Letting your property in Westbury could become one of your best decisions – especially if you’re thinking about renting to military families. With stable, reliable tenants, demand fuelled by nearby Army bases, and strong buy-to-let potential, military lettings in Westbury are more than just a niche opportunity.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through why renting to military families makes sense, what to expect, and how to make your property stand out. Whether you’re a new landlord or expanding your portfolio, this could be the smart, secure option you’ve been looking for.
Why Westbury is a hotspot for military lettings
Westbury sits in a prime position for access to some of Wiltshire’s biggest military hubs. It’s just a short drive from:
- Salisbury Plain – home to several operational training areas
- Warminster Garrison
- Larkhill and Bulford camps
- Tidworth and Perham Down barracks
These bases house thousands of Army personnel and support staff, many of whom live off-site with their families. With its good transport links, affordable homes, and peaceful setting, Westbury is an ideal town for these tenants.
Add to that direct rail connections to Bath and Bristol, and it’s clear why more military families are making the move – and why more landlords are letting near Salisbury Plain.
Who are your military tenants
Military tenants are often serving personnel, MOD civilians, or spouses and dependents. Many live in privately rented homes rather than barracks accommodation – especially those with families, pets, or partners who work locally.
A few things make military families different from typical tenants:
- They often relocate every 2–3 years, based on deployment cycles.
- They value stability, safe neighbourhoods, and good schools.
- They often receive support from MOD housing services.
- They’re used to moving, which means efficient communication and timely paperwork.
In short, they make excellent tenants – and your Westbury property could be exactly what they need.
What military families look for in a rental property
Knowing your market is key. Military tenants are often looking for:
Family-friendly homes
Three- or four-bedroom houses are the most sought after. Military families tend to have children, so they need space to grow, play, and feel settled.
Gardens and outdoor space
A garden is often a must-have. After living on bases or in temporary housing, families often want outdoor space where children can play and pets can roam.
Parking
One or two parking spaces is ideal. Many families own at least one car, and secure parking helps tenants feel safer and more settled.
Good local schools
Military families move with children, so having a home in a good school catchment area can be a major draw. In Westbury, schools like Matravers and Bitham Brook are popular options.
Proximity to bases
Most tenants will want to be within a 30-minute drive of their station. Westbury’s location makes it easy to reach major garrisons while offering a quieter place to call home.
Broadband and connectivity
With modern life relying on remote working, streaming, and online communication, strong broadband is essential. Be sure to mention it in your listings.
The benefits of letting to military families
If you’re weighing up the pros and cons of different tenant types, military families tick a lot of the right boxes for landlords:
1. Steady, secure income
Military tenants are paid by the government. Their salaries are reliable, and housing costs are often partly covered by allowances. This means fewer late payments and a lower risk of arrears.
2. Longer tenancies
While some military families only stay for a year or two, many will want to renew if your property suits them well. This reduces void periods and improves your return.
3. Responsible tenants
Military families are usually very respectful of property. They follow rules, keep things clean, and treat the home as their own. It’s all part of the culture of discipline and professionalism.
4. Low turnover and reduced advertising
Once your property is known among MOD housing officers or shared by word of mouth within the military community, it can become a go-to rental. That means less time and money spent on marketing between tenancies.
Preparing your property for military tenants
There’s no need for a full renovation, but a few smart updates can make your Westbury home more attractive:
Offer flexible furnishings
Some military tenants move with their own furniture, while others arrive with little. Offering flexible options – furnished, part-furnished, or unfurnished – gives you a wider appeal.
Include key appliances
White goods such as washing machines, ovens, and fridge freezers are often expected, particularly for short-notice moves. Tenants will appreciate a move-in ready home.
Keep décor simple and durable
Neutral colours and hard-wearing materials are your best friend. Families with kids or pets need homes that are practical as well as welcoming.
Check for damp, draughts, and wear
Little things like a leaky tap, scuffed skirting, or poor heating can put tenants off. Show that your property is well cared for and you’re more likely to find tenants who will do the same.
Consider broadband and mobile coverage
Highlight broadband speeds and mobile signal strength in your marketing. It’s an often-overlooked but increasingly important factor.
What are your legal and insurance responsibilities?
Letting to military tenants is similar to letting to any other family – but there are a few extra considerations worth knowing:
Break clauses and early termination
Military families can be posted elsewhere at short notice. To support them, you may consider including a break clause or early release clause in the tenancy. This shows flexibility and can make your property more appealing.
Council tax exemptions
If a property is let to a sole military tenant and they’re away on deployment, council tax may be exempt. Speak to your local council for advice, or ask your letting agent to help with this.
Insurance checks
Standard landlord insurance usually covers military tenants, but it’s always best to confirm. Let your insurer know who your tenants are and ask if any changes are needed to your policy.
What support is available for landlords?
You don’t need to go it alone. There are several ways to get help if you’re new to letting to military tenants:
- MOD referral schemes: Defence Estates and the Joint Service Housing Advice Office offer support and referrals for tenants – and often keep lists of trusted landlords.
- Local letting agents: Choose an agent who understands the needs of military tenants and has experience dealing with MOD personnel.
- Accreditation schemes: Being part of schemes like the National Residential Landlords Association (NRLA) can give your tenants added confidence.
Is Westbury a good place for buy-to-let?
Absolutely. Westbury continues to grow in popularity thanks to its mix of affordability, access to nature, and links to larger cities. It offers:
- Direct rail lines to Bristol, Bath, Reading, and London
- Close links to A36, A350, and the M4
- Strong rental demand from military and civilian families
- Attractive yields, particularly for three-bed family homes
- A growing reputation as a commuter town and family-friendly hub
If you’re thinking about expanding your portfolio or looking for your first investment, Westbury buy-to-let properties – especially those suitable for military tenants- can deliver reliable returns.
Marketing your home to military tenants
Want to attract the right tenants? Focus your marketing on what matters most to this audience:
- Highlight local schools, parks, and shops
- Mention the distance to nearby barracks
- Promote any furnished options and available appliances
- Emphasise secure, family-friendly features (gardens, parking, fencing)
- Include information on local doctors, dentists, and community centres
It’s also worth asking your letting agent to liaise directly with MOD housing officers. They’re often the first port of call for service families relocating to the area.
Letting made easy with Martin & Co Westbury
At Martin & Co Westbury, we work with landlords who want the confidence of knowing their properties are in safe hands. We’ve helped many property owners rent to military families – and we understand exactly what it takes to make the process smooth and stress-free.
From finding the right tenants to managing day-to-day queries, we’ll take care of every detail. And if you’re new to renting or unsure where to begin, our friendly team can guide you from start to finish.
Whether you’re letting near Salisbury Plain, exploring Westbury buy-to-let opportunities, or simply looking for military tenants advice, we’re here to help.
Book your free rental valuation today and see what your property could earn.
