Property and help to buy

More than 150,000 people have bought a home using the Help to Buy Scheme since its launch in 2013.

The mortgage guarantee scheme, which allows lenders to buy a guarantee on mortgage loans, has proved popular with first-time buyers. The Treasury reports that 79% of mortgage completions through the mortgage guarantee scheme were people buying their first home.

Help to Buy ISAs have also provided a boost to those hoping to get on the property ladder. Chancellor George Osborne said that the scheme has already helped 250,000 first-time buyers save for their first property since it was launched in December 2015.

Help to Buy ISA

Help to Buy ISAs allow prospective first-time buyers to save up to £200 per month. A lump sum of £1,000 can be deposited in the first month of setting up an account.

If you have savings between £1,600 and £12,000, the government will provide a 25% bonus (up to £3,000) if you use the funds towards a mortgage deposit. You must be 16 or over and planning to purchase a home to apply for the scheme.

From April 2017, you can transfer your savings from a Help to Buy ISA into a lifetime ISA.

Contact us to talk about your personal finances.