Changes to the Help to Buy scheme from April 2021
The government has announced a new Help to Buy scheme to run from April 2021. The revised Help to Buy scheme is more restrictive and ends in March 2023, unless the government extends it.
The current Help to Buy Scheme is available to first time buyers as well as those looking to move. The property must be newly built with a price tag of up to £600,000. Those looking to utilise the current scheme cannot sublet the home or part-exchange their old home. They also must not own any other property at the time they buy their new home with the Help to Buy equity loan.
Under the new Help to Buy scheme in April 2021, the government will still lend buyers up to 20% of the cost of a newly built home in the UK (and up to 40% in London), however there are some key changes:
- The Help to Buy equity loan will only be available to first time buyers (ie those who haven’t previously owned or purchased a property)
- Regional property price caps will ensure the scheme reaches those who need it the most. The cap is fixed at 1.5 times the average first time buyer price in each region (as of Autumn 2018):
| Region | Price cap* |
| North East | £186,100 |
| North West | £224,400 |
| Yorkshire and the Humber | £228,100 |
| East Midlands | £261,900 |
| West Midlands | £255,600 |
| East of England | £407,400 |
| London | £600,000 |
| South East | £437,600 |
| South West | £349,000 |
*For properties eligible for the Help to Buy loan scheme from April 2021 to March 2023.
The above price caps don’t take into account any rises in house prices between now and 2021.
If you're looking to buy a home with a Help to Buy equity loan, we can help. Contact our new build conveyancing team on 0113 264 4414 or email conveyancing@emsleys.co.uk.
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