SPECIALIZATION
Help to Buy
Government-backed mortgage schemes including Help to Buy equity loans, shared ownership, and other assistance programs for first-time buyers and those struggling to afford a deposit.
What is Help to Buy?
Understanding the fundamentals and purpose of help to buy financing
Government-backed mortgage schemes including Help to Buy equity loans, shared ownership, and other assistance programs for first-time buyers and those struggling to afford a deposit.
Help to Buy mortgages are designed for specific property types and investment strategies, offering tailored terms and conditions that differ from standard residential mortgages.
Before pursuing help to buy financing, it's crucial to understand the requirements and process involved. Specialist brokers can guide you through every step of the application process.
Key Features
Essential characteristics that make help to buy mortgages unique
Competitive Rates
Access market-leading rates with flexible terms to suit your help to buy strategy.
Fast Funding
Quick decisions and rapid funding for time-sensitive opportunities.
Flexible Terms
Tailored funding solutions for various development types and scales.
Expert Support
Dedicated specialists to guide you through the entire process.
High LTV Options
Borrow up to 75% of the project value with competitive options.
No Early Repayment
No penalties for early repayment, giving you flexibility in your exit strategy.
Eligibility Requirements
Key criteria you need to meet to qualify for help to buy financing
Property Requirements
- Suitable property type for help to buy
- Valid planning permission (if required)
- Clear investment strategy
- Good location and market conditions
Borrower Requirements
- Relevant experience preferred
- Good credit history
- Adequate deposit (varies by type)
- Strong financial position
Application Process
Step-by-step guide to securing your help to buy mortgage
1
Free Consultation
45 minDiscuss project and funding requirements
2
Application & Documentation
2-3 daysSubmit forms and financial documents
3
Property Valuation
1-2 weeksProperty appraisal and development assessment
4
Lender Assessment
2-4 weeksProject feasibility and borrower review
5
Legal & Monitoring
2-3 weeksLoan agreement and monitoring setup
6
Project Monitoring
OngoingStaged fund releases and oversight
Total: 4-8 weeks
Current Help to Buy Rates
Latest interest rates and pricing for help to buy mortgages
Interest Rates
Typical range for help to buy mortgages
4.0% - 5.5%
3.5% - 6.5%
Deposit Required
Minimum deposit for help to buy financing
5%
Min: 5%
Processing Time
From application to completion
4-8 weeks
Average timeline
Rates vary by lender and circumstances. Contact specialist brokers for personalized quotes.
Key Features of Help to Buy Mortgages
What sets help to buy mortgages apart from standard options
Government equity loan up to 20% (40% in London)
5% deposit requirement
Interest-free for first 5 years
Available for new build properties
First-time buyer eligibility
Eligibility Requirements
Detailed criteria for qualifying for help to buy financing
Borrower Requirements
- First-time buyer status
- UK resident and over 18
- Able to afford mortgage payments
- Maximum household income limits
- No other property ownership
Property Requirements
- New build property only
- Maximum property value limits
- Property must be main residence
- Developer must be registered
- Property must meet quality standards
Benefits & Considerations
Weighing the advantages and important factors for help to buy mortgages
Benefits
- Lower deposit requirement (5%)
- Interest-free equity loan for 5 years
- Access to competitive mortgage rates
- Government backing reduces risk
- Help entering property market
Important Considerations
- Limited to new build properties
- Income and property value limits
- Equity loan must be repaid
- Interest charges after 5 years
- Limited to first-time buyers
Fees Guide
Understanding the costs and fees associated with help to buy mortgages
Arrangement Fee
Lender setup fee for help to buy finance
1.5% - 2.5%
of loan amount
Valuation Fee
Professional property and development assessment
£500 - £2,000
one-time cost
Legal Fees
Loan documentation and property transfer
£1,000 - £3,000
legal costs
Monitoring Fee
Fee for monitoring the progress of development work and releasing funds in stages.
£300 - £800
ongoing
Broker Fee
Fee for arranging the development finance. Only charged upon successful completion.
0.5% - 1.5%
on completion
Important Notice
Fees can vary significantly between lenders and depend on your specific circumstances. Brokers will provide you with a detailed breakdown of all costs before you proceed.
Top Help to Buy Brokers
Verified specialist brokers with expertise in help to buy financing
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions and answers about help to buy mortgages
What is the Help to Buy equity loan scheme?▼
A:The Help to Buy equity loan is a government scheme that provides an equity loan of up to 20% (40% in London) of the property value, allowing you to buy with just a 5% deposit. The loan is interest-free for the first 5 years.
Who is eligible for Help to Buy?▼
A:Help to Buy is available to first-time buyers who are UK residents, over 18, and can afford the mortgage payments. There are income limits and property value limits that vary by region.
What deposit do I need for Help to Buy?▼
A:You need a minimum 5% deposit for Help to Buy, with the government providing up to 20% (40% in London) as an equity loan, and you take out a mortgage for the remaining 75% (55% in London).
Can I use Help to Buy for any property?▼
A:No, Help to Buy is only available for new build properties from registered developers. The property must be your main residence and meet certain quality standards.
What are the income limits for Help to Buy?▼
A:Income limits vary by region, but generally, your household income must be below £80,000 (£90,000 in London). These limits are designed to help those who need assistance entering the property market.
What are the property value limits for Help to Buy?▼
A:Property value limits vary by region, ranging from £186,100 in the North East to £600,000 in London. These limits are designed to ensure the scheme helps with affordable housing.
How does the equity loan work?▼
A:The government provides an equity loan that you don't pay interest on for the first 5 years. After 5 years, you pay interest at 1.75% per year, increasing annually by inflation. You can repay the loan at any time.
Can I repay the equity loan early?▼
A:Yes, you can repay the equity loan at any time, either in full or in part (minimum 10% of the property's current value). Early repayment can help reduce your overall costs.
What happens when I sell my Help to Buy property?▼
A:When you sell, you must repay the equity loan based on the property's current value. If the property has increased in value, you'll pay back more than the original loan amount.
Can I get Help to Buy if I'm self-employed?▼
A:Yes, self-employed buyers can use Help to Buy, though you'll need to provide detailed accounts and tax returns. The mortgage lender will assess your income based on your business performance.
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Help to Buy Mortgages: Complete Government Scheme Guide
Complete guide to Help to Buy mortgages. Learn about government equity loans, eligibility, and application process.