Forces help to buy mortgages

How does Armed Forces Help to Buy work?

If you’re a dedicated member of the armed forces with dreams of owning your own home, the Forces Help to Buy Mortgage Scheme is your guiding light. At Mortgage Decision, we recognise your commitment and understand the unique challenges you face. That’s why we’re proud to introduce you to a scheme designed exclusively for individuals like you – those who serve our nation selflessly.

Imagine being able to borrow up to half of your annual salary, interest-free, to contribute towards buying your first home, moving to a new residence, or extending your current one. With a maximum borrowing limit of £25,000, this initiative paves the way for you to achieve homeownership without the burden of exorbitant upfront costs.

What sets the Forces Help to Buy Scheme apart is its flexibility. It’s not just about obtaining a loan; it’s about making the journey towards your dream home smoother. Whether you’re starting from scratch or looking to climb the property ladder, this scheme adapts to your needs.

But it’s not just about financial assistance. It’s about empowerment. It’s about recognising your dedication to our nation and providing you with a tangible reward. Our team of experts is well-versed in the Forces Help to Buy Mortgage Scheme’s intricacies. We’re here to guide you through the process, ensuring you have all the information you need to make informed decisions.

What’s more, the Forces Help to Buy loan isn’t solely meant for your deposit. It’s a versatile resource that can be used for various costs associated with home buying, such as estate agency fees, stamp duty, solicitors’ fees, and more. This versatility opens doors to opportunities that might have seemed out of reach before.

The Forces Help to Buy Scheme is embraced by major mortgage lenders, opening your mortgage options and further affirming its credibility and significance. This recognition means that your journey towards owning a home is backed by industry professionals who understand and value your service.

We understand that transitioning to a new home comes with financial considerations. That’s why the Forces Help to Buy loan comes with a repayment period of up to 10 years, alleviating the immediate financial stress and making your homeownership journey more manageable.

At Mortgage Decisions, we’re committed to your journey. We’re here to support you as you take the monumental step towards homeownership. Your dedication deserves to be rewarded, and the Forces Help to Buy Mortgage Scheme is our way of giving back.

To find out more about this Scheme, contact the team on 03454 500200 or email hello@mortgagedecisions.com. We can help you find the right mortgage.

What is the Forces Help to Buy Scheme?

The Forces Help to Buy Scheme is a government-backed initiative in the United Kingdom designed to assist members of the armed forces (Royal Navy, RAF, British Army) in achieving homeownership. It enables eligible military personnel to borrow a deposit of up to half of their annual salary, with a maximum loan amount of £25,000, without incurring interest charges.

This loan can be used towards purchasing their first home, moving to a new residence, or extending their current property. The scheme aims to alleviate the financial burden associated with purchasing a home and provide military personnel with more accessible pathways to becoming homeowners.

How does armed forces Help to Buy work?

The Armed Forces Help to Buy scheme operates by allowing eligible military personnel to borrow a portion of their annual salary as an interest-free loan. This loan serves as a deposit, which can be used to secure a mortgage for a property. The loan is interest-free for the first five years, and after that period, a low interest rate is applied to the outstanding amount.

The repayment of the loan occurs over a maximum period of ten years. This arrangement enables armed forces personnel to enter the property market with a reduced financial burden, making homeownership more achievable.

Who Is eligible to get a Forces Help to Buy mortgage?

To be eligible for a Forces Help to Buy Mortgage, individuals must meet certain criteria set by the Ministry of Defence (MOD) in the United Kingdom. Eligibility requirements typically include:

  • Service status: Applicants should be serving members of the regular armed forces, including the Royal Navy, British Army, and Royal Air Force. Reservists are also eligible if they are mobilised on a permanent basis.
  • Length of service: Generally, applicants should have completed a qualifying length of service, which is typically around two years of service. However, specific service length requirements may vary.
  • Remaining service: Applicants should have at least two years of service remaining from the date of application.
  • Credit and affordability: Like any mortgage application, lenders will assess the applicant’s creditworthiness and affordability to ensure they can meet the mortgage repayments.
  • Property type: The mortgage can be used for various types of properties, including houses and apartments, as long as they meet the lender’s criteria.
  • Previous housing ownership: Generally, applicants should not own a property already, although there might be exceptions for certain circumstances.

How much can be borrowed under the scheme?

Eligible members of the armed forces can borrow up to a maximum of 50% of their annual salary under the Forces Help to Buy Scheme. The borrowing limit is capped at £25,000. This interest-free loan serves as a deposit that can be used towards purchasing a home. The amount borrowed can contribute significantly to covering the initial costs associated with buying a property, such as the deposit, solicitor’s fees, stamp duty, and more.

How to Apply?

Applying for the Forces Help to Buy Scheme involves a few steps:

  1. Check eligibility: Make sure you meet the eligibility criteria set by the Ministry of Defence (MOD) for the scheme. This typically includes criteria related to your service status, length of service, remaining service, and creditworthiness.
  2. Contact lenders: Reach out to mortgage lenders who are part of the Forces Help to Buy Scheme. These lenders are familiar with the scheme’s requirements and can guide you through the application process.
  3. Choose a property: Once pre-approved or conditionally approved for the loan, you can begin your property search. Find a property that suits your needs and falls within your budget.
  4. Submit application: Work closely with your chosen lender to complete the mortgage application process. This will involve providing necessary documents, such as proof of service, income details, and personal identification.
  5. Approval and offer: If your application is successful, the lender will make you a formal mortgage offer. This offer will detail the terms and conditions of the mortgage, including the loan amount.
  6. Legal process: Engage solicitors to handle the legal aspects of the property purchase, including conveyancing and contract exchange.
  7. Completion: Once all legal matters are settled, and your mortgage is approved, you’llcomplete the purchase and take ownership of your new home.

How much do I have to pay back?

The Forces Help to Buy loan is interest-free for the first five years. After the initial five-year period, a low interest rate is applied to the outstanding loan amount. This interest rate is generally lower than what you might find with traditional mortgages. The loan is repaid over a maximum period of ten years.

The repayment structure ensures that the financial burden is spread out over time, making it more manageable for armed forces personnel to transition into homeownership without facing immediate heavy repayment pressures. It’s important to remember that the terms and conditions of the loan repayment may vary depending on the lender and the specific details of your mortgage agreement.

Frequently asked questions

Can I leave the armed forces after receiving the FHTB loan?

How much interest will I pay?

Does the FHTB property have to be a new build home?

Because we play by the book we want to tell you that…

Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage.
There may be a fee for mortgage advice. The actual amount you pay will depend upon your circumstances.
The fee is up to 1% but a typical fee is £595.

Speak to our experts

With access to 1000s mortgages from over 90 high street lenders, we can help you find the right mortgage. Our five-star Google reviews back this up. Call us now and speak to a member of our experienced team.

saving money illustration

Mortgage calculators

Find out more
man thinking about house and money illustration

Your protection

Find out more

Latest news

Toby was absolutely a knight in shining armour. Every step of the way he explained everything, he understood my situation and it felt like he was holding my hand through some turbulent times. I can't thank him enough.

  • 5 star review on TrustPilotSarah J

Both Mark and Beccy have been amazing throughout a very erratic and stressful time. They have been professional and attentive, making sure to stay in touch regularly to ensure everything went smoothly. I've been so impressed with their level of detail and service. I would not hesitate to recommend them.

  • 5 star review on TrustPilotMarie B

This is my first experience with getting a mortgage, but Rob explained everything clearly, answering all my questions, and helped me get the best mortgage for me. Louis also helped by keeping me updated with the progress of the application and chasing the lender on my behalf. Overall, a positive experience.

  • 5 star review on TrustPilotMegan

Fantastic service from Mark on securing me a mortgage offer under my difficult circumstances, thanks for all the work and effort. A real asset to the business.

  • 5 star review on TrustPilotLR O

My request to renew my existing mortgage with Mortgage Decisions was superbly handled by David who is a most knowledgeable person. I was impressed with his professionalism and his attention to detail. The end to end process was explained throughout by David in particular the various options available to me. This is the second time that Mortgage Decisions have assisted with my mortgage and I wouldn’t hesitate in asking them again in the future.

  • 5 star review on TrustPilotBarney