Should Military Members Rent or Buy?

Figuring out whether to rent or buy a home during your military career can feel like a never-ending debate. It’s one of the most common questions I hear, and the truth is, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. The right move depends on your orders, your finances, and your stress level.

Here’s a quick breakdown to help you figure out what’s right for your situation:

Start with a Rent vs. Buy Calculator

Before you start touring homes or signing a lease, punch your numbers into a reputable rent vs. buy calculator (Google has a bunch). This gives you a side-by-side comparison of the cost differences based on how long you plan to stay, local prices, interest rates, and more. It won’t make the decision for you, but it gives you a good gut check.

What Makes Military Homebuyers Unique

Military families deal with constant change. PCS orders, deployments, short-notice moves—you name it. So you’ve got to think about flexibility. Will you be around long enough to build equity? Can you rent the house out if you get orders?

If you do decide to buy, make sure you’ve got a solid exit plan in case you get orders sooner than expected. And work with someone (like me) who gets how the VA loan works and how to protect your interests.

When Renting Makes More Sense

If you're not planning to stay put for at least 2-3 years, or if the market is overpriced and you’re not sure what you want, renting might be your best move. It’s less commitment, and sometimes less stress.

Renting also buys you time to learn the area, especially if you’re new to Hampton Roads. You don’t have to rush into a decision that affects your wallet and your daily life.

Bottom Line

There’s no magic formula that works for everyone. You’ve got to run the numbers, look at your lifestyle, and decide what works best for your family. What made sense at your last duty station might be totally wrong here.

Got PCS orders coming up? Let’s figure out your best move: buy, rent, or base housing.