The Defence Housing Strategy 2025 heralds the biggest transformation of Armed Forces accommodation in more than 50 years.
It’s a plan about far more than just bricks and mortar and is set to create homes that truly support the unique lifestyle of service households. Here’s what it means for you and how families will remain involved every step of the way.
Why it matters
For too long, many military families have faced housing that didn’t meet modern standards. The new strategy promises a generational renewal; a 10-year programme backed by a £9 billion investment to modernise, rebuild and improve homes across the Defence estate. The goal? To make sure every family has a safe, comfortable and welcoming home.
What’s changing?
Better homes, better standards
- Nine out of 10 homes will be modernised, refurbished or rebuilt;
- Expect new kitchens, bathrooms, heating systems and improved layouts;
- Homes will meet modern property standards, comparable to the best civilian
A ‘Forces First’ approach
A new Defence Housing Service will be created, dedicated to putting families first;
- Named housing officers will provide dedicated support;
- You will have more freedom to make your house a home, such as greater scope when it comes to decorating and it will be easier to keep
Improved customer service
- A new Consumer Charter for forces families (see opposite);
- A streamlined complaints process that is easier to navigate.
More choice and access
- Housing policies will reflect modern family life, including support for long-term relationships and non-resident parents;
- New home ownership opportunities for service personnel and veterans will be introduced.
A decade-long journey
This is a 10-year plan, so while the vision is ambitious, families may not see all the big changes straight away. Improvements will roll out in phases,
starting with the most urgent upgrades, and 1,000 of the homes most in need have already been refurbished. The Ministry of Defence wants to get this right, so it’s taking time to ensure homes meet the highest standards.
How families and federations are involved
This strategy was shaped by 6,300 responses from service families and input from the Forces families federations, who were represented on the independent review team by Cat Calder, AFF Housing Specialist.
Your voices have already influenced key changes such as ending outdated rules that stopped families from making homes their own, prioritising family needs in new housing developments and ensuring transparency, with annual reports on housing standards and satisfaction.
Families will remain at the heart of the process, with several recommendations designed to embed the families federations in decision-making, ensuring your voices are consistently heard and valued.
Changes include the Defence Housing Service publishing customer satisfaction data and feedback channels staying open to make sure improvements reflect what you most need.
Of course, the three families federations will continue to represent you in shaping policies.
Delivering for the nation
Beyond military housing, the strategy unlocks surplus Defence land to build more than 100,000 new homes for both military and civilian families, boosting local communities and creating jobs.
This will include opportunities for service personnel and veterans to purchase discounted homes, as well as the provision of homes for housing organisations who provide support and housing for veterans.