The original Equity Loan schemes are closed to new applicants.
Instead of lending money directly to the buyer, the government provided a financial guarantee to lenders. This encouraged banks to offer 95% Loan-to-Value (LTV) mortgages, which had largely disappeared after the 2008 financial crisis. 📉 Current Status in 2026 help to buy mortgage
The government provided a low-interest loan of up to 20% (or 40% in London) of a new-build home's value. Buyers only needed a 5% deposit and a 75% traditional mortgage. The original Equity Loan schemes are closed to
A permanent Mortgage Guarantee Scheme (often referred to as "Freedom to Buy" ) was launched in July 2025. It continues to support 95% mortgages for both new and existing homes up to £600,000. ⚖️ Impact and Critical Analysis 📉 Current Status in 2026 The government provided
The "Help to Buy" brand historically encompassed two distinct financial mechanisms designed to bridge the "deposit gap" for buyers: