Forces Help to Buy and mortgage applications

What the scheme currently offers

GOV.UK states that eligible personnel can borrow up to 50% of annual salary, capped at £25,000, interest free. The advance can be used toward a property purchase, including the deposit and costs such as solicitor or estate-agent fees.

It is separate from the mortgage and must be disclosed to the lender and conveyancer. The lender decides how the advance and its repayment affect deposit acceptance and affordability.

Headline eligibility

The public MOD guidance says regular personnel must:

• have completed the required length of service;
• not be a reservist or member of the Military Provost Guard Service;
• have more than six months left to serve when applying; and
• meet the relevant medical categories.

Exceptions can apply in special medical or personal circumstances. JSP 464 and the JPA process are the authoritative sources for a particular applicant; do not rely on a mortgage website for service eligibility.

How to apply

1. 1. Check the current policy. Review JSP 464 and your position with the JPA or personnel contact.
2. 2. Apply through JPA. Use the Forces Help to Buy self-service process and obtain pre-approval.
3. 3. Tell the broker and lender. Provide the approval and exact repayment commitment for affordability.
4. 4. Coordinate with the conveyancer. Confirm when the funds are available and what completion evidence is needed.
5. 5. Keep timing realistic. The MOD notes that the exceptional paper route should reach DBS at least six weeks before expected completion.

What a mortgage lender may assess

• basic pay and any allowances it accepts as sustainable income;
• the Forces Help to Buy repayment and other committed expenditure;
• future postings, accommodation or occupancy arrangements;
• remaining service, planned discharge and post-service income where relevant;
• credit history, deposit evidence and property type; and
• whether the chosen product accepts the advance under its deposit rules.

There is no universal “military-friendly” lender ranking. Current product criteria and the applicant's circumstances determine the shortlist.

Using other schemes or savings

A Lifetime ISA, First Homes property, Shared Ownership purchase or high-LTV mortgage has its own rules. Do not assume combinations are accepted. Check the government scheme, lender, MOD and conveyancer requirements together before reserving a property. Under First Homes, qualifying Armed Forces groups can be exempt from local connection or key-worker criteria while the other national eligibility rules still apply.

Documents to prepare

• Forces Help to Buy pre-approval and current repayment details;
• service and pay statements, including evidence for allowances;
• bank statements and any additional deposit evidence;
• identity, address and posting information;
• property reservation or memorandum of sale; and
• details of expected service changes that could affect income or occupancy.