Unlike my past experiences there were no periods when there wasn't someone available who could help me in a knowledgeable way.
The Forces Help to Buy (FHTB) scheme was introduced by the Ministry of Defence in April 2014 to help eligible Regular Service personnel buy a home. Designed to make home ownership more affordable, the scheme provides an interest-free advance to help eligible service personnel cover the costs of buying a home.
If you're serving in the Armed Forces and planning to buy a home using the Forces Help to Buy scheme, get in touch with our Residential Conveyancing team today.
Call: 01329 288 121
Email: enquiries@warnergoodman.co.uk
The Forces Help to Buy (FHTB) scheme is a Ministry of Defence initiative designed to make home ownership more accessible for eligible Regular Service personnel.
If you're eligible, you can borrow up to 50% of your annual salary, including certain recruitment and retention payments, up to a maximum of £25,000. The advance is interest-free and is normally repaid through monthly salary deductions over a period of up to ten years.
The funding can be used towards many of the costs involved in buying a home, including:
The scheme can help first-time buyers get onto the property ladder, but it can also support eligible service personnel who are moving home or need to buy a property because of changing circumstances.
Although being approved for the Forces Help to Buy scheme can strengthen your position as a buyer, you'll still need to arrange a mortgage with a lender. Mortgage providers will assess your application using their own lending criteria, so it's worth checking that they accept the scheme before applying.
The Ministry of Defence sets the eligibility criteria for the Forces Help to Buy scheme, so it's worth checking the latest guidance before you apply.
In general, you'll need to:
If you're unsure whether you qualify, your Chain of Command or personnel office should be able to confirm your eligibility before you begin the application process.
Applying for the Forces Help to Buy scheme is relatively straightforward. Once your FHTB application has been approved, your solicitor will need to request the funds from the Ministry of Defence before your completion date.
The process typically involves:
Every property purchase is different, but we'll guide you through each stage, explain everything clearly and keep you updated, so you always know what comes next.
Buying a home while serving in the Armed Forces often comes with additional challenges. You may be working around deployments, exercises, overseas postings or tight completion deadlines. We've helped many military personnel buy homes over the years, so we understand the extra planning that's often involved.
We can help by:
 | Acting on property purchases using the Forces Help to Buy scheme |
| Handling conveyancing for first-time buyers and home movers |
| Liaising with your mortgage lender and everyone involved in your purchase |
| Requesting your FHTB funds from the Ministry of Defence |
| Reviewing contracts and carrying out all necessary legal searches |
| Managing exchange of contracts and completion |
| Supporting clients who are based overseas or on active deployment |
We'll explain everything clearly, keep you informed throughout your purchase and work proactively to help avoid unnecessary delays.
No. The Forces Help to Buy scheme became a permanent Ministry of Defence scheme in January 2023 and continues to help eligible Regular Service personnel buy a home.
Yes. The scheme isn't just for first-time buyers. Eligible service personnel may also be able to use it when moving home or in other qualifying circumstances.
The advance can be used towards many of the costs involved in buying a home, including your deposit, conveyancing fees, survey fees and certain moving costs. It can't be used to buy furniture, appliances or household items.
The scheme can only be used to buy an eligible residential property. It must be a mortgageable home of standard construction, located in the UK, Channel Islands or Isle of Man (and in some cases, the Republic of Ireland). It cannot be used to buy commercial property, mobile homes, caravans or houseboats.
Yes. Forces Help to Buy is an interest-free salary advance rather than a mortgage. Most buyers will still need a mortgage from a lender to complete their purchase.
Yes. We regularly act for members of the Armed Forces who are based overseas or away on deployment. We'll work with you remotely by phone, email and secure electronic communication wherever possible.
In some circumstances, yes. Whether you can combine the schemes will depend on the eligibility requirements of each one, so it's worth taking advice before you apply.
Not usually. If your partner owns a property in their sole name, it won't normally affect your Forces Help to Buy application. If you're unsure how your circumstances may impact your eligibility, it's worth checking the latest Ministry of Defence guidance before you apply.
If you're planning to leave the Armed Forces before your loan has been repaid, you should check the Ministry of Defence's current repayment requirements, as these will depend on your individual circumstances.
Buying a home is an important milestone, and having the right legal support can make all the difference. We'll explain the process clearly, keep your purchase moving and be on hand whenever you have a question.
When you choose Warner Goodman LLP, you'll benefit from:
| A trusted law firm with over 170 years of history |
| Specialist knowledge of the Forces Help to Buy scheme |
| Rated 'Excellent' on ReviewSolicitors.co.uk, based on over 1,000 reviews |
| Accredited with the Law Society's Conveyancing Quality Scheme (CQS) |
| Fully regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) |
Whether you're buying your first home or moving to your next, we'll be with you from your first conversation through to the day you collect your keys.
Call: 01329 288 121
Email: enquiries@warnergoodman.co.uk
Supporting the Armed Forces community is important to us. As a thank you for your service, we offer a 5% discount on our Residential Conveyancing legal fees for eligible members of the Armed Forces and Blue Light community.
If you're eligible, simply let us know, and we'll apply your discount to your conveyancing quote.
To speak to one of our experts please call us
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