The Armed Forces Covenant Team have been made aware of a “Property Finding and Purchase Management” service on the market that can tie personnel into aggressive contracts, with the unfortunate consequence that some have fallen foul of the T&Cs and have ended up paying out money they can’t afford for a “product/service” that ultimately isn’t delivered. Some terms are not compatible with Forces life, and more importantly sometimes the services just aren’t necessary in the UK.
General advice and guidance when engaging in Property Finding and Purchase Management services:
1. Read T&Cs and seek advice if unsure before signing : Anyone signing a commercial contract really needs to read and understand all the terms and conditions. Seek support/advice if the information is too difficult to understand and never feel pressed into signing – that’s usually a red flag.
2. Be informed: do you need this service? Is it regulated?
Useful signposting can be found here for house-buying: https://www.gov.uk/buy-sell-your-home/estate-agent. And as ever we continue to signpost people to the impartial and fantastically useful MoneyHelper org:
3. Check the credentials of a company.
Support and information can also be found via the Joint Service Housing Advice Office
The JSHAO is the MOD’s tri-service focal point to provide service personnel and their dependants with civilian housing information for those wishing to move to civilian accommodation at any time in their career, and for those during resettlement to assist with the transition to civilian life.
The JSHAO also deliver regular Civilian Housing Briefings and produce the Home Matters Magazine providing advice on housing for service personnel and families.
