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Help to Buy & UK Government Home-Buying Schemes

Home-buying schemes differ across the UK and can change. Check current official eligibility before relying on any option below.

Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage.

Quick summary

  • Help to Buy equity loan (England) — closed October 2022.
  • Help to Buy ISA — closed November 2019. Existing accounts can still earn the 25% bonus until November 2030.
  • Lifetime ISA (LISA) — still open. £4,000/year cap, 25% government bonus.
  • Shared Ownership — still widely available.
  • First Homes scheme — 30–50% discount on selected new builds in England.
  • Mortgage Guarantee Scheme - permanent lender guarantee introduced in July 2025 for eligible 91-95% LTV mortgages. Borrowers remain subject to lender checks and scheme rules.
  • Right to Buy (England) — eligible council tenants can buy with discount.
  • Wales and Scotland have their own equivalent schemes.

Check current eligibility and availability in the GOV.UK home-ownership scheme guide and HM Treasury Mortgage Guarantee Scheme information.

Check the official Shared Ownership guide for the starting share and provider terms.

Review the official Lifetime ISA rules and Help to Buy equity-loan interest guidance for the conditions that apply to you.

What lenders may look at

  • Which scheme you're using
  • Property type and developer (for First Homes)
  • LISA contributions and bonus history
  • Lender appetite for the scheme — not all lenders work with all schemes

Documents you may need

  • Scheme-specific paperwork (e.g. First Homes designation)
  • LISA statements showing contributions and bonus
  • Standard mortgage application pack

Common issues

  • Using LISA funds for a property over £450,000 — incurs a 25% withdrawal penalty.
  • First Homes properties may have ongoing resale restrictions.
  • Shared Ownership leases need careful review — lease length, ground rent, service charge.
  • Help to Buy equity loan repayment — for existing borrowers, repayment is based on current property value, not purchase price.

People also ask

Is Help to Buy still available?+
The equity loan scheme in England closed in October 2022. The 5% deposit Mortgage Guarantee Scheme is a different scheme that helps lenders offer 95% LTV mortgages.
Should I use a LISA?+
A Lifetime ISA has eligibility, first-home purchase and withdrawal conditions. Review the official rules and possible withdrawal charges, and consider your circumstances before deciding whether it is suitable.
What's Shared Ownership?+
Buy a share, pay rent on the rest, and check the starting share and terms with the provider. You may be able to buy more shares under the lease rules.
What's the First Homes scheme?+
30–50% discount on selected new-build homes in England, with the discount permanent (passing to future buyers). Local connection or key-worker priority in some areas.
Will my Help to Buy equity loan payment go up?+
Interest and annual increases depend on the Help to Buy scheme and your loan agreement. Older and newer schemes use different inflation measures and uplifts. Check your annual statement and the official interest-payment guidance for your agreement.

Want help comparing real help to buy & government schemes options?

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Suggested next steps

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