Forces Help to Buy Scheme

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Article created by Christian Duncan, Director – Mortgage and Protection Adviser
Last updated 16th January 2024

Forces Help to Buy Scheme 2023

Owning a home is a cornerstone of stability and a symbol of personal achievement that resonates deeply with many individuals, including those in military service. The Forces Help to Buy scheme, a transformative policy for service personnel eager to climb the property ladder, has recently been cemented as a permanent offering.

Securing Foundations for Military Homebuyers

Introduced with the noble aim to facilitate and increase home ownership among the ranks, the Forces Help to Buy scheme is steering service members towards a more anchored personal life that complements their mobile career. Effective January 1, 2023, it stands firmly as an enduring policy revealing the government’s recognition of the scheme’s importance.

Forces help to buy overview

The forces Help to Buy Scheme (FHTB) is designed to assist first time buyers or those needing to move to another property usually because they are assigned elsewhere. Regular service personnel will be able to borrow 50% of their salary up to a maximum of £25,000.

The FHTB advance is an interest free loan that is payed back over a period of up to 10 years. This is deduced at source. The forces help to buy loan can be used to assist covering costs such as deposit, surveys and solicitors.

Interest Free
10 Year Term or Less to pay it back
Borrow up to 50% of your annual salary up to a maximum of £25,000
Open to those who are in regular service

Eligibility

You must have served for a minimum of 2 years
You must have more than 6 months service remaining at the point of application
The property you are buying must be in the United Kingdom
You are not a reservist
You are not a military provost guard
You have not drawn any terminal benefits

The Journey Begins: Applying for Forces Help to Buy

Embarking on the voyage to homeownership is a landmark life decision. Service personnel are urged to initiate their Forces Help to Buy application via the Joint Personnel Administration (JPA) system, harnessing the convenience of self-service applications and detailed in the JPA Self Service User Guide.

Mortgage affordability for forces help to buy

The forces help to buy scheme effectively offers an interest free loan that can be used as a deposit to secure your first home. This is repaid interest free over a set period of time. The monthly repayments will be factored into your income and affordability assessment with all lenders.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the Forces Help to Buy scheme 2023? The 2023 iteration of the Forces Help to Buy scheme is a continued effort to empower military personnel with the means to purchase their own homes. It provides an interest-free loan of up to £25,000, reinforcing the goal of military home ownership.

What is a Forces Help to Buy? Forces Help to Buy is a government-backed initiative, specifically designed for service personnel, providing an interest-free loan that can be used towards purchasing a property, aiding those in the military to stabilise their living conditions and build equity.

Can I use Lisa and Forces Help to Buy? Combining financial tools, such as the Lifetime ISA (LISA) with the Forces Help to Buy, may be possible, offering a composite strategy for accumulating the funds needed for property purchase. Prospective buyers should explore the interoperability of these schemes to maximise their benefits.

Can you leave the military with Forces Help to Buy? Leaving the military while having utilised the Forces Help to Buy scheme could come with certain obligations or conditions that need to be fulfilled. It is crucial for service members to be fully aware of the terms and commitments that may be impacted by their departure from service.

In Summary

The Forces Help to Buy scheme is a ladder to the milestone of homeownership for our deserving servicemen and women. The policy reflects a pledge to the Lifetime Covenant, and the nation’s gratitude towards its defenders. If this is of interest to you please complete the contact form above.