Forces Help to Buy Mortgage Advice (FHTB)
The Forces Help to Buy (FHTB) scheme is a UK government initiative designed to help regular Armed Forces personnel get onto the property ladder or move home. It allows eligible service members to borrow up to 50% of their annual salary, interest-free, up to a maximum of £25,000.
This loan can be used towards a deposit and other purchase costs, such as legal fees, estate agent fees or even mortgage broker fees (However, we do not charge fees to forces personnel). The loan is then repaid over 10 years through monthly deductions from salary.
When it comes to mortgages, the FHTB loan can significantly increase a buyer’s deposit, making it easier to access better mortgage rates or meet lenders’ deposit requirements. Many mainstream lenders accept FHTB funds as part of the deposit, although applicants must still meet standard affordability checks.
In short, FHTB helps serving personnel bridge the gap between their savings and a mortgage deposit, making homeownership more achievable while they’re still in service.
Who better to guide you through the process than our very own Royal Air Force Veteran and Director, Ollie Cleverly, Who used the FHTB to purchase his first property back in 2020.
What Our Clients Say
”Ollie helped me with my mortgage back in February. He was very meticulous and extremely helpful whenever called upon. He kept me upto speed every step of the way and never left no stone uncovered. He will do his best to get you the best deal possible even if it means 10 phone calls a day when you dont quite understand something. I could not speak highly enough of him and the team at connect and if anyone needs a mortgage doing I urge you to contact ollie
Andrew Mctear, Google review
”Ollie keeps me up to date every time my mortgage offer is coming up to its renewal. He explains all the deals available and breaks all the prices down and what savings we’ll be making. He locked in a better price a few months before renewal and then readdressed it the month of renewal to get a better deal again . Could not recommend him highly enough.
Kieran Sainty, Google review
What is the Forces Help to Buy (FHTB) scheme?
The Forces Help to Buy scheme is a UK government initiative that helps regular Armed Forces personnel buy their first home or move to a new property. It allows eligible service members to borrow up to 50% of their annual salary (interest-free), capped at £25,000.
Who is eligible for the FHTB scheme?
The scheme is available to regular Armed Forces personnel who meet certain service requirements. It’s designed specifically to support those currently serving in the British Armed Forces.
How much can I borrow through FHTB?
You can borrow up to 50% of your annual salary, up to a maximum of £25,000, completely interest-free.
What can the FHTB loan be used for?
The loan can go towards your mortgage deposit and other property purchase costs such as:
- Legal fees
- Estate agent fees
- Mortgage broker fees (note: we don’t charge fees to forces personnel)
How is the FHTB loan repaid?
The loan is repaid over a 10-year period through monthly deductions directly from your salary.
Will all lenders accept the FHTB loan as part of my deposit?
Many mainstream lenders do accept FHTB funds as part of your deposit, but you’ll still need to meet their standard affordability and credit checks.
How does FHTB make getting a mortgage easier?
By increasing your deposit amount, the FHTB loan can help you access better mortgage rates and meet lender deposit requirements—making homeownership more achievable.
Can you help me apply for the FHTB scheme?
Absolutely. Our Director, Ollie Cleverly, is a Royal Air Force Veteran who personally used the FHTB scheme to buy his first home in 2020. He’s ideally placed to guide you through every step of the process.




