highly recommend them to anyone looking for a trustworthy and responsive mortgage team!
Jose Reyes
Jose Reyes
2 months ago
Can't say anything bad about Jason and the team. Great communication and explained everything. Definitely recommend, especially if you're looking for a VA lender.
Steven Kuhn
Steven Kuhn
a months ago
Always honest, on point and so very helpful. Excellent work!

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