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Buying your first home as a member of the Armed Forces can feel challenging, but with the right guidance, it doesn’t have to be. This guide explains what first-time buyers in the Military need to know, the common obstacles Forces personnel face and how the fee-free Mortgage Advice service, provided by Grange Mortgage & Protection Services Ltd can help you secure the right mortgage.
First-time buyer challenges for Military personnel
Buying a property while serving in the Military comes with unique circumstances. Here are some of the key things to consider before applying for a mortgage:
1. Mobility and relocation
- Frequent postings or deployments can affect where you buy
- Consider whether the home will be a primary residence, a rental property, or a long-term investment
2. Income and affordability
- Military pay, allowances and overseas income can be treated differently by some lenders
- Not all banks are familiar with Military pay structures. Choosing the right lender is essential
3. Government schemes to help first-time buyers
- Schemes such as First Homes (available in England), Lifetime ISAs and Shared Ownership can help you get on the property ladder
- Forces Help to Buy scheme, allowing regular service personnel first-time buyers, to borrow 50% of their salary up to a maximum of £25,000
4. Credit history and BFPO addresses
- Military personnel may face credit score issues due to overseas postings or BFPO addresses
- Managing your credit early helps avoid delays with your mortgage
How the Mortgage Advice service supports first-time buyers
Forces Mutual have been supporting members of HM Forces and their families by providing financial services and welfare support for over 70 years. We’ve teamed up with Grange Mortgage & Protection Services Ltd to provide fee-free mortgage advice to members of the Military and their families, that includes:
- Specialist Military knowledge – mortgage advisers understand service pay, allowances and posting patterns
- Independent access across a range of lenders – helping you find a mortgage that fits your circumstances
- Tailored advice – from Government schemes to buy-to-let options for when you’re posted
If you’re a first-time buyer in the Armed Forces, don’t let the complexities of military life put you off. With the Mortgage Advice service, you can confidently take your first step onto the property ladder, with advice tailored to you.
Important information you need to know
PMGI Limited, trading as Forces Mutual, has chosen Grange Mortgage & Protection Services Ltd to provide customers with a mortgage advice service. Grange Mortgage & Protection Services Ltd will provide you with independent mortgage advice and make a recommendation based on your circumstances and requirements. You will not receive advice or any recommendation from Forces Mutual.
If you take out a mortgage recommended by Grange Mortgage & Protection Services Ltd, PMGI Limited will receive a fee for the introduction which is a percentage based on the loan amount. We may also earn an additional fee based on performance of our account. If you wish to know the fee we receive please contact Grange Mortgages.
Grange Mortgages & Protection Services Ltd, is an Appointed Representative of PRIMIS Mortgage Network, a trading name of Advance Mortgage Funding Ltd. Advanced Mortgage Funding Ltd is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.
YOUR HOME MAY BE REPOSSESSED IF YOU DO NOT KEEP UP REPAYMENTS ON YOUR MORTGAGE.
MOST BUY-TO-LET MORTGAGES ARE NOT REGULATED BY THE FINANCIAL CONDUCT AUTHORITY.