News · Oct. 14, 2026
VA appraisal fee in Chicago: $650 for a house, $850 for a two-flat (2026)
Short answer
The VA appraisal fee in Cook, DuPage and Lake counties is $650 for a single-family home or condo, $700 for a manufactured home and $850 for a two- to four-unit building, under VA’s fee schedule effective May 1, 2026. Appraisers there have 7 business days to finish, compared with 10 in most of Illinois. The buyer usually pays it upfront, but the seller can cover it as a closing-cost credit.
2026 VA appraisal fees in Illinois
| Area | House | Condo | Manufactured | 2-4 units | Turn time |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cook, DuPage, Lake | $650 | $650 | $700 | $850 | 7 business days |
| Most of Illinois | $650 | $650 | $700 | $850 | 10 business days |
| Alexander, Hancock, Johnson, Marion, Wayne, White | $750 | $750 | $800 | $950 | 12 business days |
VA fee and timeliness schedule, effective May 1, 2026. These are the most an appraiser can charge for a standard VA appraisal.
Who pays the VA appraisal fee
- The buyer usually pays it upfront to the lender, often during attorney review.
- The seller can reimburse it at closing. VA counts this as a normal closing-cost credit, not a seller concession, so it does not use up the 4% concession cap. Closing costs in Chicago.
- If the deal falls through after the appraisal is ordered, the fee is usually not refunded.
Two-flats cost more to appraise
A Chicago two-flat or three-flat costs $850 because the appraiser also reports on market rents. That rent estimate matters: lenders often use 75% of it to help you qualify. Buying a two-flat with a VA loan.
What the 7-day turn time means for your closing
In Cook, DuPage and Lake, the appraiser has 7 business days from assignment to deliver the report. If the value looks low, VA’s Tidewater process adds two business days for your lender to send comparable sales. Build both into a 30- to 45-day closing. How the VA appraisal works.
Common questions
How much is a VA appraisal in Chicago?
$650 for a single-family home or condo and $850 for a two- to four-unit building under VA’s schedule effective May 1, 2026. A manufactured home is $700.
How long does a VA appraisal take in Cook County?
VA gives appraisers 7 business days in Cook, DuPage and Lake counties, versus 10 in most of Illinois.
Can the seller pay the VA appraisal fee?
Yes. A seller can credit it at closing as a normal closing cost. It does not count toward VA’s 4% seller concession limit.
Sources
What will your VA funding fee be?
Enter a price and down payment to see the 2026 fee, or check whether you are exempt.
An independent guide. Not affiliated with or endorsed by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, and not a lender. General information, not legal, tax or financial advice.