How long must I wait to refinance a VA loan?
VA refinance seasoning generally requires both at least six consecutive monthly payments and at least 210 days from the first payment due date before the new refinance closes. The later threshold controls. The rule applies to IRRRLs and to VA-to-VA cash-out refinancing; lender overlays may require more time.
What this actually means.
VA's seasoning and net-tangible-benefit rules are anti-churning protections. For an IRRRL, the existing VA loan must clear both the six-consecutive-payment and 210-day-from-first-payment-due-date tests. A fixed-to-fixed IRRRL generally must reduce the rate by at least one-half percentage point, and specified costs generally must be recouped within 36 months when principal and interest decrease. VA-to-VA cash-out refinancing also has seasoning requirements. Subject to current VA guidance and lender overlays.
Where this can move.
VA seasoning rules, net-tangible-benefit recoupment, current loan type, equity, credit, rate environment, and IRRRL vs cash-out eligibility can change the answer.
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Educational only. VA guidelines, lender overlays, rates, fees, and underwriting requirements can change. Final eligibility depends on full underwriting review. Mortgage Expert, Inc. is not affiliated with the VA, HUD, or any government agency.