Over 6,300 Service families have shaped the future of Defence housing through their contribution to the Future of Defence Housing Questionnaire, which has been published today.  

The Ministry of Defence, along with the Tri-Service Families Federations, shared the questionnaire in June 2025 to develop the Defence Housing Strategy, which was launched last week.  

The questionnaire encouraged Service personnel and their families to share their views and experiences of military housing. The responses were analysed by the independent Defence Housing Strategy review team, helping to inform the recommendations made in the final Strategy. This ensured the experiences of Service families are at the heart of the MOD’s future plans for military housing.  

What did the results of the Questionnaire uncover? 

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 to be modernised to meet new, higher standards, this includes tackling damp and mould as a priority.   

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. 

Read the Future of Defence Housing Questionnaire report

Louise Sandher-Jones, Minister for Veterans and People, said:

“The voices of Service Personnel and their families are at the heart of our new Defence Housing Strategy. With feedback from over 6,000 service families, we have ensured that the lived experiences of service personnel and their loved ones are truly reflected in the final strategy.”

Cat Calder, AFF’s Housing Specialist and member of the Defence Housing Review team 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.” 

For the families who left contact details when completing the questionnaire, you may be invited to share more insights in the future as the Defence Housing Strategy Review team decide which areas they would like to focus on for further research.