Most military personnel assume the Forces Help to Buy (FHTB) scheme works like a standard deposit, but the legal reality is closer to a complex bridging loan managed by the MoD. Because the funds are drawn from your future salary and secured against your property, the timeline for 'Notice to Draw' requires a level of coordination that standard high-street lawyers often miss. Missing a single deadline for paperwork can push your completion back & potentially jeopardising your

Today, we pause to mark the anniversary of Victory in Europe Day. A moment in history that reminds us of the courage, sacrifice, and resilience shown by so many during World War II.

An overview of Armed Forces day events across the UK

This is where our passion runs deepest. Too often, when people talk about Armed Forces conveyancing, the focus is placed solely on actively

Our Founder Joanne and her husband Ashley will attend a special event on Saturday 27 June 2026. The Welsh Guards community will come together in Wrexham for a deeply significant day of remembrance: the Welsh Guards Afghanistan Memorial Unveiling.

At JB Property Law, our commitment to supporting the UK Armed Forces is both professional and deeply personal. We are proud signatories of the Armed Forces Covenant, a pledge that reflects not only our values as a business, but also our connection to the military community.

A Forces Help to Buy (FHTB) application isn't a guarantee of mortgage approval because lenders and the MOD look at your pay packet through two completely different lenses. While the MOD might agree to lend you up to £25,000, a high-street lender will often reduce your maximum borrowing amount because that FHTB loan is treated as a monthly debt commitment. If your total monthly credit repayments—including the new mortgage and the FHTB repayment exceed 55% of your gross househo

Buying a new-build property while serving in the armed forces isn't the 'chain-free doddle' that site agents often pitch. While you don't have a seller moving out on the same day, you have a rigid developer deadline on one side and the MOD’s administrative timeline on the other. In 2026, the success of these transactions hinges on the precise alignment of the Forces Help To Buy (FHTB) drawdown with the developer’s 28-day exchange expectation.

Most lenders will reject a mortgage application if they spot an undisclosed debt on a payslip, but for many service personnel, the 'debt' is actually an old Long Service Advance of Pay (LSAP) balance that hasn't been properly cleared or converted. Understanding how the Ministry of Defence transitioned from LSAP to the Forces Help to Buy (FHTB) scheme is essential because even in 2026, legacy administrative errors during this switch can stall a property purchase at the elevent

The Forces Help to Buy (FHTB) scheme allows personnel to borrow up to £25,000 interest-free, but assuming every bank treats this as a standard 'cash deposit' is a mistake that causes hundreds of mortgage applications to fail at the finish line in 2026. While the MOD views the funds as an advance on your salary, lenders view it as a debt, and the legal work must bridge that gap to ensure your offer isn't withdrawn during the conveyancing process.

For many Armed Forces personnel, the Forces Help to Buy (FHTB) scheme has been a game-changer. It has helped thousands of service members raise a deposit and take their first step onto the property ladder. However, a growing number of applicants are discovering that securing FHTB approval does not automatically mean a mortgage lender will issue an offer. One of the most misunderstood barriers is the so-called 12-month re-engagement rule.

Moving home is often described as one of life’s most stressful experiences. For those serving in the armed forces, that stress can be significantly heightened by the realities of military life. At JB Property Law, we work closely with armed forces personnel and their families every day and we understand that moving is rarely straightforward.

Why Using a Specialist Armed Forces Conveyancer Makes a Difference When buying or selling a home, most people assume that all conveyancing services are broadly the same. On paper, the process may look similar, but for members of the armed forces, the reality is often very different. At JB Property Law, we have built our service around those differences. And that is why working with a specialist armed forces conveyancer can make a significant impact on both your experience an

At JB Property Law, our commitment to the armed forces community is not just reflected in the services we offer. It is embedded in the decisions we make as a business. One of those decisions is our choice to offer a 15% discount on legal fees to serving personnel and veterans, and importantly, to extend that same support to reservists and their families.

As JB Property Law has grown, so too has our ambition. Not just to support more clients, but to do so in a way that protects the quality, flexibility and personal service we are known for. That is why partnering with Carbon Law Partners has been such an important step in our journey. This partnership is not just about growth. It is about creating the right structure to fully develop our specialist service in armed forces conveyancing.

At JB Property Law, our commitment to the armed forces community goes beyond words. It is reflected in the practical decisions we make as a business. One of those decisions is our approach to Forces Help to Buy (FHTB). While many firms charge additional legal fees for handling Forces Help to Buy transactions, we have chosen to waive these extra costs for our armed forces clients. This is a conscious decision and one that sits at the heart of who we are.

At JB Property Law, specialising in armed forces conveyancing was never a short-term decision. It was a commitment. Today, that commitment continues to shape how we grow, evolve, and serve our clients. What began as a personal connection has developed into a clear and focused niche within our business. One that is not only growing, but becoming a defining part of who we are. Building on Strong Foundations Our original decision to support the armed forces community came from l

At JB Property Law, our decision to specialise in armed forces conveyancing wasn’t driven by market trends or commercial convenience. It came from something far more personal, lived experience, understanding, and a deep respect for the unique challenges faced by those who serve.