Forces Help to Buy Calculator UK 2026
Calculate your Forces Help to Buy interest-free loan. Armed forces personnel can borrow up to 50% of salary (max £25,000) interest-free to buy or improve a home.
Forces Help to Buy Calculator
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible for Forces Help to Buy?
Forces Help to Buy (FHTB) is available to UK regular armed forces personnel (Army, Royal Navy, Royal Air Force) who: have completed the requisite length of service at the time of application; have at least four years remaining to serve from the date of application; meet the minimum service requirement (generally 2 years' service for most ranks); and are serving in a substantive (permanent) post. Reserve forces are not eligible for the standard FHTB scheme, but some reserve-specific schemes exist. The property must be in the UK and intended as the applicant's main residence.
How much can I borrow with Forces Help to Buy?
You can borrow up to 50% of your annual salary, subject to an absolute maximum of £25,000. For example, if your annual salary is £40,000, your maximum FHTB loan is £20,000. If your salary is £60,000 or more, you can access the full £25,000. The loan is interest-free throughout the full 10-year repayment period, making it a highly attractive supplement to your mortgage deposit.
Is Forces Help to Buy interest-free?
Yes. The Forces Help to Buy loan is completely interest-free for the entire repayment period of up to 10 years. This distinguishes it significantly from commercial bridging loans or personal loans. The total cost of credit is zero — you repay exactly what you borrow via monthly deductions from your salary over the agreed term. This makes FHTB one of the most cost-effective home-buying schemes available to any UK homebuyer.
Can I use Forces Help to Buy with shared ownership?
Yes. Forces Help to Buy can be used alongside shared ownership schemes, allowing you to use the FHTB loan as part of your deposit for a shared ownership property. You can also combine it with the Mortgage Guarantee Scheme (if applicable) and other government schemes. Using FHTB with shared ownership typically allows service personnel to buy a larger initial share or reduce their mortgage borrowing requirement significantly.
What happens to Forces Help to Buy if I leave the military?
If you leave the armed forces before the FHTB loan is fully repaid, the outstanding balance becomes immediately repayable. In practice, the Ministry of Defence will seek recovery of the full outstanding balance on discharge. It is essential to factor in your planned service length before taking out a FHTB loan. If you are close to your return-of-service date, you should discuss the implications with your unit welfare officer or a financial adviser familiar with military finances.