Finding the perfect house isn’t easy, but there’s more support now than ever before to help veterans find a place to call home.
When starting the house hunt, it can be overwhelming, but there are many options to ensure you find a place that suits your needs.
GOVERNMENT GUIDANCE
The new Veteran ID Card is set to help veterans on the housing ladder. For veterans with access to the ID card, your house hunting will be less of a challenge.
From today, all service leavers will receive a new Veterans ID card, to mark their time in the armed forces.
Read more here: https://t.co/XyLAsrPNQx pic.twitter.com/c8VPZuGHOw
— Ministry of Defence 🇬🇧 (@DefenceHQ) February 18, 2019
Similarly, the Defence Secretary, Gavin Williams, has extended the length of time veterans can access military accommodation.
Currently, veterans who have left the Armed Forces are entitled to six months of military housing support after ending service.
Now, with the new scheme, and the help of the Veteran ID Card, ex-service personnel are entitled to 12 months of military accommodation. It is hoped extending the length of time for support, alongside the ID card, will better guide veterans into accommodation.
Alongside increased governmental guidance, there are many other ways veterans can get their foot on the property ladder.
HOUSING ASSOCIATIONS
If you’ve recently left the Armed Forces, and would like some support sourcing accommodation, you can approach an organisation that specialises in finding veterans their perfect home, such as Haig Housing or Stoll.
Alan joined the Army at 17 and loved life in the Forces, but a tragic event led to severe mental health issues.
Stoll helped Alan turned his life around. His message to others with mental health problems is that wherever you are, help is available. #MentalHealthAwarenessWeek pic.twitter.com/LEc36DZ1bo— Stoll (@stoll_veterans) May 14, 2019
Housing associations will usually find you a home within a community of other veterans, meaning your neighbours will likely be ex-service personnel, too.
They can be a great way to transition back to civvy street, with a supportive community, who’ve had similar experiences around you, to ease the return home.
RENTING
Private renting is one of the most popular housing methods, with the number of renters doubling in the last 20 years.
It’s essential to view the property before committing to anything, to ensure everything is what it seems. Ensure any private landlords are registered with the local authority: if they’re not, they’re renting illegally, which could have repercussions further down the line.
You should agree on monthly rent costs, deposits, when payments will be made and whether bills and other costs are included in rent or not. You can ask for this information in a tenancy agreement.
BUYING
The thought of buying a house can be daunting, but if you’re in a position to do so, it’s probably the best, most stable option. Most people take out a mortgage when purchasing a property, which can be done through a bank or building society.
Forces Help to Buy scheme, enables veterans to borrow half their salary (up to £25,000), interest free, to buy their first home. This money can be put towards a deposit and other costs, such as solicitor’s fees. You can find out more by visiting the Help to Buy service.
Little things can make a big difference when leaving Service accomodation. Does the animation👇 sound familiar? We can help make the move to your #ForeverHome easier. Contact us for all your #housing needs https://t.co/3j9yqxbBp4 #Planearly pic.twitter.com/I7pMjZAoBx
— Veterans' Gateway (@VeteransGateway) April 12, 2019
Finding accommodation after leaving the military can be a daunting process, but your dream home is waiting for you.
Before leaving the military, you can ask for advice from the Joint Service Housing Advice Office (01252 787 574)