The simplest answer is no. Buying a house on a military base is not possible because the government most likely owns the houses in the base area. It is unlikely that any of the properties within the base would be available for sale. You may live in military housing, but you cannot own any of the properties there. With that said, you can still buy a house while in the military, but it will have to be off base.
Alternative to Buying a House on a Military Base
Since buying a house on a military base isn’t an option, the alternative would be to purchase a house outside the base. Based on statistics, an average of 38% of service members own their homes. This shows that many do see a benefit in buying their home, even as active duty service members. So, why should you buy a house?
- Quality housing – Most of the time, the barracks and dormitories are old and need constant repairs. Depending on your rank, you will also need to share living spaces with multiple people. This is why it is definitely better to buy your own home if you are looking for high-quality living. Moreover, unlike military housing, buying your own home allows you to choose what features or amenities you want in your house (i.e., backyard, 3 bedrooms, etc.).
- Settling Down – As an active duty service member, you are used to frequent moves in your career, which is why you may be drawn to the appeal of putting down roots and buying your own home. Consequently, officers prepare for their future by finding a place they can settle down in.
- Independence – While there are many perks to living within your military community, several active duty service members want some form of independence by buying their own homes. Not only is it a good investment for your future, but it also allows you to connect with a wider community. The advantage of living off base is that there are fewer restrictions.
- Affordable Mortgage Payments – You may be surprised that owning a home sometimes comes out cheaper than renting. This is especially true if you use VA home loans to purchase your house. You will find that there is little to no down payment and that there are no monthly mortgage insurance premiums. You can also negotiate better interest rates since the Department of Veteran Affairs guarantees your purchase in a way.
Looking at it now, there are certainly many benefits to living off base, but it is still best to consult with real estate experts to weigh in the financial risks you will be taking on. It is all about finding the right time for you and your family. While buying a house on a military base is not something you can do, there is a way to get the next best thing.
