What is Help to Buy?

Help to Buy could make buying your own home more affordable, helping you buy a brand-new home sooner than you think.

• You only need a 5% deposit.
• The Government lends you up to 20% of the value of the property.
• The equity loan is interest-free for 5 years, making your ideal home more affordable.
• You then need to secure a 75% mortgage.
• Subject to eligibility, terms and conditions.

We can search the market to find you a great deal.

Who can use the scheme?

The scheme is for first time buyers only.

The definition of a first-time buyer is:

• Someone who’s never owned a property at any point in the past.
• Someone who’s never done so whether in the UK or abroad.
• And if you’re buying with a partner, they have to be a first-time buyer too.

For a complete definition of what a first-time buyer is for the purpose of the equity loan scheme, see the Help to Buy website.

There are also other options available to help first-time buyers on to the property ladder – read our First-Time Buyers’ Guide for the full lowdown.

Homes that qualify under the scheme

Help to Buy equity loans can only be used to purchase new-build homes. In other words, you can’t use the equity loan to purchase a home that’s already been lived in, plus with the following regional price caps in England (see graphic left).

You can also only reserve homes that are built by Help to Buy-registered homebuilders, meaning the equity loan won’t be available on all new builds, so make sure you check carefully. You can find which homes are available in your area through your local Help to Buy agent.

This page provides information about Help to Buy in England, outside of London. The scheme works slightly differently in London and Wales.

Would you like to know more?

If you have any questions, would like to know more or get help from our award winning team call 0151 459 2912, email info@bluestrawberryfinancialservices.co.uk or click here to book an appointment.