Forces Help to Buy (FHTB) Explained

FHTB lets you borrow up to 50% of your annual salary, capped at £25,000, interest-free, towards buying a home.

You can put it towards a deposit and the associated costs of buying. Repayments come out of your salary over up to ten years, so there's nothing to arrange separately once it's set up.

It launched in 2014 as a temporary scheme and became permanent on 1 January 2023, so it isn't going anywhere.

It's for buying while you're still serving, which is the thing to plan around — this is an entitlement you use before your discharge date, not after it.

Who is eligible?

Regular service personnel who meet the length-of-service requirement, are in an appropriate medical category, and have more than six months left to serve when they apply.

The service requirement is set in JSP 464 rather than published on GOV.UK, so confirm the current figure with the Defence Business Services FHTB team instead of relying on a number quoted second-hand.

It's open to first-time buyers and to people moving because their circumstances have changed. It isn't open to reservists, or to anyone who has already left.

You'll also need to be clear of outstanding disciplinary issues and not under notice of discharge.

What benefits does this provide?

  • Interest-Free Loan: Forces Help to Buy (FHTB) offers an interest-free loan to help military personnel purchase their first home or move to a new property.
  • Loan Amount: Eligible service members can borrow up to 50% of their annual salary, with a maximum limit of £25,000.
  • Repayment Terms: The loan is repayable over a period of up to 10 years, with monthly deductions from salary.
  • Eligibility: Available to regular service personnel who meet the length-of-service requirement in JSP 464 and have more than six months left to serve when they apply.
  • Flexibility: The loan can be used for various purposes, including buying a new home, moving to a different property, or making home improvements.
  • Application Process: The application is straightforward and can be completed online, with support available from the Joint Service Housing Advice Office (JSHAO).
  • No Impact on Credit Score: The loan does not affect the applicant's credit score, making it a risk-free financial support option.

How do I apply?

  • Eligibility Check: Ensure you meet the criteria, such as being in regular service and having completed the required service length.
  • Access JPA: Log into the Joint Personnel Administration (JPA) system, which is accessible through the MoD intranet.
  • Application form: Complete the online FHTB form through the Joint Personnel Administration system, with your personal and financial details to hand.
  • Chain of Command Approval: Submit your application for approval through your chain of command. They will review and endorse your request.
  • Receive Decision: Await the decision, which will be communicated through JPA. If approved, you will receive details on the loan amount and repayment terms.
  • Legal and Financial Advice: Seek independent legal and financial advice to understand the implications of the loan.
  • Complete Purchase: Use the loan towards your property purchase, ensuring all legal and financial processes are followed.

Common questions

How much can you borrow with Forces Help to Buy?

Up to 50% of your annual salary, capped at £25,000, interest free, repaid over up to ten years through salary deductions.

Is Forces Help to Buy still available?

Yes. It became a permanent, enduring policy on 1 January 2023.

How long do you need to have served for Forces Help to Buy?

You need the pre-requisite length of service set out in JSP 464, plus more than six months left to serve when you apply. The service figure is set in policy rather than published on GOV.UK, so confirm it with the Defence Business Services FHTB team.

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Last reviewed 26 August 2026 by Brittany Belt, Co-founder and COO