Is Help to Buy still available in 2026?

Not in England. The equity loan scheme closed to new applicants and has now fully ended. A Help to Buy scheme continues in Wales for new-build homes priced under £300,000. In England the main alternatives are Shared Ownership, First Homes, Freedom to Buy and the Lifetime ISA.

What is the best first-time buyer scheme in London?

For most London buyers Shared Ownership is the most realistic, because it dramatically reduces the deposit needed. If you can raise a 5% deposit, a Freedom to Buy 95% mortgage may give you more choice of property. A Lifetime ISA is worth having alongside either.

Can I use a Lifetime ISA with Shared Ownership?

Yes, a Lifetime ISA can generally be used toward a Shared Ownership purchase provided the full market value of the property is within the scheme's price cap and you meet the other conditions. Check with your provider before committing.

Help buying your first home | Global Quality Estates

Help to Buy has closed

The Help to Buy equity loan scheme is no longer available in England. A version continues in Wales for new-build homes under £300,000. If you have been told otherwise, the information is out of date. The schemes below are the ones that currently exist.

Getting onto the ladder in London is hard, but there is more help available than most people realise, and it is worth knowing which schemes you actually qualify for before you start.

Shared Ownership

Buy a share of a home, usually between 10% and 75%, and pay reduced rent on the rest, increasing your share over time if you want to. Generally open to first-time buyers with a household income under £80,000, or £90,000 in London. It is the most widely used route in the capital because the deposit required is far smaller.

First Homes

New-build properties sold to first-time buyers at a discount of at least 30% off market value, with that discount passed on to future buyers. Income caps of £80,000, or £90,000 in London, apply, and availability depends on developments in your area.

Freedom to Buy (Mortgage Guarantee Scheme)

A government guarantee that lets participating lenders offer 95% mortgages, so you can buy with a 5% deposit. The scheme was made permanent in 2025 under the Freedom to Buy name.

Lifetime ISA

Save up to £4,000 a year and the government adds a 25% bonus, up to £1,000 annually, toward your first home, subject to a property price cap. Worth opening early: the bonus compounds and there is an account-age requirement before you can use it.

Stamp Duty relief

First-time buyers pay reduced or no Stamp Duty up to certain thresholds. Rates and thresholds change with each Budget, so always check the current position on GOV.UK rather than relying on an article.

Where to get proper advice

We can talk you through what these schemes mean in practice and which properties qualify, but we are not mortgage or financial advisers. For advice on borrowing, speak to a regulated mortgage broker; MoneyHelper (moneyhelper.org.uk) offers free, impartial guidance.

If you would like help understanding your options in the areas we cover, call +44 79 61 889 975 or send us a message.

Help buying your first home