Regular armed forces personnel can benefit from a £200m scheme to help them get on the property ladder. The Forces Help to Buy scheme enables servicemen and servicewomen to borrow up to 50% of their salary, interest free, to buy their first home or move to another property on assignment, or as their families needs change. The scheme aims to address the low rate of home ownership in the armed forces.

Who can use the scheme?

All regular personnel who:

• Have completed the pre-requisite length of service
• Have more than six months left to serve at the time they apply
• Meet the right medical categories

However, it's recognised that there may be instances where exceptions to the standard rules may be justifiable, especially where there are extenuating medical and personal circumstances.

How much can be borrowed under the scheme?

This scheme allows service personnel to borrow up to 50% of their annual salary, to a maximum of £25,000. This can be used towards a deposit and other costs such as solicitor and estate agent fees.

How to get it?

Servicemen and servicewomen can apply for the loan online through the Joint Personnel Administration system, and can seek advice on their application through their chain of command and personnel agency.

If you're considering buying a home, but haven't done so before, you may wish to read some general information on how to buy one and understand better how the process works:

• First-time buyer guide
• Citizens Advice Bureau
• The Money Advice Service
• Moneyforce

Other government schemes:

• Help to Buy
• Home and Communities Agency

Specific for those in the armed forces:

• Joint service housing advice office (JSHAO)

If you're looking to settle locally having transitioned out of HM Armed Forces, you may decide on private renting, either through a letting agency or directly with a landlord. Additional support could be provided by Shrewsbury Homes for all, which works closely with the private renting sector. Find out more from our private rented sector housing pages.

If you're a current member of HM Armed Forces transitioning out of the military, you may wish to apply for social housing, in which case the earlier you apply the better. Speak to your local welfare officer or HIVE about this.

We target up to 5% of social housing properties in the county towards former members of the British Armed Forces each year. This applies to people who:

• Have made an application within five years of discharge
• Have a ‘local connection to Shropshire’
• Have served a minimum of four years with the British armed forces
• Are going to be discharged within six months, or have already been discharged

Under these circumstances, we'll award a ‘gold band’, ensuring current and ex-HM Armed Forces personnel are supported in applying for a house. Those currently based in the county will be automatically considered to have a ‘local connection’. Confirmation of discharge papers and / or employment will be required. If you've been dishonourably discharged, we consider individual applications based upon the circumstances and reasons for the discharge.

For more information, take a look at our Housing section.