WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. —There is strong demand for homeownership among military families, even as affordability challenges continue to keep many prospective buyers on the sidelines, according to a new survey from NewDay USA.
The organization said its 2026 Military Homebuyer Readiness Survey found that 68% of respondents who do not currently own a home view purchasing one as a major life milestone, underscoring what the company described as sustained interest in homeownership during the spring buying season.
At the same time, the survey highlights the importance of the Department of Veterans Affairs home loan program. According to NewDay USA, 47% of respondents who have used a VA loan said they would not have been able to purchase a home without it, while 98% reported satisfaction with the program.
Significant Barrier
Despite that demand, affordability remains a significant barrier. Among non-homeowners surveyed, just 7% said they feel fully ready to buy a home in 2026, and 49% said homeownership feels out of reach, according to NewDay USA. The most commonly cited obstacles were rising home prices (62%), insufficient income (55%) and difficulty saving for upfront costs (49%).
The survey also found that financial pressures are widespread, with 52% of respondents reporting more than $5,000 in high-interest debt. Among active-duty service members, that figure rises to 50% carrying more than $10,000, NewDay USA said.
NewDay USA reported that reducing upfront costs could significantly influence buying decisions. Forty percent of respondents said they would be more likely to purchase a home if down payments and closing costs were eliminated, while 45% said they lack sufficient savings to cover closing costs.
VA Loan Findings
The survey pointed to both awareness and gaps in understanding of VA loan benefits, finding:
- A majority of respondents said they are familiar with the program, and 60% recognized that VA loans typically offer lower interest rates than conventional mortgages.
- 71% of service members said they understand that Basic Allowance for Housing can be used toward mortgage qualification income, according to NewDay USA.
- However, 55% of respondents held at least one misconception about the VA loan program, including 30% who were unaware that it does not require a down payment.
Rear Adm. Thomas Lynch, executive chairman of NewDay USA, said the findings highlight the need to improve access to information and guidance for veterans seeking to buy homes.
The survey was conducted online by Researchscape between Feb. 18 and March 7 and included 1,238 current and former U.S. service members, according to NewDay USA.
