One of the perks of joining the military is the potential to travel and visit far-off destinations. You get to see and experience the world in a whole new way. But what if you found somewhere you absolutely loved and wanted to make your stay less temporary? Can you use a VA mortgage loan outside of the U.S. to buy a home? Here’s what you need to know.
Can I Buy a Home Abroad with a VA Mortgage Loan?
Unfortunately, you cannot use a VA mortgage loan to buy a home in another country. VA loans can only be used to buy properties within the United States or U.S. territories.
If you are stationed overseas, you can still use a VA loan. But the property you buy must be located in the U.S. or one of its territories.
U.S. Territories Where You Can Use a VA Loan
That being said, there are plenty of interesting places where could use your VA loan that are not within the continental U.S. Buying a home in a U.S. territory may give you some of the experience you’re looking for, and you’ll still get to purchase the property using your VA benefits. Here are some of the U.S. territories where you can use a VA loan:
The American Samoa
The American Samoa is a U.S. territory that consists of seven islands and atolls in the South Pacific. Five of the islands are volcanic and two are coral atolls. The American Samoa has a strong military community. Out of all the U.S. states and territories, it has one of the highest rates of enlistment.
Guam
If you’ve always dreamed of living in the tropics, you may want to consider using your VA mortgage loan to buy a home in Guam. Guam is a U.S. island territory in Micronesia, located in the Southwest Pacific. Guam offers residents a relaxed, laid back lifestyle and beautiful tropical beaches.
The Northern Mariana Islands
The Northern Mariana Islands are a U.S Commonwealth. The Mariana Islands are very quiet, peaceful, and safe and offer beautiful beaches and mountainous landscapes.
Puerto Rico
Puerto Rico has become a very popular destination for military retirees. Not only are the beaches stunning, but the nightlife, food, and culture are equally exciting.
The U.S. Virgin Islands
The U.S. Virgin Islands are located east of Puerto Rico in the Caribbean Ocean. Though the cost of living in the U.S. Virgin Islands is slightly higher than the continental U.S., many people choose to move here anyway due to the amazing culture, tropical beaches, and low crime rate.
Learn More
For more information about VA mortgage loans, please contact our office.
