Veterans Who Buy Homes See Far Higher Net Worth Than Renters

This is not an abstract exercise. It’s a reflection of what the Federal Reserve’s latest numbers are telling us. Homeownership is the single most significant driver of household wealth in America, and veterans who leverage their benefits are uniquely positioned to take advantage.

The VA Loan Advantage

The Department of Veterans Affairs Annual Benefits Report (2023) documented more than 1.2 million active VA guaranteed loans across the country. Each one represents a veteran or servicemember who has been able to buy without a down payment, avoid the costly burden of private mortgage insurance, and often lock in lower rates than the civilian market.

Over the life of a loan, these advantages can save tens of thousands of dollars. Just as importantly, they reduce barriers to entry, giving veterans a faster pathway into the housing market and, in turn, into wealth creation. Additionally, VA loan eligibility can often be restored after selling a home, meaning the benefit isn’t one and done. It can actually be used multiple times to assist veterans and their families with various home purchases over the course of a lifetime.

More Than Just a Home

Owning a home provides more than financial benefits. For many veterans transitioning into civilian life, a home represents stability, predictability, and a sense of belonging. A fixed rate mortgage keeps monthly housing costs steady, even as rents climb. A home can also serve as collateral for future needs from funding education, helping to pay for retirement, an automobile or even starting a small business.

The financial story remains the most compelling. In 2025, with homeowners now averaging a net worth of $430,000 compared with renters’ $10,000 net worth, the decision to buy or rent is no longer just about lifestyle. It’s about building a future.

The VA Loan Bottom Line

Veterans have already earned the right to use their VA loan benefit. The question is whether they’ll take the step to put it to work. The latest numbers from the Federal Reserve and independent researchers make it clear that veterans who buy homes put themselves on a path to significantly higher net worth than those who rent.

Homeownership is not guaranteed wealth, but for veterans, it is a proven foundation. With the VA loan as a powerful tool, those who served have a chance to turn their sacrifice into long term security and prosperity for themselves, their families and generations to come.