Around 80,000 military personnel living in single and unaccompanied accommodation in the UK and overseas are set to benefit from a major overhaul, as the
government launches a new independent review aimed at raising housing standards across the Armed Forces.
The ‘Single Living Accommodation (SLA) and Overseas Estate Review’ was formally launched at RAF Brize Norton by the Minister for Veterans and People, following extensive feedback from service personnel highlighting outdated buildings, poor maintenance and living conditions that no longer meet the realities of modern military life. The issues reflect years of underinvestment that have contributed to declining morale and retention across the Armed Forces.
The review comes alongside wider reforms under the Defence Housing Strategy, which includes £9.2 billion to upgrade more than 40,000 service family homes, and new legislation in the Armed Forces Bill to establish a Defence Housing Service designed to put personnel at the centre of housing decisions.
While long-term change is the focus, improvement work is already underway. Over the past three years, more than 614,000 maintenance jobs have been completed across single living accommodation, including 38,000 repairs to heating and hot water systems. Around 95% of issues were resolved within target timescales, supported by £244 million in investment. The new review will build on this progress, identifying where conditions remain unacceptable and where future funding should be prioritised.
Louise Sandher-Jones, Minister for Veterans and People, said: “For too many of our Service Personnel, their accommodation simply isn’t good enough. Years of underinvestment has meant our people are dealing with damp, mould and poor heating – standards well below what those defending our nation deserve.
This review is about showing our people that we’re listening and understanding how accommodation needs can adapt throughout their lives and careers.
We’re committed to delivering real improvements that make a genuine difference to daily life in our Armed Forces”.
Service personnel of all ranks, both in the UK and overseas, will play a central role in shaping the review’s findings. Their experiences will feed directly into recommendations through site visits, engagement sessions and information briefings.
The review will be chaired by Natalie Elphicke Ross OBE, who led the delivery of the Defence Housing Strategy in November 2025, and will be supported by an independent panel of experts.
Findings will be published in two stages, with recommendations on UK accommodation expected by summer 2026, followed by a report on overseas sites by the end of the year.
Natalie Elphicke Ross OBE, Review Chair, said: “Our world class armed forces need top quality accommodation to support their vital work. This review will consider how we can boost barracks and improve overseas housing to improve the conditions, experience and retention of serving personnel”.