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Guidance

Modernised Accommodation Offer (Previously New Accommodation Offer)

Starting from March 2024, the Ministry of Defence (MOD) will begin introducing a new accommodation offer for our armed forces.

Overview

Starting from March 2024, the MOD will modernise accommodation entitlements, improve the standard of Single Living Accommodation (SLA), provide support for home ownership and update the overseas accommodation offer.

What is happening as part of the Modernised Accommodation Offer

Support for weekly commuters

The Dual Accommodation Waiver (DAW) became a permanent entitlement on 1 April 2026 replacing previous Single Living Accommodation (SLA) waivers.

It allows eligible Service Personnel (SP) to occupy SLA at no cost if they maintain a separate UK main home.

This supports mobility and recognises the cost of maintaining two homes.

Information about the Dual Accommodation Waiver (ODT, 36.7 KB)

New standards in Single Living Accommodation

Forces Help to Buy is now a permanent part of the Defence accommodation policy.

From March 2024, further support is being provided through the Refund of Legal Expenses scheme for Service personnel who are required to move accommodation on a new assignment and are buying a first home. Eligible personnel can claim up to £1,500 towards qualifying legal expenses.

Full details, including eligibility criteria and how to claim, can be found in JSP 464: Vol 1.

Increased support to buy a home

Forces Help to Buy is now a permanent part of the Defence accommodation policy. From March 2024, further support is being provided to Service personnel who are required to move accommodation on a new assignment and are buying a first home, refunding up to £1,500 of their legal expenses. Full details can be found in JSP 464: Vol 1.

Improving the overseas accommodation offer

The Overseas Established Long-Term Relationship (LTR(E)) pilot continues to provide support for Service personnel and their partners living together overseas, with activity in British Forces Cyprus (BFC), the Falkland Islands, and BATUS (Canada). 

It brings together accommodation, allowances, and welfare support into one consistent offer, helping Service personnel feel confident about their living arrangements while on assignment.

Overseas accommodation policy has its own dedicated publication in JSP 464: Vol 5, giving Service personnel a clear and accessible guide in one place. JSP 464: Vol 4 continues to cover pilot activity across the UK and overseas.

What do you need to do

Consult Joint Service Publication 464 for eligibility, entitlements and overseas accommodation guidance:

  • JSP 464: Vol 1 to 3 - UK accommodation policy, including the Modernised Accommodation Offer, Dual Accommodation Waiver and Refund of Legal Expenses schemes
  • JSP 464: Vol 4 - pilot activity across the UK and overseas, including the overseas LTR(E) pilot
  • JSP 464: Vol 5 - overseas accommodation policy and guidance in one dedicated publication

Defence accommodation policy

Contact

For more information, email: People-Accom-ASC@mod.gov.uk

Updates to this page

Published 19 September 2023
Last updated 25 June 2026 Show all updates
  1. 'Support for weekly commuters', 'New standards in Single Living Accommodation' and 'Improving the overseas accommodation offer' updated.

  2. Updated: 'Support for weekly commuters', 'Increased support to buy a home', 'Improving the overseas accommodation offer', and 'What do you need to do'.

  3. Added 'Related information'.

  4. Webpage updated with new information on the Modernised Accommodation Offer (Previously New Accommodation Offer).

  5. Section 'Revised JSP 464' updated.

  6. Added: new section, 'Revised JSP 464'.

  7. First published.

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