What is the Forces Help to Buy scheme?
The Forces Help to Buy scheme is designed to help eligible UK Armed Forces personnel borrow money towards the cost of buying a home. In many cases, it can be used towards a deposit and other costs linked to purchasing a property, such as certain legal or estate agency fees.
For many applicants, the scheme can make it easier to move forward with a property purchase sooner than they otherwise could. However, it is still important to understand how it fits alongside your mortgage application, your deposit, and your longer term plans.
If you are unsure how the Forces Help to Buy scheme works in practice, we can talk you through it and explain how it may fit with your circumstances.
How the Forces Help to Buy scheme can help with a mortgage
While the scheme can be a useful option for eligible service personnel, it is important to understand that it does not replace the need for a suitable mortgage. Lenders will still assess affordability, credit history, income and the property itself in the normal way.
This means it can be helpful to speak to a mortgage broker before making any big decisions. We can help you understand:
- how the Forces Help to Buy scheme may support your deposit
- what lenders may look for as part of your mortgage application
- how your borrowing level may be affected by your circumstances
- what steps to take before you apply
Getting advice early can help you approach things in the right order and avoid unnecessary delays.
Who may be eligible?
The Forces Help to Buy scheme is generally aimed at regular service personnel who meet the relevant service and eligibility criteria at the time they apply.
Eligibility rules can change, and individual circumstances matter, so it is always worth checking the most up-to-date criteria before proceeding.
In broad terms, applicants will usually need to meet service related requirements and satisfy the conditions of the scheme. If you are unsure whether you may qualify, we can help you understand the wider mortgage side of the process and talk through what to look into next.
- Support for eligible regular service personnel
- Can be used alongside a mortgage application
- Useful for first time buyers and home movers alike
- Best considered as part of your wider buying plan
A MORTGAGE IS A LOAN SECURED AGAINST YOUR HOME. YOUR HOME MAY BE REPOSSESSED IF YOU DO NOT KEEP UP REPAYMENTS ON YOUR MORTGAGE OR ANY OTHER DEBT SECURED ON IT.
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 0.3% of the amount borrowed.
Why speak to a mortgage broker?
The Forces Help to Buy scheme can be very helpful, but it is only one part of the picture. You also need to understand what you may be able to borrow, which lenders may be suitable, and how your overall application may look.
At Your Mortgage Expert, we help Armed Forces clients understand their options clearly and confidently. We can explain the mortgage side in straightforward terms and help you think through the next steps based on your circumstances.
We regularly support clients with a range of mortgage needs, including:
- First time buyer mortgages
- Moving home
- Remortgaging
- Rortgages for Armed Forces personnel
- More complex cases where extra guidance may help
Armed Forces mortgage advice from Your Mortgage Expert
We understand that military life can bring extra considerations when applying for a mortgage. Postings, housing arrangements, changes in location and future plans can all affect the decisions you make.
Our role is to help you understand your options and make the process feel more manageable. Whether you are still at the early research stage or ready to move forward, we can help you understand how the Forces Help to Buy scheme may sit alongside your mortgage plans.
We offer advice by phone, video call and from our office, making it easier to speak to us in the way that suits you best.
Why choose Your Mortgage Expert?
We are a friendly, experienced mortgage broker helping clients across Salisbury, Wiltshire and across the whole of the UK.
Clients choose us because we offer:
- clear, practical mortgage advice
- support tailored to your circumstances
- help understanding the mortgage process step by step
- phone, video and office appointments
- experience helping Armed Forces clients with home buying and remortgaging
If you want straightforward guidance on the Forces Help to Buy scheme and your mortgage options, we would be happy to help.
Forces Help to Buy Scheme FAQs
Here are some of the questions we are often asked about the Forces Help to Buy scheme and how it may work alongside a mortgage.
If you are considering using the Forces Help to Buy scheme and want to understand your mortgage options, we are here to help. We can explain the process clearly, answer your questions, and help you understand the next steps.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Forces Help to Buy scheme?
Can the Forces Help to Buy scheme be used with a mortgage?
Does the Forces Help to Buy scheme guarantee a mortgage?
Can first time buyers use the Forces Help to Buy scheme?
Should I speak to a mortgage broker before applying?
Do you help Armed Forces clients outside Salisbury?
This page was last update in February 2026
A MORTGAGE IS A LOAN SECURED AGAINST YOUR HOME. YOUR HOME MAY BE REPOSSESSED IF YOU DO NOT KEEP UP REPAYMENTS ON YOUR MORTGAGE OR ANY OTHER DEBT SECURED ON IT.
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 0.3% of the amount borrowed.