Under the Forces Help to Buy scheme, from 1 January 2023, you can borrow up to 50% of your annual military salary, capped at £25,000, whichever is lower, interest-free, to support your deposit and buying costs.
The amount available depends purely on your salary, but the impact varies depending on where in Lincolnshire you plan to buy.
How Forces Help to Buy Calculates Your Borrowing Amount
The Forces Help to Buy (FHTB) advance is a simple calculation:
- 50% of your gross military salary (including specialist pay)
- Maximum loan: £25,000 Source: GOV.UK – Forces Help to Buy
The loan can be used for:
- Deposit contribution
- Solicitor fees
- Survey costs
- Estate-agent fees
- Essential moving expenses
Repayments are automatically taken through payroll over up to 10 years. Find out more about the Armed Forces Help to Buy Scheme or explore the Armed Forces Buy-to-Let Mortgages.
What a £25,000 Loan Means When Buying Near Lincolnshire Bases
Most serving personnel in Lincolnshire face the same barrier: raising a workable deposit before moving to or between bases such as RAF Waddington, RAF Cranwell, RAF Coningsby, RAF Digby or Sobraon Barracks in Lincoln.
Local pricing makes the FHTB loan particularly useful:
- Lincoln average: £185,000 (Sept 2025) Source: Land Registry
- Lincolnshire county average: £236,000 Source: Rightmove Market Trends
With prices below the UK average, a £20k–£25k loan often covers most of a 10% deposit on homes in Sleaford, North Hykeham, Waddington village, Ruskington, Cranwell village, Grantham and surrounding areas.
Lincolnshire New-Build Sites Where the Loan Has the Biggest Impact
Many personnel prefer modern builds close to bases — and the numbers align well. Active developments include:
- Handley Chase (Sleaford) – Taylor Wimpey
- The Landings (Waddington)
- Quarrington / Holdingham expansions
- Witham St Hughs – popular with Waddington postings Sources: Taylor Wimpey, Barratt Homes, Lindum Group Planning
New-builds typically range £200k–£280k for 2–3 bed homes. An FHTB loan can shift buyers from a 5% deposit product (higher rates) to a stronger 10% product, widening lender choice and improving monthly affordability.
FHTB Eligibility and Practical Considerations
To access the scheme you must be:
- A regular serving member of the UK Armed Forces
- With six months’ service remaining at the date of application
- Purchasing a home you will live in (not a buy-to-let) Sources: GOV.UK, MOD Discover My Benefits
- meet the right medical categories
- are not a reservist or a member of the Military Provost Guard Service
- have completed the pre-requisite length of service
However, there may be exceptions to these criteria, especially where there are special medical and personal circumstances.
From the gov.uk guidance;
For more information refer to JSP 464, volume 1, part 1, chapter 12 or contact the Joint Personnel Administration Cell:
Defence Business Services
Military Personnel
FHTB Section
Centurion Building,
Grange Road Gosport,
Hants PO13 9XA
Most Lincolnshire lenders accept the FHTB loan as part of your deposit, and many are familiar with cases involving personnel posted to Waddington, Cranwell, Coningsby and Digby.
How Much You Can Borrow and What It Unlocks Locally
If your salary is £40,000, the maximum loan is £20,000.
If your salary is £55,000, the maximum is £25,000.
In Lincolnshire’s market, that’s often enough to:
- Secure a 10% deposit
- Access lower-rate mortgage products
- Bring new-build homes into reach
- Buy sooner when relocating between bases
- Reduce long-term cost compared to waiting and saving
For many personnel, this is the turning point between delaying a purchase and moving into a home that fits their posting and family needs.
Start you Armed Forces help to buy application today.
Thinking about using Forces Help to Buy for a move in Lincolnshire?
If you’re based at RAF Waddington, Cranwell, Coningsby, Digby or Sobraon Barracks and want to see what your options look like with a 5% or 10% deposit, you can request a quick outline of what lenders typically offer for forces personnel. No forms, no pressure, just straightforward clarity. Contact us today.
