Help to Buy Mortgage | As Sir Winston Churchill once said during a pivotal wartime moment, “This is not the end. It is not even the beginning of the end. But it is, perhaps, the end of the beginning.” That sentiment also resonates with the Help to Buy Equity Loan scheme, which, after enabling over 278,000 first-time buyers to step onto the property ladder, is undergoing a phased transition. From 1st April 2021, the scheme was revised to support first-time buyers only, and it is now approaching its final phase before closing entirely in March 2023.
For mortgage advisers navigating this shift, understanding how to adapt and continue offering government-backed mortgage solutions is key. Learn how the right mortgage network for advisers can support you in handling alternative affordable housing schemes and preparing for what comes next.
Help to Buy Scheme Update | What Advisers Need to Know
The Help to Buy mortgage scheme underwent significant changes from 1st April 2021. The updated phase now supports first-time buyers purchasing new-build properties, with strict regional price caps determining the maximum eligible property value across the UK.
As an adviser, it’s important to note that the original Help to Buy Equity Loan scheme (2013–2021) has now closed. The final funding deadline was 31st March 2021, and full mortgage applications under the original terms are no longer accepted.
Under the current scheme:
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Eligible buyers can borrow up to 20% of a property’s value through a government-backed equity loan.
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In London, the equity loan cap increases to 40% to account for higher house prices.
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Clients must provide a minimum 5% deposit and secure a suitable Help to Buy mortgage to fund the remaining balance.
If you’re advising clients through this process, joining a supportive mortgage network for advisers can give you access to specialist lenders, compliance tools, and case tracking support for Help to Buy transactions.
For more on serving first-time buyers effectively, explore our dedicated adviser resources, tailored to guide new homeowners through government-backed schemes.
Government Direction on the Help to Buy Scheme
As part of its ongoing commitment to affordable housing, the UK government has refined the Help to Buy Equity Loan scheme in England to make it fairer and more accessible. Key updates include regional price caps and a sharper focus on first-time buyers, ensuring the scheme aligns with evolving market dynamics while still supporting homeownership nationwide.
🏡 Note: These updates apply solely to the Help to Buy scheme in England. Help to Buy Scotland and Help to Buy Wales continue to operate under separate terms.
Adviser Support: Products, Tools, and Resources
Our existing 2-year and 5-year fixed-rate Help to Buy mortgage products remain available across all regional schemes. To explore the right broker for you, view our Mortgage Adviser Directory. And for smooth case packaging, don’t forget to download our ‘Right First Time’ checklist, a must-have to ensure all supporting documents are submitted correctly from day one.
If you support complex or shared equity cases, explore our Specialist Mortgage Network for Advisers to see how we help brokers with new-build and niche scenarios.
✍️ Credit: Kevin Beale, Specialist Distribution Manager – New Build, Precise Mortgages
Ready to Grow? Join the Connect Network
Whether you’re advising on Help to Buy mortgages, new-build lending, or affordable homeownership schemes, joining our network gives you access to lender panels, compliance support, and tech-powered tools.
👉 Click here to join the Connect Network and unlock adviser-first benefits.
Thank you for reading our publication “Help to Buy Mortgage | Are You Ready For The Next Phase? | 2021.” Stay “Connect“-ed for more updates soon!