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Housing Help for Ex-Forces: How to get on the Property Ladder

Created on 23 Jan 2025

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Updated on 29 Jan 2025

After years of military quarters staring at those infamous flowery curtains and magnolia walls, the idea of owning your own home can be both exciting and daunting. How do you make that dream a reality? Buying a home will probably be one of the biggest financial decisions you’ll ever make so it is important to understand your options and know what you are entitled to and who can support you so you can feel confident you have made the right decision.

Still serving? Forces Help to Buy Scheme

The Government’s Forces Help to Buy Scheme is a fantastic initiative designed to help personnel get onto the property ladder. Through this scheme you can borrow up to 50% of their annual salary (to a maximum of £25,000). This can be used towards a deposit and other associated costs such as solicitor’s and estate agent’s fees. The scheme launched in April 2014 and has now become permanent, and is available to all regular personnel.

Am I entitled to the Forces Help to Buy Scheme?

The scheme is open to all regular personnel who:

  • have completed the pre-requisite length of service
  • are not a reservist or a member of the Military Provost Guard Service
  • have more than six months left to serve at the time they apply
  • meet the right medical categories

However, there may be exceptions to these criteria, especially where there are special medical and personal circumstances.

How do I apply?

You need to apply for the scheme through JPA (Joint Personnel Administration system). 

 

Buying your first home once you’ve left the military

If you or your partner have already left the military, navigating the housing marked can feel overwhelming – it can be difficult to know where to even start. So we’ve narrowed it down to the key advice and FAQs you need and we can point you in the right direction of experts who can help you further. Here is a breakdown of key steps and resources to help make the process easier.

Step 1: Seek Expert Advice

A mortgage broker or adviser can guide you through the home-buying process and help you find the best mortgage options available. Look for military mortgage specialists or brokers familiar with the Forces Help to Buy Scheme, such as Forces Mutual.

We recommend you enlist the help of a mortgage broker or adviser. They can advise which mortgage is best for you and guide you through the whole process. Search for experts in the Forces Help To Buy Scheme or ​​military mortgage specialists who provide advice to Armed Forces families, such as Forces Mutual. 

Step 2: What Help to Buy schemes are available to me?

As well as Forces Help to Buy Scheme, the Government has a number of schemes to help people get onto the property ladder, including:

These schemes can provide financial assistance, making home ownership more affordable.

Step 3: Do I need to have a good credit score to buy a house?

In short, yes. Your credit score plays a huge role in securing a mortgage. If you haven’t already, it is advised you check your credit score before you start the mortgage process, your mortgage advisor or broker will no doubt advise you of this. The higher the credit score number, the mortgage deals you will be offered. Check out Money Advice Service for further information on how to check your credit score and how to improve it if needed. 

Step 4: How do I choose a home that is right for me and my family?

It’s a huge decision that will differ for everyone but we recommend starting with the following questions to help make that decision and begin your search:

  1. What can you afford? Probably the most important question to start with! Establish a realistic budget before starting.
  2. Where do I want to live? Don’t just think about whether it is a nice area, consider work opportunities, schools, amenities, good transport links etc.
  3. New build or fixer-upper? Can you afford to renovate or do you want to move into a new build or a house that needs little work?
  4. How much space do I need? Think about bedrooms, garden space, parking and future needs.
  5. Is there potential for an extension? If you might expand later, factor this into your decision.

What is the difference between leasehold and freehold?

It is really important that you know whether the property is freehold or leasehold as it may sway your decision to buy. 

  • Freehold: You own the property and land outright
  • Leasehold property: You own the property for a fixed amount of time, leasing it from a landlord who owns the whole building or land it's built on.

Still Undecided? Explore More Housing Options

If you’re still unsure whether buying is for you there are plenty of other options and support services available. Have a look at our guides and resources to explore alternative housing solutions and make an informed decision about your future home.