Should I Rent or Buy While Stationed at Fort Bragg?
- Cassie Callahan
- Sep 18
- 3 min read
Updated: Sep 19
It’s one of the first questions military families ask when they get PCS orders to Fort Bragg(formerly Fort Liberty): “Should we rent or buy?”
The truth is—there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. The right decision depends on your financial goals, your timeline, and your comfort level with owning a home. Let’s break down the pros and cons of renting versus buying in the Fayetteville area so you can make the best choice for your situation.
Renting Near Fort Bragg
✅ Pros of Renting:
Flexibility: Easy to move when orders change without worrying about selling.
Lower upfront costs: No down payment, closing costs, or repair expenses.
Less responsibility: Landlord handles major maintenance and repairs.
❌ Cons of Renting:
No equity building: Monthly rent payments don’t go toward ownership.
Rent increases: Landlords can raise rent when leases renew.
Limited personalization: You can’t always update or customize the property.
Renting is often best for service members expecting a short stay (1–2 years) or those still building financial stability.
Buying Near Fort Bragg
✅ Pros of Buying:
Equity & wealth building: Each mortgage payment builds long-term value.
VA loan benefits: Eligible military buyers can purchase with $0 down and no PMI, making homeownership more accessible.
Rental potential after PCS: Many service members keep their Fayetteville home and rent it out, creating an investment property.
Stability: No landlord restrictions, rent hikes, or sudden lease terminations.
❌ Cons of Buying:
Upfront costs: Even with a VA loan, you’ll still have closing costs and moving expenses.
Maintenance responsibility: Repairs and upkeep are your responsibility.
Market risk: If orders come quickly, you may need to rent out or sell the home during a less favorable market.
Buying is often best for families planning to stay 3+ years, those ready to invest in property, or anyone interested in turning a home into a long-term rental.
What’s the Fayetteville Market Like in 2025?
Median home price: Around $240K–$250K
Average rent: $1,400–$1,600 for a 3-bedroom single-family home
Market speed: Homes go under contract in 2–3 weeks
With steady demand from military families and renters, many Fort Bragg homeowners successfully rent their properties after PCS—making buying a strategic move.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: How long should I plan to stay in a home before buying? A: Ideally, at least 3 years. That gives you time to build equity and offset closing costs. If you’re open to renting it out later, buying sooner can still make sense.
Q: What happens if I get PCS orders and can’t sell? A: Many families choose to rent their home instead. Fayetteville’s strong rental demand makes this a viable backup plan.
Q: Can I use a VA loan more than once? A: Yes. As long as you have entitlement available, you can use your VA loan multiple times—even keep your Fort Liberty home and use a VA loan again in the future.
Q: Is it cheaper to buy or rent in Fayetteville right now? A: In many cases, mortgage payments (especially with a VA loan) are comparable to or slightly lower than rent. The difference is that ownership builds equity instead of paying a landlord.
Q: What’s the biggest financial mistake to avoid? A: Buying without a long-term plan. Even if you’re not in Fayetteville forever, knowing whether you’ll sell or rent later helps you choose the right property from the start.
Final Thoughts
Both renting and buying have their advantages. The best choice depends on how long you’ll be stationed at Fort Bragg, your financial readiness, and your long-term goals.
If you’d like to run the numbers for your specific situation—or explore neighborhoods near base that make sense for both living and investing—let’s talk.
📲 Call me at 910-916-9315📧 Email: cassie@birchandbeamrealty.com📲 Follow me on Instagram @closewithcassie_nc for local housing tips and updates.
Close with Cassie. Buy smart. Rent wise. Invest confidently.
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