Ultimate Guide to Help to Buy Mortgages
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.
Typical deposit 5% · Typical timeline 4-8 weeks
Summary
Government-backed mortgage assistance schemes. Typical deposit: 5%. Usual timeline: 4-8 weeks. There are 435 help to buy mortgage brokers listed on Mortgage118. Mortgage118 does not quote live rates — compare brokers for product-specific figures.
What is Help to Buy?
Understanding the fundamentals and purpose of help to buy financing
Government-backed mortgage assistance schemes.
Help to Buy mortgages work alongside government-backed schemes that assist buyers in getting onto the property ladder. While the original Help to Buy equity loan scheme in England closed to new applications in 2023, shared ownership and the Lifetime ISA remain available to eligible buyers.
Key Features
Essential characteristics that make help to buy mortgages unique
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
Key criteria you need to meet to qualify for help to buy financing
In most cases you'll need to meet both property and borrower criteria — lenders assess the deal as a whole.
Property Requirements
- New build property only
- Maximum property value limits
- Property must be main residence
- Developer must be registered
- Property must meet quality standards
Borrower Requirements
- First-time buyer status
- UK resident and over 18
- Able to afford mortgage payments
- Maximum household income limits
- No other property ownership
Application Process
Step-by-step guide to securing your help to buy mortgage
Timescales vary by lender and case complexity — the steps below are typical.
Initial Consultation
30-60 minDiscuss your financial situation and mortgage needs
Agreement in Principle
1-2 daysGet a conditional mortgage offer based on basic checks
Full Application
1-2 daysSubmit detailed financial documents and forms
Property Valuation
1-2 weeksLender arranges property survey and valuation
Underwriting & Offer
2-4 weeksLender reviews application and issues formal offer
Completion
4-6 weeksLegal work completed and funds transferred
What lenders look for
Typical underwriting factors for help to buy mortgages — confirm product terms with an FCA-authorised broker
Borrower profile
- 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
Typical timeline
Many help to buy cases complete in around 4-8 weeks, depending on valuation, legal work, and lender queues.
Mortgage118 does not publish live mortgage rates or monthly payments. Use our directory to compare brokers, then ask an FCA-authorised adviser for quotes tailored to your situation.
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 product fee
Valuation Fee
Property survey
Legal Fees
Conveyancing costs
Broker Fee
Advice and arrangement
Important Notice
Fees can vary significantly between lenders and depend on your specific circumstances. Advisers will provide you with a detailed breakdown of all costs before you proceed.
Useful Resources
Authoritative links to help with your help to buy mortgage journey
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions and answers about help to buy mortgages
Work out the costs
Use our UK mortgage calculators to estimate stamp duty, monthly payments and buy-to-let yields before you apply.
Related Specialisations
Explore other mortgage types that might be relevant to your needs
Browse Help to Buy Brokers by Location
These pages list active advisers in each area — use them to narrow down, then check each profile covers help to buy lending.
Browse all UK regions →Content last reviewed: March 2026. Rates and criteria may have changed - always confirm with a qualified adviser.
