The results from the Families Federations military housing questionnaire are in…

In June 2025, alongside the Army Families Federation and RAF Families Federation, we shared the Future of Defence Housing Questionnaire with you. 6,300 service families gave their feedback and have helped shape the future of defence through this questionnaire.

Questionnaire key findings

Home upgrades were important to you, with around half of respondents saying that modernised kitchens and bathrooms would make the most positive difference. Increased thermal efficiency was also mentioned. In recognition of this, the recently published Defence Housing Strategy recommends these improvements are prioritised, with all upgraded properties meeting a minimum Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) C rating (and B wherever possible), resulting in lower energy bills and a reduced carbon footprint.

You also expressed a desire for housing stability, with 70% of respondents wanting the option to retain their homes if moving within a 20-mile radius. As a result of this, the report recommends that the current 10-mile maximum distance between homes and duty stations should be extended to 20 miles, and 50 miles by choice. This should provide greater choice of homes and reduce the number of moves.

As a result of your feedback on the current condition of homes, the strategy calls for the immediate start of a 10-year refurbishment programme of military homes. More than 40,000 will be modernised or rebuilt to meet new, higher standards, with damp and mould tackled as a priority.

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.

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. AFF 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.