First-Time Buyer Help to Buy Advice: Your UK Options in 2026

Could “Help to Buy” still help you buy your first home? It depends where you plan to buy. The former Help to Buy: Equity Loan scheme in England is closed to new applicants, while Wales has a separate scheme under the same name. Good first time buyer help to buy advice starts by making that distinction clear.

45-second snapshot: Help to Buy isn’t one UK-wide route. Support options and rules vary by nation, and your deposit, income, credit history and existing commitments can all affect which mortgage options may suit you.

This guide explains what Help to Buy means in 2026, compares other routes that may be relevant and sets out what to prepare before discussing a mortgage. The aim is to help you understand what to check, without assuming you’re eligible for a scheme or a particular borrowing amount.

First-time buyer Help to Buy advice: what does the scheme mean in 2026?

The former Help to Buy: Equity Loan scheme in England is closed to new applicants in 2026. It’s a legacy scheme, not a route new buyers can apply for to fund a purchase in England. The name can still cause confusion: Help to Buy remains in use for a separate scheme in Wales, and existing homeowners may have questions about an equity loan they already hold.

A mortgage is a loan from a lender that you repay, usually over an agreed term; an equity loan is separate support that gives the scheme provider a stake in the property. They are not interchangeable. Mortgage advice considers how a mortgage may fit your circumstances. Scheme guidance explains the rules of a specific support programme.

Is the former Help to Buy equity loan still open to new buyers?

No. GOV.UK’s Help to Buy information confirms that the Equity Loan scheme in England has closed to new applications. That means new buyers cannot apply to use the former English scheme for a purchase. It does not mean every scheme with “Help to Buy” in its name has ended: Wales has a separate scheme, with its own rules and current availability.

Existing equity-loan customers are in a different position from new applicants. Their questions may concern a loan or property they already have, rather than applying for Help to Buy to purchase a home now. The scheme’s history, including its different phases and closure in England, is outlined in this Help to Buy scheme history. Historical summaries are not a substitute for current guidance, so check the relevant official information for the latest rules.

Rules are not uniform across the UK. The English scheme is closed to new applicants, Wales has a distinct scheme, and Help to Buy in Scotland is closed to new applicants. Check the rules for the nation where you plan to buy rather than assuming the name, eligibility or availability applies everywhere.

Why do first-time buyers still look for Help to Buy advice?

People often use “Help to Buy” to mean any support that could make a first purchase more achievable. But mortgage advice and applying for a government scheme are different things. A mortgage adviser can help assess mortgage options, while each scheme has its own terms. First time buyer help to buy advice should start by clarifying which you mean, then looking at your deposit, income, credit history and commitments rather than assuming you qualify for a particular route.

That assessment can also help you consider the wider costs and responsibilities of buying, including how your household finances may be protected. Lee Tonks: Mortgage Guru provides protection advice alongside mortgage advice. Lender and scheme criteria vary, so a conversation can help you understand possible options without promising a mortgage offer or borrowing amount.

What first-time-buyer support may be available across the UK?

There isn’t one support route that applies to every first-time buyer. Depending on where you’re buying and your circumstances, options may include a savings scheme, a discounted home, or buying a share and paying rent on the rest. Each has its own rules, and support does not remove the need for a suitable mortgage where one is required.

The routes below show how the options differ. Use them as a starting point, then check the current official terms and consider how a scheme would work with your budget and mortgage.

Route	Who runs it	How it works and what to verify
Lifetime ISA	UK-wide government-backed savings scheme	Eligible savers aged 18 to 39 can save towards a first home and receive a government bonus. Check the property-price limit, account rules and timing before relying on the funds.
Shared Ownership	England scheme, with separate arrangements elsewhere	Buy a share and pay rent on the remaining share. Check eligibility and property terms, then work out how the rent and mortgage fit your budget. See the official Shared Ownership scheme guidance.
Help to Buy: Wales	Welsh Government	For eligible buyers of qualifying new-build homes, the scheme offers a shared equity loan. The current extension runs until 31 March 2027; check the latest application and property terms.
LIFT and First Home Fund	Scottish Government	LIFT is a shared equity route. The First Home Fund has been confirmed to reopen, offering eligible first-time buyers support towards a property. Check current application status and criteria.
Co-Ownership	Co-Ownership in Northern Ireland	Buy a share of a home and pay rent on the rest. Check the current property-price limit, eligibility and mortgage arrangements.

How do shared ownership and other purchase routes differ?

With an outright purchase, you buy the property and fund it through your deposit and mortgage, if required. Shared Ownership works differently: you buy a portion and pay rent on the part you do not own. Some schemes provide a discount or equity support, while a Lifetime ISA is a way to save with a government bonus. Each route affects your costs and ownership in a different way. For detail on increasing an owned share, read this guide to shared equity and staircasing.

Which details can change between England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland?

Scheme names, administrators, property rules and availability differ by nation. England has routes such as First Homes and Shared Ownership; Wales has its own Help to Buy scheme; Scotland has LIFT and the First Home Fund; and Northern Ireland has Co-Ownership. A UK-wide savings route is separate from these regional schemes. Check the current official terms for the nation where you plan to buy, then consider how the scheme would work alongside a mortgage.

For first time buyer help to buy advice that takes your deposit, income, commitments and lender criteria into account, you can discuss your mortgage options with Lee Tonks: Mortgage Guru.

Help to Buy alternatives compared: which route fits your situation?

Help to Buy isn’t the only way to approach a first purchase. A larger deposit, a savings bonus or buying a share can each change what you need to borrow, but they work differently and have different conditions. A route that looks attractive at first glance may not suit your budget, preferred property or plans over time.

The comparison below is a starting point, not an eligibility decision. Scheme details were checked against the information available on 3 October 2026. Rules and availability can change, so use current official guidance before making plans.

Route and structure	Eligibility and property conditions	Mortgage considerations	Details checked
Larger deposit: save more towards an outright purchase.	No scheme-specific property restriction, although the property and buyer must meet the lender’s criteria.	A larger deposit means a smaller mortgage may be needed, but affordability and lender criteria still matter.	3 October 2026
Lifetime ISA: eligible savings can receive a 25% government bonus, up to £1,000 a year.	For eligible first-home purchases up to £450,000. The account must have been open for at least 12 months before use.	It can contribute towards a deposit; it doesn’t replace a mortgage or guarantee one will be available.	3 October 2026
Shared Ownership: buy a share and pay rent on the remaining share.	Eligibility and property conditions apply. In England, household income limits are part of the scheme rules.	Consider the mortgage payment alongside rent and other housing costs. Read the official Shared Ownership scheme guidance for current terms.	3 October 2026
Regional support: schemes may offer a discount or shared equity, depending on the nation.	For example, First Homes applies in England, while Help to Buy: Wales has separate rules and applies to qualifying new-build homes. Conditions differ across the UK.	Check how the scheme affects the mortgage, property choice and longer-term plans. The UK Government affordable home ownership schemes page is a useful starting point for England; devolved schemes have separate guidance.	3 October 2026

What should you compare before choosing a buyer-support route?

Look beyond the initial deposit. Check who can apply, which homes qualify, whether the route is currently open and how it affects your mortgage and ongoing housing costs. Consider whether the property suits your plans, too. A scheme may help with the upfront purchase but still involve rent, restrictions or other commitments that matter to your longer-term budget.

Could a mortgage still be possible without Help to Buy?

Potentially. Help to Buy isn’t the only route, and your options are not determined by one factor alone. Lenders assess affordability, deposit, income, credit history and commitments differently. First time buyer help to buy advice can clarify the difference between scheme support and mortgage options without assuming you’ll qualify. For more on preparing to apply, read the first-time-buyer mortgage guide.

How to prepare for first-time-buyer mortgage advice

A little preparation can make a mortgage conversation more useful. You don’t need to have every decision made; start by organising a realistic picture of your finances and the home you hope to buy.

1. Set your own budget. Work out what you could comfortably afford each month, allowing for regular household spending and the costs of owning a home. This is your purchase budget, not the maximum a lender might consider.
2. Understand your deposit. Note how much you’ve saved, where it’s held and whether any funds are a gift or come from a savings scheme. Your deposit may affect the mortgage options available, subject to lender criteria.
3. Map out your income. Record your income and how it’s paid. If you’re employed, note your salary and any variable pay. If you’re self-employed or a company director, lenders may assess salary, dividends and retained profit differently.
4. Review your credit history. Check the information held about your borrowing and repayment history. If you spot something you don’t understand, make a note to discuss it rather than assuming what it means for an application.
5. List your commitments. Include credit repayments, regular bills and other ongoing financial responsibilities. These help build a fuller picture of affordability.

What information should a first-time buyer gather?

Bring together a clear record of your income, deposit and regular outgoings, along with details of your employment or business income structure. Note any past or current credit commitments and the type of property you’re considering. Accurate information gives an adviser a stronger basis for discussing mortgage routes and how different lenders’ criteria may apply.

How can an adviser help assess your options?

Lee Tonks Mortgage Guru considers your circumstances as a whole and matches clients with FCA-regulated advisers. A discussion may take account of your deposit, affordability, credit history, commitments and preferred property type. It can help distinguish a mortgage route from a particular buyer-support scheme, but neither a checklist nor a conversation guarantees a mortgage offer. Lender criteria vary, and the lowest rate isn’t always the most suitable option.

For more background on getting ready to buy, explore this first-time-buyer mortgage guide. Good first time buyer help to buy advice starts with your actual finances, not an assumed eligibility or borrowing figure.

Your next step: get first-time buyer Help to Buy advice without pressure

The main point is simple: the former Help to Buy: Equity Loan scheme in England is closed to new applicants. That doesn’t mean every form of support has ended. Help to Buy remains available in Wales under separate rules, while other routes, such as savings support and Shared Ownership, may apply depending on where you plan to buy and your circumstances.

Scheme eligibility and mortgage suitability are separate questions. A scheme may help with part of a purchase, but it doesn’t guarantee a mortgage. Equally, you don’t necessarily need Help to Buy to explore a first-home purchase. Your deposit, income, credit history, regular commitments, property plans and lender criteria all help shape the options worth discussing.

What happens when you ask for a mortgage options review?

The first conversation is a chance to explain what you’re hoping to buy and share a clear picture of your finances. You can discuss your deposit, income, regular commitments, credit history and any scheme you’re considering. Lee Tonks Mortgage Guru matches clients with FCA-regulated advisers, who can consider how your circumstances may fit relevant lender criteria. Those criteria vary, so a discussion can help clarify possible routes but can’t guarantee approval, a borrowing amount or a particular rate.

How can you take the next step confidently?

Before getting in touch, jot down your questions and organise the financial details you already have. You might want to ask how a particular scheme affects the mortgage, which income details a lender may consider, or how your deposit and monthly budget fit together. You don’t need to have every answer first; sharing accurate information gives the adviser a useful starting point.

For first time buyer help to buy advice, focus on understanding the difference between a scheme and a mortgage, then explore options based on your own situation. Lee Tonks Mortgage Guru takes a practical, tailored approach, without assuming one route will suit every buyer.

Information only: this article is general guidance, not personalised mortgage or financial advice. Scheme terms and lender criteria can change, and eligibility and mortgage approval are not guaranteed.

Take your next step with a clearer picture

The former Help to Buy: Equity Loan scheme in England is closed to new applicants, but it isn’t the only way to explore buying your first home. Support routes vary across the UK, and each has its own conditions. A scheme’s headline appeal doesn’t tell you whether it fits your budget or mortgage needs.

Good first time buyer help to buy advice starts with your circumstances: your deposit, income, credit history and commitments. Lee Tonks: Mortgage Guru matches clients with FCA-regulated advisers for tailored mortgage advice, including first-time-buyer and specialist cases. Lee Tonks is FCA-registered under reference 813073. Lender criteria vary, and the lowest rate isn’t always the most suitable.

Information only: this article is general guidance, not personalised mortgage advice. Eligibility, mortgage approval, borrowing amounts and rates aren’t guaranteed.

Take things one step at a time. A clearer understanding of your options can help you move forward with confidence.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Help to Buy still available to first-time buyers in 2026?

No, the former Help to Buy: Equity Loan scheme in England is closed to new applicants, as confirmed by GOV.UK’s scheme information. That applies to new purchases, not necessarily to questions from homeowners who already have an equity loan. Wales has a separate Help to Buy scheme with its own rules and availability. Check the relevant official guidance for your nation, and don’t assume a different scheme is a direct replacement.

Can I buy my first home without Help to Buy?

Yes, you may be able to explore a mortgage and other purchase routes without Help to Buy, depending on your circumstances. Options that may be relevant include a Lifetime ISA, Shared Ownership in England, or nation-specific schemes such as Help to Buy: Wales and Co-Ownership in Northern Ireland. Your deposit, income, affordability and credit history all matter, and each route has its own criteria. None guarantees a mortgage offer or purchase.

What has replaced Help to Buy in the UK?

There isn’t one like-for-like replacement that applies across the UK. Support differs by nation: options include First Homes and Shared Ownership in England, Help to Buy: Wales, LIFT in Scotland and Co-Ownership in Northern Ireland. A Lifetime ISA is another savings route. Availability and eligibility depend on current scheme rules, your circumstances and, in some cases, the property. Check the official information for the nation where you plan to buy before assuming a route applies.

Do first-time buyers need a large deposit to get a mortgage?

Not necessarily, but there isn’t one deposit amount that suits every buyer or meets every lender’s criteria. Deposit size is only part of the assessment. Lenders may also consider your income, affordability, credit history, financial commitments and the property. A larger deposit may change the mortgage options available, but it doesn’t guarantee approval. A tailored assessment can help clarify possible routes based on your full circumstances.

Can I get a mortgage through Shared Ownership instead of Help to Buy?

Shared Ownership may be an option for eligible buyers, but it’s a distinct route, not a direct replacement for the former Help to Buy equity loan. It generally involves buying a share of a home and paying rent on the remaining share. Availability, eligibility and property terms depend on the scheme and location. A mortgage may still be needed, and suitability depends on your finances and the lender’s criteria.

How can a mortgage adviser help with first-time buyer Help to Buy advice?

An adviser can help clarify your plans and review your deposit, income, affordability, credit history and commitments. They can then discuss mortgage routes in light of relevant lender criteria, which vary. Lee Tonks Mortgage Guru matches clients with FCA-regulated advisers and has experience with first-time-buyer and specialist mortgage cases. Good first time buyer help to buy advice can clarify options, but it can’t guarantee mortgage approval, a borrowing amount or a particular rate.