The Armed Forces Help to Buy Scheme is designed to resolve the low rate of home ownership amongst service personnel. If you’re currently serving on the HM Forces, FHTB can help you get on the property ladder.

What is the Armed Forces Help to Buy Scheme?

This is a government-backed scheme that enables servicemen and servicewomen to purchase their first home. Service personnel who need to move to another property due to assignment or specific family needs can also benefit from the FHTB scheme. 

The FHTB loan should only be used in the acquisition of a property that will be occupied by the service personnel or their family members. You can not use the loan to purchase a to let property. However, you can lease out the property after the first year. 

The Armed Forces Help to Buy Scheme was launched in 2014. It has recently been extended and, therefore, it will remain operational until at least December 31st, 2022.

Who Can Take Advantage of the Service?

To benefit from the Armed Forces Help to Buy Scheme;

  • You need to be in regular service. 
  • Your term of service needs to be at least two years long.
  • If you’re close to exiting the forces, you need to have at least 6 months remaining in service at the time of your application.

It’s important to note that single service personnel can also take advantage of this scheme. You don’t need to be married or to have children to obtain a FHTB loan.

How Much Can I Borrow?

With the FHTB scheme, you can borrow up to 50% of your annual salary - before tax. The maximum amount that you can borrow is £25,000. 

You can use your FHTB loan to cover the deposit and other fees including; surveyors’ fees, legal fees, land registration, solicitors’ and agents’ fees. 

The greatest perk of the FHTB loan is that you’re charged 0% interest. You’ll be required to pay a small monthly insurance fee which can range between £6 and £7. There are absolutely no hidden fees with the FHTB scheme. 

How Does the Scheme Work?

You can apply for a Armed Forces Help to Buy loan online using the Joint Personnel Administration (JPA) system. This is an easy and straightforward task that you can accomplish in less than 20 minutes. In most cases, you’ll get a response within a couple of hours. 

The Armed Forces Help to Buy Scheme offers some flexibility in repaying the loan. The loan amount will be divided over 10 years and you’ll make a repayment each month. You also have the option of making overpayments.  

You can choose to start making the loan repayments as soon as you receive the funds or you can delay the repayment for 6 months. It’s also possible to start servicing the loan in your last 10 years of service. 

You can leave the military even after you’ve received the Armed Forces Help to Buy loan. In this situation, the loan amount will be automatically deducted from your resettlement grant (if any) and your final pay. If there is still an outstanding FHTB loan at discharge, you’re required to set up a monthly repayment plan and keep servicing the loan. 

Useful Links.

There is a lot that goes into buying a home. Here are some resources that you may find useful.

First Time Buyers Mortgage guide.

If you’re purchasing your first home you may need a mortgage. You can familiarize yourself with mortgages using this guide.

Citizens Advice Bureau. 

This comprehensive guide covers the process of finding a suitable property, making an offer, the legal works involved, mortgages, home buying schemes, and the different bills when running a property.

The Money Advice Service.

You can find various guides surrounding buying a home, renting and letting, and choosing a suitable mortgage on their website. You can call 0800 138 7777 free of charge and speak to one of their financial experts.

Help to Buy Scheme. 

This is a government-backed scheme that provides support to individuals looking to purchase a home. Buying a property is often very expensive. Help To Buy provides loans at low interest rates and with flexible repayment periods.

Joint Service Housing Advice Office (JSHAO).

JSHAO provides information and guidance on civilian housing to service personnel and their families and to service leavers. You can attend a housing brief or read the Home Matters magazine to gain useful insights from JSHAO. 

You can ontac JSHAO through email RC-Pers-JSHAO-0Mailbox@mod.gov.uk or call 07814 612120.

Rics 

If you have considered purchasing a property at auction, the RICS website provides an invaluable guide. You can learn more about the auction process and what you can expect.

Homes within reach.

This home ownership scheme provides support to eligible first time buyers who otherwise would be unable to buy a suitable home. Homes within reach offer two options, i.e, HomeBuy Ownership and New Build Ownership.

 

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