
8 Ways Veterans Can Make the Most of Troopr – Starting Today
27 Oct 2025
Finding the right place to live is one of the biggest decisions anyone makes — and for the Armed Forces community, it often comes with unique challenges. Veterans may be navigating the civilian housing market for the first time. Families might need support with social housing or renting during frequent moves. Serving personnel face the transition from military accommodation to civilian housing when leaving service. And sadly, some veterans and families find themselves in urgent need of emergency or homelessness support. Troopr brings everything together in one trusted place.

Many service leavers aspire to buy their first home after leaving the Forces — but navigating mortgages and deposits can feel daunting. The good news is there are schemes designed to help veterans and military families.
The Forces Help to Buy Scheme allows serving personnel to borrow up to 50% of their salary (capped at £25,000) interest-free to put towards a deposit or purchase costs. Veterans may also qualify for mainstream government schemes such as Shared Ownership or the First Homes Scheme, with some developers offering Forces discounts on new builds.
It’s also worth exploring lenders who are familiar with military careers. Several banks and building societies now offer mortgage products tailored to those with service backgrounds, recognising the unique employment history of veterans and reservists.

Most serving personnel and their families live in military accommodation — either Service Family Accommodation (SFA) or Single Living Accommodation provided by the MOD. But there are times when renting on the open market becomes part of the picture: for reservists balancing civilian and military life, families who choose not to take up SFA, or veterans transitioning into civilian housing.
The private rental process is similar to civilian life, but some landlords and letting agents are Forces-friendly, offering flexibility around short-term tenancies, relocation, or variable income.
When it comes to social housing, the Armed Forces Covenant ensures that service is recognised. Councils must not disadvantage applicants because of frequent moves, postings, or time spent in SFA. In fact, many local authorities now have dedicated Armed Forces housing pathways to help veterans and families access homes more quickly.
Housing associations also play a role, offering affordable long-term rental homes. And for those in urgent need, charities and Armed Forces organisations can step in with temporary housing or rental support while a permanent solution is secured.

Sadly, homelessness still affects too many in the Armed Forces community. Veterans facing crisis situations are entitled to priority support from councils, and there are charities dedicated to preventing and tackling homelessness.
Service charities such as Stoll, Alabaré, and Haig Housing provide supported housing, temporary accommodation, and pathways back to independence.
Families at risk can access emergency housing through councils, with charities stepping in to provide financial or practical help when needed. No veteran or military family should face housing insecurity alone — there is dedicated support available.

For most serving personnel and their families, housing is provided through the MOD. This usually means Service Family Accommodation (SFA) for those posted with dependants, or Single Living Accommodation for individuals. While the quality of SFA varies, it offers stability and affordability during service.
The challenge comes when it’s time to leave. Families are normally required to vacate SFA within 90 days of discharge, meaning a move into civilian housing has to be planned well in advance. This can feel daunting, especially for those who have never rented or bought a home before.
Support is available. Local authorities have Armed Forces leads who can advise on next steps, while specialist veterans’ housing charities can help with the transition. Some organisations also provide bridging accommodation — short-term housing that gives families breathing space to find a permanent solution without the stress of a sudden eviction.

Explore discounted and affordable housing options available to members of the Armed Forces community. Learn how to make housing more affordable for you and your family.


27 Oct 2025

23 Jul 2025

08 Aug 2025

31 Jan 2025