House hacking, how long do I need to live in the property?

Question

So I understand that I need to live in the property for at least 1 year but do I need to live in that property 24/7?

1. I was thinking of living with my family members in their properties for free.

2. I was also thinking of living in the barracks because the army already pays for it.

3. Can I take vacations or do I need to live in that property all day?

Andrew Caballero · Answer

I'm not sure, thats a great question and that type of curiosity will serve you well. Without research into the subject I lean towards no, only because of the definition of primary in context of primary residences. I could be wrong. if you come across some good info please share.

Fahadbin Alam · Answer

@Andrew Caballero Can you have 2 primary residences?

Andrew Caballero · Answer

Hi current AD myself, some thoughts when I read your post.

To answer your first question: "So I understand that I need to live in the property for at least 1 year but do I need to live in that property 24/7?"  VA loans require that be your main residence for 1 year min. https://www.veteransunited.com... :

VA Loan Occupancy Requirements

Veterans and active duty personnel who secure a VA loan have to certify that they intend to personally occupy the property as a primary residence. Essentially, homebuyers have 60 days, which the VA considers a “reasonable time,” to occupy the home after the loan closes."

There are some exceptions, check out the link above.

"1. I was thinking of living with my family members in their properties for free." - this violates the primary resisdence requirement. You are not allowed to use the propertery for investment or vacation purposes for that 1 year.

"2. I was also thinking of living in the barracks because the army already pays for it." this will get you in trouble with the military. The military provides housing, either barracks or BAH or in travel or school situations a hotel. you cannot double dip. also to recieve BAH you have to check out of the barracks.

"3. Can I take vacations or do I need to live in that property all day?" Take what ever vacations you want as long as your primary resisdence is where the VA loan property is.