Residence Transaction Expenses

An employee requested a decision as to whether she could be reimbursed for expenses incurred in connection with the purchase of a residence at her new duty station even though her original travel orders did not authorize such payments. The provision for payment of real estate expenses incident to relocation contemplated uniform allowance of such expenses to transferred employees. Since agencies have no discretion to reduce or change benefits otherwise provided by regulation, the travel authorization may be amended to authorize reimbursement of real estate expenses.