31/07/2026
Service Family Accommodation (SFA) Communications Update _30 July 2026
Hundreds of brand-new homes have been completed at Imjin Barracks in Gloucestershire, marking an important milestone in the MOD’s plans to improve housing for Service personnel and their families.
DIO have purchased a total of 281 homes near Imjin Barracks, home to NATO’s Allied Rapid Reaction Corps. These homes were purchased by the DIO from existing developments built by Taylor Wimpey, Bloor Homes and Bovis Homes.
Construction began in 2023 and was delivered in phases, allowing Service families to move in as soon as their homes were ready. Some families have now been enjoying their new homes for almost two years.
These homes have been designed with sustainability in mind. Features include energy-saving solar panels, low-carbon heating systems, smart heating controls and electric vehicle charging points. These modern features are helping Service families reduce their energy use and, in some cases, lower their household bills.
For further information, see the full article on Defence Homes https://defencehomes.mod.gov.uk/.../hundreds-of-new-sfa.../
Pre-move out and move-out appointment reminder
We know that moving can be a busy and sometimes stressful time, and that plans can change unexpectedly. If you are unable to attend your pre-move out or move out appointment, you can change your appointment on the e-1132 system.
Attending these appointments, or providing advance notice if you can't make them, helps ensure your move out process runs as smoothly as possible
Tune in to Housing Matters Podcast
Episode two of the brand-new podcast, Housing Matters is out now. The podcast lifts the lid on military housing and the issues that matter most to Service Personnel and their families.
Co-presenters Defence Families Champion, Trish Jakeman, and DIO Operations Manager South, Sebastian O’Hara, will be joined by special guests each week sharing their unique perspectives, experiences and expertise on all things military housing.
The first two episodes are now available. In the latest episode, we hear from John Reynolds, Army Military Housing Liaison Officer, and Stephanie Jervis from DIO Accommodation, who is also a military spouse and has lived in Service Family Accommodation for more than 18 years. Together, they share helpful guidance for families at every stage of military life, from moving home to simple ways to make a house feel like home.
You can watch episode one https://defencehomes.mod.gov.uk/.../welcome-to-housing.../ and two https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7LrRRyScU-k now.
So grab a cup of tea, press play and join us each week for Housing Matters.
Summer safety – travelling over the summer
With the school holidays upon us, many of our families will be thinking about going away, whether that's a staycation or holiday abroad. If you’ll be away from your home for a period of time, we recommend the following steps to keep your home safe:
Hot weather can cause burst pipes, so it’s recommended to turn your water off using your stopcock while you are away. The stopcock is the little tap or lever on pipes that are often found under your sink.
Turn off and unplug electricals like your TV and small kitchen appliances like kettles and microwaves to reduce bills and to reduce the risk of an electrical fire.
Ask a trusted friend or neighbour to look after your house keys so they can make checks on your home while you are away.
For more summer safety advice, visit Defence Homes.
Families First newsletter
The latest issue of the Families First newsletter, featuring the latest Defence housing news and updates, is now available on the Defence Homes website https://defencehomes.mod.gov.uk/families-first/
