The results from the Families Federations military housing questionnaire and the impact.
6,300 Service families have helped shape the future of Defence housing by sharing your views in the Future of Defence Housing Questionnaire.
The questionnaire, shared by the Tri-Service Families Federations in June 2025,gave you the opportunity to ensure that the Defence Housing Strategy, published earlier this month, reflects the firsthand experiences of service families.
Key findings from the Future of Military Housing Questionnaire
The independent Defence Housing Strategy Review Team analysed each response to inform the recommendations made in the final strategy. This ensures your experiences are at the heart of plans for Defence housing.
- A key area of feedback was in response to the current condition of many SFA homes. The Strategy calls for the immediate start of a ten-year programme of generational renewal of military houses, with over 40,000 homes to be modernised to meet new, higher standards.
- The results show that upgrades to homes are highly valued, with approximately half of respondents highlighting updated kitchens and bathrooms would have the greatest positive impact. Increased thermal efficiency was also listed a priority. In recognition of this, the Strategy specifically recommends these improvements are prioritised.
- The results also highlight a desire for housing stability, with 70% of respondents wanting the option to retain their home if relocating within a 20-mile radius. Under the new zonal approach, set out in the Strategy, the current 10-mile maximum distance between homes and duty stations will be extended to 20 miles, and 50 miles by choice.
What’s already changing
Some of your suggestions have already influenced the implementation of aspects of the new Consumer Charter, which is driving improvements to current housing services. They include:
- More photos and floorplans on the SFA application form.
- Updates to the move-in standard.
- Easier processes for owning pets or applying to run a business from your SFA.
- Allowing personalisation of your home like painting walls or making changes that don’t need to be reversed on move-out.
- An improved complaints process.
- The Home Hub portal trial has been completed and full roll out is expected by the end of the year.
Service families are at the heart of the Defence Housing Strategy and will continue to be engaged with as work to implement the recommendations progresses.
Cat Calder, AFF’s Housing Specialist and member of the Defence Housing Review said:
“It has been an honour to represent all three Families Federations on the Housing Review Panel. It was vital that the voices of service personnel and their families were central to the recommendations being developed.
“Thank you to everyone who took the time to share their thoughts. I’m delighted to see that so many of priorities raised are part the recommendations made.”
Change takes time
Some of these changes may be visible quickly. Larger improvements, such as building new SFA or implementing policy shifts, will take more time to come to fruition. This means that although everyone will see some positive developments, not all families will feel a significant impact immediately. The Families Federations will continue to advocate for consistent progress and keep you informed as things evolve.
Your voice is important
If you’re invited to respond to questions, take part in consultations, or help shape project designs, please take part. Don’t assume that someone else will speak on your behalf; through this process your voice can influence real change. Every contribution helps ensure future housing reflects the needs and preferences of families who live in it now and in the future.
Here are some of the key themes from your feedback:
- Community connection: 69% of you prefer living in military-only communities, valuing shared experiences and support networks.
- Housing stability: 70% want the option to retain your SFA if relocating within a 20-mile radius.
- Modernisation: Upgraded kitchens and bathrooms are top priorities for improving current SFA.
- Personalisation: Many of you want the freedom to decorate and maintain your SFA to create a true sense of home.
- Eligibility: You prioritise access to SFA for married couples, civil partnerships, and personnel with children, regardless of marital status.
- Affordability: A full housing subsidy is seen as crucial for these priority groups.
- Consistency: You asked for standardised layouts, sizes, and fittings in new builds.
- Storage: Built-in wardrobes and garages were frequently mentioned as essential.
- Community design: You want new estates to include off-road parking, green spaces and amenities for all ages.
- Home ownership goals: Your main motivations are long-term investment and family stability.
- Timing: Many plan to buy a home when leaving the Service or during major life events like marriage or having children.
- Barriers: Some cited the affordability and security of SFA/SLA as reasons not to buy. Others mentioned saving for a deposit and market uncertainty.
- Accidental landlords: Service personnel face financial disadvantages, including higher stamp duty than civilians.
- Deposit support: You welcome ideas like tax-efficient savings and matched contributions to help save for a deposit.
- Other concerns: You raised issues around long-term relationship entitlement, childcare over 80 nights, dual-serving households, and the condition of current SFA.
Next steps
Those of you who provided contact details may be invited to share more insights in the future as the review team decide which areas they would like to focus on for future research. A full report of the questionnaire result is available here.
Thank you again for making your voice heard. Your input is helping to shape the future of military accommodation for generations to come.
