The MOD is taking an important step towards improving SFA for families across the UK. The aim is simple: to provide modern, comfortable homes that better meet the needs of today’s service families.
One of the first steps in this journey is the development of eight new ‘model homes’ in Bulford.
These homes will help shape how future service housing is designed and delivered nationwide, and families will have an important role in that process. Your views will be crucial to ensuring that future new-build service homes are the best they can be for military families.
Modern homes designed with families in mind
The plans for these new homes sit within the MOD’s Defence Housing Strategy, published in November 2025. This strategy focuses on replacing older housing with new builds that are safer, more comfortable and better suited to modern family life.
Feedback from service families has played a key role in shaping these designs. More than 6,300 of you shared your views through the Families Federations survey in 2025, highlighting issues such as layout, fittings and how homes work for day‑to‑day living.
These concerns have been carefully considered, and the new designs aim to reflect what you said really matters; from usable space and storage (including access to the loft) to accessibility, reduced energy bills and practical layouts.
Where are the new homes being built?
The first phase of this programme is being planned at Sling Road, Bulford, around 300 metres north of the main Bulford Camp area. The location was chosen because it is well placed for local facilities and transport, and offers space to trial the new designs.
The development will include eight homes grouped together in a small close, which will be a mix of detached and semi‑detached houses which will have between two to four bedrooms and one two‑bedroom flat.
This range reflects the different sizes and needs of service families. As a small pilot project, these homes will allow the MOD to test designs and construction methods before rolling them out more widely.
What will the homes be like?
The new-build service homes are being designed to support everyday family life. They aim to make good use of space, natural light and flexibility, so families can adapt rooms to suit their needs.
The two‑bedroom flat may suit smaller families or individuals, with a practical and efficient layout.
The two‑bedroom houses offer more living space and a garden, while the three‑ and four‑bedroom houses are designed for larger families, with flexible rooms that can be used to suit the family.
In all new-build service homes, designs include modern kitchens, energy‑efficient heating and improved storage. The mix of house types is also intended to help create a friendly, community feel while still giving families privacy.
How you can get involved
Once the work progresses to the next stage you will be able to:
- View the plans online, including floor plans and images.
- Share feedback, which will help refine the designs before they are used more widely.
- Visit the model homes, subject to approval, once they are built. If you are local to the area you will be able to see the layouts in person and share your feedback.
All comments will be carefully considered, helping to improve future homes for service families across the country.
What happens next?
DIO is currently refining floor plans as part of wider work on the development of the estate. AFF will share updates when we can, including any opportunities to get involved.
Looking ahead
This project is an important first step in delivering better‑quality service housing nationwide. What is learned in Bulford, including family feedback, will help shape thousands of future homes, supporting service families wherever they are based.
By working together, the MOD and service families can help create homes that truly support family life and the unique challenges of service living.
Your views are crucial to ensuring that future builds are the best possible options for future military family homes, so please do have your say.