Housing choices for forces and ex-forces

This content applies to England only.

Housing laws vary between England and Scotland. Get advice relating to Scotland

If you are a serving or former member of the forces there are a range of housing choices and sources of advice available to you.

Living on the job

If you are serving in the armed forces, you may be provided with services accommodation in barracks (single living accommodation) or in service family accommodation (SFA) arranged by one of the MOD’s Housing Information Centres. If the MOD doesn’t have enough accommodation of its own, it may provide you with accommodation in the private sector instead – this is known as substitute service family accommodation (SSFA).

You won’t be given a tenancy – your agreement will be a licence.

Council housing

What priority do ex-service personnel have for council housing?

Ex-service personnel can apply for council housing in the same way as anyone else. Government guidance to local councils says that seriously injured personnel should be given high priority for social housing. 

Councils are also allowed to set aside some of their housing stock for people who are geographically mobile, including members of the armed forces. Information on the housing policy of each local council towards housing ex-service personnel is held by the MOD Joint Service Housing Advice Office. Some councils publish guidance on how to apply for council housing as a former member of the services – check your local council’s website.

Can I get a council house near my base?

Some councils give preference on their waiting lists to people with a local connection. You can establish a local connection as a serving member of the armed forces in the local council area where you are living or working, or in the area where you or your family come from.

Housing Associations for ex-services

If you have left the forces, and have already applied for council housing, you may also want to consider applying for housing association properties – find out more from your local council housing options service.

You could also apply for housing through Haig Homes, a housing association that provides rented housing for people who have served in the armed forces. The majority of homes are suitable for families, with a small number of properties available for single people. Some are suitable for the elderly and people with disabilities. Haig Homes does not have any sheltered, residential or nursing homes.

The MOD Joint Services Housing Advice Office also runs a scheme to help ex-service people access housing association properties.

Private renting for ex-services

If you have left the forces, you may wish to consider finding somewhere to live in the private rented sector. You may be able to get help with paying a deposit, rent in advance and other costs through a rent deposit or bond scheme.

If you die in service, your family may get help from Defence Estates with moving to privately rented accommodation.

Home ownership for people in the armed forces

While you are working in the forces, you may want to consider buying a home:

You can get a leaflet on affordable housing from the MOD’s Joint Services Housing Advice Office.

Housing for older and disabled ex-services

The Royal British Legion provides information on housing for older and disabled ex-services through their Legionline on 08457 725725. Their website lists sheltered accommodation, supported housing and care homes.  

The Sir Oswald Stoll Foundation provides housing and support to disabled ex-service personnel, including people with poor mental health, or alcohol problems and those who have been homeless.

Maintaining your home and getting adaptations

The Royal British Legion offers a minor repairs service – Poppy Calls. This service helps veterans to stay independent in their own homes, offering help with minor repairs, fitting smoke detectors and care phones.

Many home improvement agencies such as Care and Repair and Staying Put offer similar services. Find you local service using through Foundations, the national organisation for home improvement agencies.

If your home needs adapting because you have been injured or are disabled, find out more on our getting adaptations page.

Furnishing your home

If you are in financial difficulty when moving home, you could consider:

  • furnishing your place with the help of a furniture project, or
  • financial help from a special forces benevolent fund or organisation.

Where can I get housing advice when I’m in service?

If you are a serving member of the armed forces, the armed services are responsible for providing you with housing information and advice up to the point that you are discharged from the army, navy or airforce. Their services are provided by the Joint Service Housing Advice Office (JSHAO), with a telephone helpline on 01722 436575.

The JSHAO also provides services to family members and to ex-service personnel who are still in service family accommodation.

Where can I get housing advice and help after I’ve left service?

The Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Families Association (SSAFA) offers housing advice to anyone who has had at least one day’s paid service in any of the armed forces, and to their close relatives, widows and widowers. SSAFA has some accommodation of its own, including a home for disabled ex-service personnel capable of independent living and temporary supported accommodation for separated families. A network of caseworkers based in local branches provides advice and support through home visits.

SPACES (Single Persons Accommodation Centre for the Ex-Services) helps find you accommodation for up to 6 months after your discharge if you are single, ex-services and have no permanent home. If you have been discharged for longer than 6 months, they will provide information and advice only. This helpline can be contacted on 01748 833797.

If you are homeless and in immediate housing need, phone Shelter's housing advice helpline on 0808 800 4444 or use our directory to find an adviser in your area.


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