TL;DR
Help to Buy - key points
The Help to Buy Equity Loan scheme is closed to new applications. This page should not be treated as a live scheme page for buyers making a new application.
It may still be useful if you already have Help to Buy and want to understand repayment, remortgage, sale or change-of-circumstances options.
New buyers should compare current alternatives such as Shared Ownership, First Homes where relevant, lower-deposit residential mortgages, family-supported options and affordability planning.
The right route should be checked before viewing properties, because each option has different rules, costs and lender criteria.
Has Help to Buy ended?
Yes. The main Help to Buy Equity Loan scheme in England has ended for new applications. Some older references still appear online, but buyers planning a new purchase should not rely on a new Help to Buy application.
If you previously used Help to Buy or have an existing equity loan, the page can still be relevant for understanding repayment, remortgage, sale, staircasing-style changes or other options linked to the existing loan.
What alternatives can buyers consider?
The right alternative depends on where you are buying, deposit, income, affordability and whether you want a new build, resale property or Shared Ownership home. First Homes may also be relevant in some local areas.
Shared Ownership
You buy a share of the property and pay rent on the remaining share. Lender and housing provider rules both matter.
First Homes Scheme
In some areas, eligible buyers may be able to buy selected homes at a discount. Availability and local criteria need to be checked.
Low-deposit mortgage
Some buyers can access mortgages with smaller deposits, subject to affordability, credit score and lender criteria.
Affordability planning
For some buyers, improving credit profile, reducing debts, saving more deposit or using family support gives better long-term options.
What should first-time buyers check first?
Before focusing on a scheme, check how much you can borrow, how much deposit you have, what monthly payment is comfortable and what purchase costs apply.
If this is your first home, use the First-Time Buyer guide as the starting point.
How to compare your options
A structured check avoids choosing a scheme before knowing whether the numbers work.
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Step 1
Check affordability
Review income, debts, deposit, credit history and monthly budget.
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Step 2
Compare routes
Look at standard mortgages, Shared Ownership and any family-supported options.
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Step 3
Check property rules
Some lenders or schemes have restrictions around new build, flats, leasehold or property value.
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Step 4
Get an AIP
An Agreement in Principle can help define a realistic search range.
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Step 5
Apply for the mortgage
Once a property is agreed, the lender checks documents, valuation and final criteria.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Can I still apply for Help to Buy?
The old Help to Buy equity loan scheme is closed to new applications. Buyers should check current alternatives instead.
Is Shared Ownership the same as Help to Buy?
No. Shared Ownership means buying a share of the property and paying rent on the rest. Help to Buy was an equity loan scheme.
Can I buy with a small deposit?
Possibly, depending on lender criteria, credit history, income, property type and current products available.
Should I choose a scheme before speaking to a broker?
Usually no. It is better to check affordability, deposit and lender criteria first, then compare which route is suitable.