Researchers found fewer than one in five had been given any advice while serving.
Servicemen and woman are not being given enough advice about housing, a survey has revealed.
Researchers found fewer than one in five had been given any advice while they were serving, while just 37% were given support after leaving the forces.
The survey also found that the earlier advice was given, the more likely it was that it would have a positive effect on veterans looking for homes.
Housing Options Scotland (HOS), who conducted the research, said their findings show that preparing housing plans earlier is likely to lead to better outcomes.
We see too many veterans coming to HOS feeling lost and abandoned by society
Moira Bayne, HOS chief executive, said: “People serving in and veterans of the armed forces need to be told more about planning for their future housing needs.
”Resources should be better coordinated and tailored as there is some help available.
“We see too many veterans coming to HOS feeling lost and abandoned by society. They often have unrealistic expectations of the housing sector.
“They may not have saved and planned appropriately for their future housing needs while serving, and are therefore more vulnerable and at risk of homelessness.”
Researchers took responses from 166 adults aged between 25 and 74 for the survey, which was commissioned by The Scottish Government Veterans Fund.
Mark Strachan is one former serviceman who has seen first-hand how unsuitable housing can lead to stress and feelings of helplessness.
A TA soldier, Mark was severely injured in Iraq, leading to his medical discharge in 2004.
He returned to a rented bungalow in Dundee with wife Kellie and their three children, unable to work because of his injuries and PTSD.
The family was desperate to move to the Highlands, to be closer to family and friends, but could not see any way to make their dream a reality.
However, after contacting HOS they began to realise what options were available to them. Mark and Kellie have now completed a move to their own home, a terraced house in the village of Roybridge.
Mark said: “We are very much looking forward to our future now. We know we are going to be happy there.
“We can finally see the light at the end of the tunnel.”
