>

Everything You Need to Know About the Help to Buy Scheme

What is the Help to Buy Scheme?

The Help to Buy (HTB) Scheme is a government incentive designed to help first-time buyers purchase a newly-built home.

The scheme provides a loan of up to 20% of the property's purchase price, interest-free for the first five years.

Who is Eligible for the Help to Buy Scheme?

To be eligible for the Help to Buy Scheme, you must meet the following criteria:

  • You must be a first-time buyer.
  • You must have a deposit of at least 5% of the property's purchase price.
  • You must be purchasing a newly-built home.
  • The property must be located in England.
  • How to Apply for the Help to Buy Scheme

    To apply for the Help to Buy Scheme, you will need to:

  • Find a participating lender.
  • Get a mortgage pre-approval.
  • Complete an application form.
  • Submit your application to your lender.
  • Benefits of the Help to Buy Scheme

    There are a number of benefits to using the Help to Buy Scheme, including:

  • You can buy a home with a smaller deposit.
  • You can save money on your monthly mortgage payments.
  • You can get a better interest rate on your mortgage.
  • Risks of the Help to Buy Scheme

    There are also some risks associated with using the Help to Buy Scheme, including:

  • You will have to repay the loan after five years.
  • If you sell your home before the end of the five-year period, you will have to pay back the loan immediately.
  • If you default on your mortgage, you could lose your home.
  • Alternatives to the Help to Buy Scheme

    If you are not eligible for the Help to Buy Scheme, or if you are not comfortable with the risks involved, there are a number of other options available to help you get on the property ladder, such as:

  • Shared ownership
  • Rent to buy
  • Housing associations
  • Leave a Reply