Buying A Home While in the Military: What You Need to Know
Buying a home is an exciting milestone, but for military families, the journey can come with unique challenges and financial opportunities. Frequent relocations, deployment schedules, and timing considerations can make the process feel overwhelming — but it doesn’t have to be.
At Ernest Homes, we’re honored to support the men and women who serve our nation. Over the years, we’ve worked with many military buyers and are committed to making the homebuying experience as smooth and empowering as possible.
From understanding the Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) to exploring the advantages of VA loans, this guide will help you confidently navigate buying a home while on active duty or transitioning out of service.
Understanding the Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH)
The Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) is a tax-free monthly housing stipend provided to service members when base housing is unavailable. BAH amounts vary depending on rank, duty station, and dependency status.
BAH can significantly reduce the out-of-pocket cost of owning a home. If your BAH exceeds local rent averages, purchasing a home may allow you to:
- Build long-term equity
- Stabilize monthly housing costs
- Invest in a property you may later rent out during PCS moves
To calculate BAH by rank and location, you may reference the official Defense Travel Management Office (DTMO): BAH Calculator (Official DoD Site)
VA Loans: A Powerful Benefit for Military Buyers
VA loans, backed by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, offer some of the most buyer-friendly terms available. Benefits include:
- No down payment required
- No private mortgage insurance (PMI), even with 0% down
- Competitive interest rates
- Flexible credit requirements
While these advantages make VA loans extremely attractive, service members should also review eligibility requirements and VA funding fee details. The official VA site provides clear guidance: VA Home Loan Information (VA.gov)
The Pros and Cons of Buying a Home While in the Military
Pros: Building Equity
One of the biggest benefits of buying a home while serving is the ability to build equity instead of paying rent. Many military families also choose to rent out their homes when they receive PCS orders, creating an income stream.
Cons: PCS Timing & Market Changes
The biggest challenge is timing. PCS orders can come unexpectedly, making it difficult to sell or manage a home on short notice. Local market shifts may also influence resale value if you need to relocate quickly.
Timing Considerations
If you expect to remain at your current duty station for three years or more, buying may make financial sense. For shorter tour lengths, renting may be the safer option.
Proximity to Bases
Location is a key factor for military families. Ernest Homes offers communities near major Savannah-area bases, including:
- Fort Stewart
- Hunter Army Airfield
These areas offer a supportive community, convenient commutes, and excellent local amenities. Explore our nearby communities here: View Communities Near Military Bases
Additional Considerations
When purchasing a home, it’s important to plan for:
- Maintenance costs
- Market changes during deployments or PCS orders
- Long-term affordability based on pay grade and BAH
Financial planning tools and local market insights can help you evaluate affordability and determine the best time to purchase.
Connect with Ernest Homes
If you're an active-duty service member, veteran, or military family considering homeownership, we’d be honored to support your journey. Our team understands the unique needs of military buyers and can help simplify every step of the process — from financing to finding the perfect community.
Visit our communities or connect with us to learn more about building your home with Ernest Homes.
