Military Mortgages

Written by Damon Pike – Principle Mortgage and Protection Advisor

Last updated: 25th January 2023

Whether you are a first-time buyer, moving home, or looking for a new mortgage on your current home as a member of the armed forces there may be mortgage products available to you that aren’t available to everyone else.​

Armed Forces Mortgages

The challenges faced by armed forces personnel can be very different from civilians and getting a mortgage can sometimes be no different. The unique challenges could relate to length of service, frequent relocation, extended periods away from home or income structure. Choosing the right lender that understands your circumstances could mean the difference between acceptance and rejection. There are some lenders that even have products specifically designed for serving or retired armed forces personnel, though these might not be the best option for you. A good mortgage broker that understands your situation should compare the mainstream products against the specialist lenders and advise you accordingly.

How can we help?

We have access to specialist providers and mainstream lenders and will only recommend the specialist if it’s right for you. Using our knowledge and experience we will compare mortgage products that are available to you based on your needs and that fit the mortgage providers lending criteria.

What if I have a low credit score?

Low credit scores, bad credit history or adverse credit won’t always affect a mortgage application, and if it does, there are normally still options available. The details behind the score will usually have a higher impact than the score itself. So, whether you have missed payments, defaults, or arrangements to pay reduced amounts to creditors there are likely still multiple options available to you. There are even mortgages for people with previous bankruptcy or repossessions.

Forces Help to Buy

Regular service personnel can borrow up to 50% of their salary on an interest free loan to be paid back over a period of 10 years. This loan can be used together with other government-backed schemes. You can seek advice through your chain of command and personnel agency.

Other Home Ownership Schemes

There are a number of other government backed schemes that could help to improve your chances to get onto or up the property ladder. A number of these schemes prioritise Armed Forces personnel. The eligibility criteria and conditions for the schemes vary, so get in touch to find out if any are right for you.

• Lifetime ISA – A government backed savings account which if used for the purpose of buying your first home utilises a 25% bonus.
• Help to buy – An equity loan to help with the deposit on a new build property for a first-time buyer. Applications for this scheme closed on 31 October 2022.
• Right to buy – Council tenants and some housing association tenants can purchase the home they are renting at a discount to market value.
• First homes – 30% to 50% discount on a new home for first time buyers with priority given to members of the armed forces and recent veterans. The discount will be passed on to new applicants when the home is sold. The scheme launched in June 2021 and has limited availability but is being extended across England.
• Shared ownership – Buy a share of a home and pay rent on the rest until you can afford further shares. A new model launched in 2021 with some changes to criteria that differs from the previous model. The old model is still being offered by many providers so check before you apply. Priority given to military personnel and other priority groups depending on local housing needs.

Working with Damon

Damon Pike is the owner and founder of Lupo Mortgage services, which offers complete mortgage advice with no broker fees and access to the whole of market (except deals which are only available direct). Damon will take the time to get to know what you want out of your mortgage and make a recommendation accordingly. He prides himself on excellent service standards and great communication. He also understands the individual needs of armed forces personnel and can arrange appointments remotely or face to face, outside of normal working hours to suit you. Damon also understands how important your family is and can help arrange or review your life insurance and other related policies to make sure they are protected.

Principle Mortgage and Protection Advisor

Principle Mortgage and Protection Advisor

Principle Mortgage and Protection Advisor