2026 Military Homebuyer Readiness Survey
NewDay USA surveyed 1,238 veterans and service members across all 50 states to better understand what homeownership means to them, including their readiness to buy, their past experiences with the VA Home Loan, and their overall knowledge of the benefit.
What We Found
68%
view homeownership as a major milestonebut nearly half (49%) say it still feels completely out of reach.
98%
satisfied with the VA Home Loan process
49%
of non-homeowners said saving up for upfront costs was a barrier
What Homeownership Means to Those Who Serve
Stability for their family
The #1 reason respondents say they want to own a home
Personal freedom & independence
Homeownership as an expression of earned freedom
A major life milestone
Owning a home ranks among the most meaningful achievements
Privacy and control
Having a space that is truly your own
Building wealth & investment
Respondents see homeownership as a direct path to financial security
A lasting legacy
Leaving something meaningful for the next generation
Important to their net worth
Respondents recognize homeownership as extremely or very important to building wealth
In Their Own Words
"Providing my family a permanent foundation amidst a mobile military lifestyle."
The VA Home Loan Works
The outcomes speak clearly: overwhelming satisfaction and real impact on helping veterans and service members achieve homeownership.
Used a VA Loan
Couldn't Have Bought Without It
Nearly half of respondents who own a home said this benefit made the difference
Approval & Access
Approved working with just 1–2 lenders
Said their real estate agent understood the VA loan process
Said VA.gov was their primary information source
Satisfied with the VA Home Loan process
Financial Barriers & the Cost Effect
We asked respondents who do not own a home about their biggest barriers that stand in their way from achieving homeownership. Here's what they said:
Top Barriers to Homeownership (National)
Saving for Upfront Costs Barrier
49%
Feel homeownership is out of reach
45%
Can't cover closing costs
21%
purchase intent
40%
purchase intent
+19 pts — nearly doubles
Financial Snapshot
have zero savings — no financial cushion at all
saved less than $5K — closing costs typically run 2–6% of purchase price
carry high-interest debt (credit cards, personal & payday loans)
carry severe debt — APR 8%+ across multiple accounts
Transition to Civilian Life
What respondents bring with them when they leave service — and how that shapes their path to homeownership.
46%
Left Service with Less Than $10K Saved
Nearly half of respondents entered civilian life with minimal financial cushion — making upfront homeownership costs a major hurdle.
30%
Credit Score Below 670 at Separation
The VA home loan's flexible credit standards exist for this exact reason — yet many respondents don't know they may already qualify.
32%
Hardly or Not at All Educated on VA Home Loan Benefits
The VA Home Loan was designed for exactly this reality: no down payment, no PMI, flexible credit standards.
The benefit exists to bridge the gap between military service and civilian financial stability.
Education & Awareness
63% of respondents know the VA Home Loan exists — but there's still room to grow. Here's what the data shows.
What Respondents Already Know
63%
A majority of respondents are aware of the VA Home Loan.
60%
Correctly identified that VA Home Loans typically carry a lower interest rate than conventional mortgages.
71%
Among service members, 71% know that Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) can count toward mortgage qualifying income.
1 in 3
Respondents feel well-educated about their VA Home Loan benefit.
Where There's Room to Grow
While awareness is strong, 55% of respondents held at least one misconception about the VA loan — highlighting an opportunity to provide clearer, more accessible information.
68%
Unsure or incorrect about whether a down payment is required with a VA Home Loan.
77%
Were uncertain about PMI requirements. One key benefit is that VA Home Loans eliminate the monthly mortgage insurance conventional loans require with less than 20% down.
29%
Believe VA Home Loans may take longer to close. A common misunderstanding worth addressing
30%
Are unsure if they are eligible for a VA Home Loan.
Understanding the VA Home Loan: Where We Are Today
How awareness differs between Active Duty and Veterans — and where education can help
Readiness to buy in 2026
Active Duty feel more than twice as ready — an opportunity to boost Veteran confidence.
Can cover closing costs
A 34-point difference — showing where targeted support can make the biggest impact.
Where Respondents Learn About VA Home Loans
66%
VA.gov
52%
Military organizations
29%
Lenders
28%
Educational news articles
A Closer Look by State
How key metrics compare to the national average in select states
Survey Methodology
The results are based on an online survey of 1,238 current and former U.S. service members conducted by Researchscape from Feb. 18 to March 7, 2026. Additional survey findings are available here.
Test Yourself
Think you know how the VA Home Loan works? Pick your answer, then see the truth — and how other Veterans responded.
Does a VA Home Loan require a down payment?
The Most Common Misconception
Select an answer to reveal the truth
Ready to Find Out More About VA Home Loans?
The VA Home Loan is not a last-resort option. It is a strategic financial tool built around the realities of military service and designed to lower the cost of homeownership for those who have earned it.
Learn more at NewDay USA
Questions about the survey?
For any questions or more information about the survey, contact us at:
PublicRelations@newdayusa.comSurvey conducted by Researchscape on behalf of NewDay USA, February 18–March 7, 2026. N=1,238 current and former U.S. military service members. Credibility interval ±4 percentage points. Individual lender requirements may vary.