Texas Land Commissioner Dawn Buckingham has announced a significant boost to the Veterans Land Board (VLB) land loan program, increasing the standard land loan limit from $150,000 to $200,000 and the dual-spouse land loan from $225,000 to $275,000. The changes, effective February 9, 2026, represent a combined $100,000 increase in lending capacity for Texas veterans seeking to purchase land in the Lone Star State.
This latest enhancement to veteran benefits follows a series of loan limit increases implemented during Buckingham’s tenure. Just last month, the VLB raised its home loan amount by $26,250, bringing the maximum to $832,750 — aligning with the 2026 VA loan limits for most Texas counties.
“It is an honor to follow up last month’s announcement of the $26,250 VLB home loan amount increase with a combined $100,000 increase for our standard and dual-spouse land loan amounts,” said Commissioner Buckingham. “There is no greater act of service than pledging to fight for the land you love. We will continue to honor the sacrifices our Veterans made by helping these heroes and their families own a piece of our beloved Lone Star State through the VLB Veterans Land Loan Program.”
Expanding Opportunities for Texas Veterans
The VLB has been steadily increasing its loan limits to keep pace with Texas’ robust real estate market. Prior to these announcements, the board had already increased loan amount limits from $726,200 to $766,550 for registrations after January 1, 2024.
Why the continued adjustments? Texas property values have been climbing steadily, and these increases help ensure veterans can still compete in an increasingly expensive housing market while utilizing their earned benefits.
Commissioner Buckingham has emphasized the importance of homeownership for veterans, stating, “I am thrilled to continually expand opportunities for Texas Veterans who desire to own a home in the great state of Texas. As VLB Chairwoman, I will continue to lead the VLB as we help deliver the promise of the American Dream to our Veterans and their families because owning their own home is incredibly special.”
The Land Loan Program includes specific requirements. Properties must be at least one net acre, and while the standard loan now tops out at $200,000, eligible veterans with spouses can access up to $275,000. All loans require a minimum 5% down payment, according to program guidelines.
Significant Impact Under Current Leadership
During Buckingham’s tenure, the VLB has made substantial progress in helping Texas veterans secure housing. The board has assisted over 6,000 veterans with loans and provided more than $17 billion in benefits since its establishment.
The numbers from just one year show the program’s reach: 956 home loans closed totaling over $385 million, alongside 708 land loans amounting to nearly $77 million.
For veterans using their benefits in 2026, the statewide VA loan zero-down threshold for partial entitlement will be $832,750 for single-unit homes, as reported by industry sources. This aligns with the VLB’s home loan maximum, creating consistency across veteran lending programs.
Veterans interested in the increased loan amounts can expect the new limits to take effect in February 2026, though current loan programs remain available at existing thresholds. The 2026 VA loan limit of $832,750 for most Texas counties represents another increase, according to mortgage industry publications.
With land values continuing to rise across Texas, these expanded loan limits may help preserve access to rural properties and acreage for those who served — a fitting benefit in a state where land ownership has always held special significance.
