The tricky thing about getting a mortgage when you’re a serving forces member is that your lifestyle is somewhat different from someone with a 9-5 job.

The good news is that from 1st January 2023 the Forces Help to Buy Scheme was made a permanent policy. Also, mortgage lenders do recognise that there may be certain circumstances that make your mortgage different and are prepared for this.

What is the Forces Help to Buy Scheme?

‘The aim of this scheme is to address the low rate of home ownership within the armed forces, as well as meeting the aims of the Defence Accommodation Strategy in recognising the positive impact owning a home can have during an inherently mobile career.’ FHTB

As service personnel, you can borrow up to 50% of your salary up to a maximum of £25,000, interest free, towards the purchase of your home. This can be used to buy your first home, move to another property on assignment, or respond to your family’s changing needs.

To qualify, the Government specifies some criteria are met by 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.

Special medical and personal circumstances may also be taken into account.

Which mortgage lenders offer armed forces mortgages?

MK Mortgages is a whole of market mortgage advisor. This means that we have access to mortgage products that you won’t find on the compare sites, or the high street. So, if you do find a mortgage lender offering an armed forces mortgage, that still may not be the one that is right for you.

Why does MK Mortgages particularly care about the armed forces?

Our founder, Marc Kavanagh is an ex-military man himself. Serving over 17 years in the Scots Guards he understands from a personal perspective the nuances of home ownership in the forces. To that end Marc has supported many families onto the property ladder in this country while posted abroad, repatriation into a new home and finding a mortgage while exiting the military.

To speak to Marc about your circumstances and position regarding home ownership while in the armed forces, please call 01869 390490 for fee-free* research and guidance.

If you’d like to read more about why we don’t charge you for our mortgage advice, please read our blog: No-fee mortgage advice, but HOW can we do that?

*Whilst our advice and guidance is free to you throughout the process, we do receive a commission from the lenders for every mortgage we arrange.