VA Appraisal & Property Requirements
The VA appraisal is not a home inspection—but VA also requires the property to meet Minimum Property Requirements for safety, soundness and sanitation.
VA appraisal purpose
A VA-approved appraiser provides an opinion of value and evaluates whether the property meets VA's minimum property standards. The lender reviews the appraisal and Notice of Value.
2026 MPR update
VA updated Chapter 12 Minimum Property Requirements effective May 1, 2026. Some VA training materials explicitly warn they predate that update.
Safe, sound and sanitary
VA's consumer guidance describes the appraisal as confirming value and ensuring the home is safe, sound and sanitary for the Veteran and family.
VA rule or lender overlay?
If a lender says this scenario cannot be done, identify the exact VA rule, AUS/underwriting result, or lender overlay before treating the answer as universal. See the VA decline framework →
Official VA baseline
VA Home Loans · VA Pamphlet 26-7 Lender's Handbook
VA sets the guaranty program rules, while private lenders underwrite and may impose overlays that are stricter than VA's baseline.