How PCS Moves Impact Your VA Loan Options (And How to Prepare)

A VA loan and PCS move often go hand in hand for active-duty military families. PCS (Permanent Change of Station) orders can arrive with little warning—and that creates major pressure when it comes to finding housing fast. The good news? You can absolutely use your VA loan benefit to buy a home at your new duty station. At Veterans Mortgage Solutions, we help service members navigate these unique situations to secure housing quickly, affordably, and stress-free. Whether it’s your first PCS or your fifth, understanding your VA loan options in advance will help you act with confidence.

When you receive PCS orders, one of your biggest decisions is whether to rent or buy. Many military families assume that buying isn’t possible due to time constraints—but VA loans are designed to support mobility. You can use your benefit to purchase a primary residence at the new location, even before you officially relocate. By getting pre-approved with a lender like Veterans Mortgage Solutions, you’ll know your buying power and can make competitive offers remotely if needed. This is especially valuable when moving into competitive markets with limited rental inventory. Start your journey by reviewing the VA Loan Eligibility requirements.

To make the process easier, it’s critical to work with a VA lender who understands PCS and VA home loan logistics. You’ll need to provide a copy of your PCS orders, verify your intent to occupy the home, and may be asked to provide proof of relocation, such as updated LES documents. Many lenders, including us, offer remote closing and digital document submission so you don’t have to pause your relocation plan to handle paperwork. Learn how we simplify this at each step by reviewing our VA Loan Process page.

Another common question is whether your VA loan is transferable. While you can’t transfer your existing loan to a new home, you can reuse your VA loan benefit as long as the previous loan is paid off or assumed by another eligible veteran. This makes it easy to sell or rent out your old property while starting fresh in your new city. If your COE (Certificate of Eligibility) is still active, you’re eligible to apply right now. To begin, go to our Apply Now page or visit VA.gov Home Loans for official guidance on PCS-related homeownership.