Armed Forces Mortgages

Built around postings, deployments and Forces Help to Buy

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Armed forces mortgages need a lender who understands service life. Postings, deployments and overseas service don't fit a standard application, and Forces Help to Buy is a scheme many lenders handle badly or not at all.

Forces Help to Buy, explained properly

Forces Help to Buy is an MOD scheme allowing eligible service personnel to borrow up to 50% of their salary, subject to a cap, interest-free, to help with a deposit or other costs of buying a home. It's worth being clear that this is a distinct MOD scheme, separate from any civilian government Help to Buy programme, and the two shouldn't be confused. We'll talk you through current eligibility and limits, since scheme rules and caps can change.

Military income, including allowances such as X-Factor pay, is generally included in affordability assessments, though exactly how it's treated varies by lender. Some include it in full, others only partially. We'll aim to identify lenders that give you credit for your full income package where possible.

Postings, overseas service and letting your home

Frequent postings and relocations mean lenders need to understand that you may not continuously occupy a property as your main residence. Let to Buy mortgages or specific consent-to-let arrangements are often the right route if you need to rent your home out during a posting.

Being posted overseas can complicate standard ID and address history checks, so it's worth flagging early in the process rather than letting it cause delays partway through an application. We work with lenders who are comfortable with overseas postings and understand the documentation needed.

Why forces personnel choose TLD

  • Lenders who understand Forces Help to Buy and military allowances
  • Independent advice, not tied to any one lender
  • 12,800+ plans arranged and £1.07bn+ in cover placed since 2015
  • Named Stockport's Three Best Rated Insurance Services, 2022 to 2026
  • Your first consultation is free, with no obligation

Don't assume a standard policy covers active service

Some life and critical illness policies carry war or active-service exclusions, others don't. It varies by insurer and by policy, and it's worth knowing exactly what you're covered for before you commit.

Protection for Armed Forces Personnel

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Forces Help to Buy and how does it work?

Forces Help to Buy is an MOD scheme allowing eligible service personnel to borrow up to 50% of their salary, subject to a cap, interest-free, to help with a deposit or other costs of buying a home. It's a distinct scheme from any civilian government Help to Buy programme, and we can talk you through current eligibility and limits.

Can I get a mortgage while posted overseas?

Yes, though it requires a lender comfortable with overseas postings and appropriate documentation for ID and address history. We work with lenders who understand armed forces circumstances and can guide you through what's needed.

What if I need to rent my home out during a posting?

This is common for forces personnel and is usually handled through a Let to Buy mortgage or a consent-to-let arrangement with your existing lender, depending on your circumstances. We'll help you understand which route fits your situation.

Does military income, including allowances like X-Factor pay, count towards affordability?

Generally yes, though how allowances are treated varies by lender. Some include them in full, others partially. We'll identify lenders that give you credit for your full income package where possible.

Can I use Forces Help to Buy alongside other schemes, like an ISA?

In many cases, yes, but the specific combinations allowed depend on current scheme rules, which can change. We'll confirm what's available and compatible at the time you apply.