Forces Help to Buy: help to get on the property ladder.
This article summarizes the details of the Armed forces help to buy. This is a pilot scheme that was launched in April 2014 and assists regular armed forces personnel to get onto the property ladder. The scheme has now been extended to 31 December 2022 and it is fantastic to see the government providing continued support to those who serve our country daily.
A short summary of the scheme:
Regular armed forces personnel can benefit from a £200-million scheme to help them get on the property ladder. The ‘Forces Help to Buy’ scheme enables servicemen and service women to borrow up to 50% of their annual salary, allowing them to buy their first home, move to another property on assignment, or as their family needs change. This loan is interest free and the loan period has been extended to 31 December 2022.
Who is eligible for the scheme?
You are eligible to apply for the scheme if you are regular personnel of the armed forces and the following apply:
- You have completed the pre-requisite length of service.
- You have mire than 6 months left to serve at the time of your application.
- You meet the right medical categories.
However, the government acknowledge that every individual has differing circumstances. This means that, if you are regular personnel of the forces, exceptions to the standard rules may be justifiable, especially when there are extenuating medical and/or personal circumstances.
How much can I borrow?
This scheme allows service personnel to borrow up to 50% of their annual salary, to a maximum of £25,000. However, this money must be used towards a deposit and other costs such as solicitor’s and estate agent fees.
How can I apply?
Servicemen and servicewomen can apply for the loan online through the Joint Personnel Administration system and can seek advice on their application though their chain of command and personnel agency.
If you are thinking about buying a home, but you have not done so before, we would advise that you read some general information on how to buy one and understand better how the process works.
