Should I Buy or Rent When PCSing to Fort Leavenworth, KS?
Should military members rent or buy?
There’s no one‑size‑fits‑all answer — both renting and buying can be smart moves depending on your orders, finances, and long‑term goals. The key is understanding how your military benefits, PCS cycles, and personal plans factor into the decision.
Why This Decision Is Different for Military Members
Active‑duty service members and veterans face a housing landscape that’s not quite like the civilian world. Frequent moves (PCS), deployments, and access to unique benefits like VA loans mean the rent vs. buy decision needs to be tailored to your service life and goals.
Your Basic Housing Allowance (BAH) Helps Either Way
Whether you rent or buy off‑base, your BAH goes toward your housing costs. For some, BAH covers rent easily; for others, it can be used toward a mortgage payment that builds equity instead of going to a landlord.
When Renting Makes Sense for Military Members
1. You Expect to Receive New Orders Soon
If your PCS could come in 12–24 months or less, renting is often the safer option. Selling a home shortly after buying can lead to financial loss once closing costs and market movement are factored in.
2. You Want Flexibility and Lower Up‑Front Costs
Renting typically requires just a security deposit and first month’s rent — much less than the closing costs on a home. You also avoid property taxes, maintenance, and major repairs.
3. PCS & Deployment Changes Are Likely
Most leases near bases include a military or Service‑Member clause allowing you to break the lease with PCS orders. This keeps your housing choices flexible without heavy penalties.
When Buying Could Be the Better Move
1. You Plan to Stay More Than 3 Years
If you expect to stay in station long enough — generally at least 3–5 years — buying usually makes more financial sense because you have time to build equity and recover closing costs. Tools like rent vs. buy calculators can help run the numbers.
2. You Can Use a VA Loan
VA loans are one of the biggest perks of military service — no down payment, no private mortgage insurance (PMI), and generally competitive rates make home buying more accessible than for most civilians.
3. You Want Financial Benefits Long Term
Owning a home can improve your credit over time and lets you build equity instead of paying rent. If your BAH covers a large part (or all) of the mortgage, you’re turning what might have been rent into investment in your future.
Weighing the Pros and Cons Side‑by‑Side
| Renting | Buying |
|---|---|
| Lower upfront costs | Builds equity over time |
| More flexibility for PCS | Fixed mortgage vs. rising rent |
| Maintenance responsibility lies with landlord | Potential tax advantages |
| No long‑term commitment | Ability to customize your home |
| Must move at lease end | Requires careful planning for PCS |
Tips for Making the Right Decision
Calculate realistically: Use rent vs. buy calculators and factor in BAH, closing costs, and your PCS timeline.
Understand your benefits: Talk with a lender familiar with VA loans and military finances.
Plan for the unexpected: Even if you buy, have a strategy for what happens when orders come — sell, rent out the property, or let a property manager handle it.
Final Takeaway
There isn’t a universal answer to whether military members should rent or buy. Instead, assess your PCS timeline, financial situation, and personal goals to choose the right path for your military journey. Renting gives you flexibility and lower entry costs — buying offers investment potential and equity growth, especially when you leverage military‑specific benefits like the VA loan.
If you’re navigating a PCS or considering your next housing move, I can help you analyze your options. Download a PCS relocation guide that walks you through every decision — from rent vs. buy to moving logistics. Let’s make it easier for you!
