Waiting on Base Housing on Oahu? Could Buying Make Sense?

Waiting on base housing? It sounds like the wait is the hard part.

How long is the wait for base housing on Oahu?

On Oahu, Army family housing says you “could have no waiting at all, or you may wait as long as 14 months.” That’s a long time to live in limbo. The wait depends on the time of year, your rank and the number of bedrooms you need. Marine Corps Base Hawaii and Navy housing have their own waitlists, so ask each housing office for a current estimate. The Marine Corps Base Hawaii Family Housing Office is at (808) 257-2676.

What if your housing allowance could build equity?

While you wait, one question is worth asking: what if your housing allowance could build equity instead of paying a landlord? For an eligible service member, a VA loan can mean 0% down. The monthly BAH you get when you live off base is yours either way.

For some families, buying can make sense, and for others it doesn’t. How would you know which one you are? It starts with running your real numbers.

Questions military families ask about buying while waiting

How long is the wait for Army family housing on Oahu? Army family housing in Hawaii says you could have no waiting at all, or you may wait as long as 14 months, depending on the time of year, rank and bedrooms needed.

Can I buy a home with no money down? An eligible service member can use a VA loan, which can mean 0% down. Loan approval, rates and eligibility vary, so talk to a lender.

Do I still get BAH if I buy? In general, BAH is paid to service members who live off base, whether they rent or buy. The amount depends on your rank, dependents and duty location.

Will buying always save me money? No. For some families buying can make sense, and for others it doesn’t. That is why running your real numbers comes first.

Message me, and I’ll walk through it with you. No pressure. I’ll gladly introduce you to a few different lenders who work with military families, so you can compare. Book a call: https://calendly.com/coastalhe

Ana-Maria Contis (B)

Coastal Homes & Estates, brokered by eXp Realty

808-800-7821

Information only. Loan approval, rates and eligibility vary. Talk to your lender.

Sources: Military OneSource (Schofield Barracks and Fort Shafter government housing), Marine Corps Base Hawaii Family Housing Office, VA.gov (home loans). Details change, so confirm with each office.