Armed Forces Day: Saturday June 28th

Forces Help To Buy – how it works and how we’re helping our forces service personnel get onto the property ladder

It’s Armed Forces Day today – a chance to show your support for the men and women who make up the Armed Forces community: those currently serving, veterans, reservists, cadets, families and the charities that support them.

Showing support for the Armed Forces provides a much-valued morale boost – whatever their role, wherever they are in the world.
Bridger’s Law supports the UK’s armed forces because we recognise the sacrifice that personnel in the Armed Forces make. They are often away from home for long periods of time, and we offer a discount as a hat tip in recognition of this sacrifice and a small token to assist them to have a home of their own to return to.

At Bridger’s Law we deal with the Armed Forces community on a daily basis when they use the Forces Help to Buy scheme for their purchase. Find out more…

What is the Forces Help to Buy scheme?

When it comes to buying your first home you need all the financial help you can get! Fortunately for forces service personnel, in January 2023 the government started The Forces Help to Buy Scheme (FHTB). 
Under this scheme, up to 50% of their salary (capped at a maximum of £25,000) can be borrowed, interest-free, towards the purchase of a property.

As a thank you from us for the sacrifices made by our armed forces personnel, we offer a discount of £100+VAT on our legal fees for clients using the FHTB scheme.

Many of our FHTB clients are stationed overseas, which can present logistical challenges around time zones, providing ID documentation and signing. But our staff are trained to help, and our systems are equipped to make it a smooth and easy process.

The FHTB process typically has 3 main stages:

Part 1
We receive the Declaration and Promissory Note from FHTB, which our client completes and returns to us.

Part 2
We return the signed documents to FHTB, along with answers to their specific requirements, our legal cost breakdown and a copy of the client’s mortgage offer. FHTB then confirm the approved funding amount.

Part 3
We request funds from FHTB; these must be received prior to exchange.  We can hold funds for up to 28 days, after which we must return them if unused, and start the process again.

Case study – meet one of our Forces clients

Our client
A first-time buyer using the FHTB scheme.

How we helped
The client used our online quote system and selected the FHTB option, which gave them a full breakdown of our costs, including their discount.

Once they clicked ‘accept’ the process was under way and they provided our details to FHTB to begin the FHTB 3 stage process.

Initial monies on account were paid via bank transfer, ID was verified by electronic link and the exciting journey to owning their first home had started.

As our client was stationed overseas at the point of exchange and completion, a parent was assisting with the move. This meant that we had to also consider his availability when discussing completion dates with the rest of the chain.

Their review:
Outstanding Conveyancing Service – Highly recommended.

“I recently used Bridger’s Law firm for my property transaction, and I cannot recommend them enough. From start to finish, their professionalism, efficiency and attention to detail was amazing.

The team kept me informed at every stage, ensuring a smooth and stress-free process. They were always available to answer any questions, providing clear and straightforward advice. What really stood out was their proactive approach and communication. I always felt confident with them handling my case.

If you’re looking for a conveyancing solicitor firm then I have no doubt that you will receive the same professional service that I have. A final thank-you to Ellie, Eve and Stacey – a really great job all round.”

FAQ about the Forces Help to Buy Scheme

Who is eligible for FHTB?

You need to be regular Armed Forces personnel and served for at least 2 years with 6 months left to serve at the time of the application. There will also be certain medical standards you will need to meet.

How do I apply for the scheme?

Applications are made through the Joint Personnel Administration system.

What can the FHTB loan be used for?

It can go towards your deposit and other costs like your solicitor’s and estate agent’s fees.

How is the loan repaid?

The loan is interest free and is typically repaid over 10 years.

How can Bridger’s Law can help you

If you are buying your first home or moving properties and are currently serving in the military, contact us to find out more about the Forces Help to Buy scheme and how we can assist you with all your conveyancing needs. We also have a blog and case study on buying your first home that has useful information on the conveyancing process.