The Ministry of Defence is set to begin construction on the first new military family homes in nearly a decade, with 265 properties planned at RAF Brize Norton in Oxfordshire.
The development, which includes a mix of houses, flats and bungalows, will be the first new-build housing project of its kind since 2017. Enabling works are already underway following approval from local planners, with construction expected to begin in the coming weeks.
The announcement was made by John Healey, who said improving housing is central to supporting Armed Forces families and addressing long-standing issues with accommodation.
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Alongside the new build programme, the government confirmed that around 2,000 existing military homes will be modernised over the next year, building on work to upgrade some of the worst-condition properties across the estate.
The plans form part of a wider £9bn Defence Housing Strategy, which aims to refurbish or rebuild more than 40,000 service family homes over the next decade. Officials said the programme represents the most significant overhaul of military housing in more than 50 years.
Healey said: “At a time of greater global uncertainty, when we’re asking more of our Forces and their families, a decent home has never mattered more.
“I am determined that British military families will get homes they can be proud of.”
The Ministry of Defence also confirmed that around 1,000 additional families will gain access to military housing this year, as part of efforts to widen eligibility and increase availability.
The new development follows the return of more than 36,000 military homes to public ownership, a move the government said would support long-term improvements while reducing rental costs.
Further measures include plans for an interim rental allowance for families unable to access suitable accommodation in specific locations, alongside continued engagement with service families through a newly established housing committee.
The housing programme is part of a broader set of reforms aimed at improving service life, including pay increases and changes to welfare and support provision.
