From March 2024, Defence began rolling out the Modernised Accommodation Offer (MAO) — an approach to accommodation policy designed to better reflect how Service personnel live today. These changes were designed to update accommodation entitlements, raise the standard of Single Living Accommodation, enhance the overseas housing offer, and ultimately give you extended options over how you live.
accommodation
What is happening as part of the Modernised Accommodation Offer?
Support for weekly commuters
From 1 April 2026, the Dual Accommodation Waiver became a permanent waiver, replacing outdated Single Living Accommodation waivers for Service personnel living in SLA during the week while maintaining a privately owned home or retained SFA away from their duty station.
Personnel can benefit regardless of age, Service, or relationship status, ensuring continuity while the MOD develops a fair and sustainable scheme for those who maintain a home away from their assigned location.
Full policy details can be found in JSP 464: Vol 3 Part 1. Service personnel benefitting from waivers listed elsewhere in this JSP will continue to receive that benefit in accordance with policy.
New standards in Single Living Accommodation
A minimum standard for SLA has been agreed, and we have been assessing the entire SLA estate to understand where rooms are currently failing to meet this. This is now informing where investment is needed.
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 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.
OverseasEstablished Long-Term Relationship (LTR(E)) Pilot
The Overseas 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 you feel confident about your living arrangements while on assignment.
We've also made it easier to find the information you need. Overseas accommodation policy has its own dedicated publication - Volume 5 of JSP 464 - giving you a clear and accessible guide in one place. Volume 4 continues to cover pilot activity across the UK and overseas.
With the updated guidance in Volume 5, you'll have everything you need to understand your options and get the most from your time abroad.
