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Help to Buy in London
Across All Schemes

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Help to Buy in London
Across All Schemes

Discuss with a Mortgage Advisor in London your options of a Help to Buy government scheme mortgage. Turing your dream home into a reality with expert guidance.

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Help to buy in London. Mortgage advice across all available schemes.

Help to Buy was introduced in the 2010s, following the UK government’s previous FirstBuy Scheme, with the aim of assisting first time buyers in stepping onto the property ladder.



Under this umbrella, several existing and new schemes were implemented. Over time, some of these schemes have phased out, while others have continued under different names.



The Help to Buy Equity Loan Scheme, which was the most popular and well-known, closed to new applicants by the end of 2022. As a result, first time buyers are no longer able to utilise Help to Buy in London or anywhere else in the UK.



Fortunately, there are still various schemes available that can help buyers looking to purchase property in London! A mortgage advisor in London will be able to help you run through these options.

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Help to Buy in London </br>Across All Schemes

Providing home buyers with options that help to buy in London.

The most popular schemes available for home buyers in London include the Shared Ownership Scheme, which caters to both first time buyers and home movers, as well as the Right to Buy and Right to Acquire Schemes, designed to help local authority tenants in purchasing their homes.



These are well-known schemes that you may be familiar with, but there are also others that you may not be aware of.



Examples of these include the Lifetime ISA, first homes scheme, and Forces Help to Buy, among others. Each of these schemes has its own specific eligibility requirements and criteria that must be met in order to apply.



Find out more information about the schemes available to you on the government OwnYourHome website.

Does Help to Buy have to be a new build?

Those familiar with the Help to Buy Equity Loan may remember that the scheme was previously limited to new build properties. With the scheme ending, most other schemes are no longer exclusive to new builds.



For applicants looking to purchase a new build property in London, there are still schemes available specifically tailored to these situations. It’s important to note that if you decide to sell the property in the future, you would be required to offer a discount on the sale price as well.



This approach aims to foster an affordable home buying chain for future generations. It’s worth mentioning that like other schemes, this may not be applicable to everyone.



Your trusted mortgage broker in London will carefully assess your situation and recommend the best available options for you.

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Common FAQs about Help to Buy in London

How can mortgage schemes help me to buy a home?

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Buying a home, whether you’re a first time buyer in London or moving to a new property in London, can often be challenging and overwhelming.



The financial commitment involved can give rise to various obstacles and uncertainties along the way.



Factors such as high property prices, limited income, the need for a substantial deposit, and meeting specific criteria can make the home-buying process daunting.



Thankfully, there are mortgage schemes available that aim to make homeownership more accessible and alleviate these challenges.



These schemes cater to different needs, including assistance for lower-income individuals, support from housing associations and local councils, and various other options that can help you realise your homeownership goals.



It’s important to note that not every scheme will be suitable for every situation.



Some schemes are specifically designed to help first time buyers in London with their purchase of a first home. Others cater to individuals who are already homeowners but are looking to move within London.



Each scheme has its own set of criteria and eligibility requirements, which you should carefully review before applying for a mortgage.



It may be helpful to consult with a local Help to Buy agent or look to gain expert mortgage advice in London from a trusted mortgage advisor, who can provide valuable insights and help you in navigating the available options.

What is shared ownership?

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The Shared Ownership Scheme has been around since the 1980s and has been instrumental in helping first time buyers and home movers in London to achieve their property ownership goals.



Often known as “part buy, part rent,” Shared Ownership in London enables you to purchase a share, typically ranging from 25% to 75%, of the property.



The remaining portion is paid as a rental charge. This arrangement offers flexibility and stability, making home ownership more affordable.



Additionally, there is the potential to “staircase” in the future, allowing you to purchase additional shares in the property and eventually attain full ownership.



It’s important to note that Shared Ownership is available only for specific purpose-built properties in London.



These properties are specifically designated for this scheme, providing eligible buyers with the opportunity to step onto the property ladder.

Can I buy my council house?

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A significant portion of the population in London opts to rent a home before purchasing their own, as it initially offers a more affordable option.



That said, saving for a deposit while managing rental costs and additional bills can be challenging.



In such circumstances, you may find yourself wishing to buy the home you currently rent. The good news is that you might be eligible to do so!



If you are a tenant of a local council or housing association in London, you may have the opportunity to participate in the Right to Buy or Right to Acquire schemes.



To qualify, you must have been a public sector tenant for a minimum of three years.



Qualified applicants also enjoy a discounted purchase price, which varies depending on the duration of your tenancy. Fortunately, many mortgage lenders consider this discount as a sufficient deposit.



In some cases, it is still advisable to save for a deposit, as some lenders may require one, and it could help you secure better interest rates.



For first time buyers seeking help through a Right to Buy in London, it is recommended to contact your local authority, who is the owner of the property, and determine your eligibility for the scheme.

Can you get a mortgage on disability benefits?

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It’s important to note that neither a mortgage lender nor a mortgage broker in London can legally discriminate against anyone with a disability when it comes to applying for a mortgage.



They cannot refuse to assist based on your disability. That said, financial considerations are still taken into account when applying for a mortgage.



The good news is that some mortgage lenders are willing to consider applicants who are on disability benefits, although the process may be more extensive.



If you have a long-term disability, the likelihood of finding lenders who are open to your application is higher. This is because consistent benefits over a significant period demonstrate stability.



Applicants with shorter-term disabilities may face more challenges as there may be uncertainty regarding the duration of their benefits.



Fortunately, if you are disabled and applying for a mortgage in London, there are schemes available to help you, including a variation of the Shared Ownership Scheme that applies to purpose-built properties.



It’s important to note that there are still eligibility requirements for these schemes.



Disabled applicants can find reassurance in the fact that there may be various mortgage options available to them, regardless of their personal circumstances.

What is a Lifetime ISA?

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Another thing you may have heard of is a Lifetime ISA, sometimes shortened to LISA.



An ISA is an individual savings account designed to help people save for long-term goals, such as purchasing their first home in London.



The significant benefit of a Lifetime ISA is that the government provides a 25% top-up to your contributions, up to a certain amount per year, with a maximum limit on your contributions as well.



For example, if you contribute £2,000 in a year, the government will add an additional £500 to your savings account!



There are specific eligibility criteria, such as being between the ages of 18 and 39 to set up a LISA, and it can only be used for a home purchase or retirement (with restrictions on withdrawal until a certain age).



All in all, a Lifetime ISA can be a fantastic way for individuals to gradually build up funds for their future home ownership in London.

Are 5% mortgages still available?

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Yes, it is still possible for home buyers in London to put down a 5% deposit on a property and be accepted by a mortgage lender, provided they are creditworthy and meet the lender’s criteria.



There have been periods when mortgage lenders were cautious about offering high loan-to-value ratios.



This led to the introduction of mortgage schemes that incentivised lenders to offer 95% mortgages with a safety net.



While there are still niche cases where these schemes are necessary, nowadays most mortgage lenders are willing to accept applicants with a 5% deposit.



Generally though, it is more advantageous for both the lender and the applicant if the deposit is slightly higher.



Furthermore, if you have a poor credit history or lower income, you may be required to provide a higher deposit of around 15-20% before being approved for a mortgage.



Saving for a deposit, especially anything above 5%, can be challenging for prospective home buyers. That’s why schemes encouraging 95% mortgages were introduced, aiming to support the minimum deposit requirement.



Your mortgage advisor in London will assess your financial situation and find a suitable lender that can assist you in buying a property with a smaller deposit.

How to get a mortgage on a low income?

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Obtaining a mortgage can be challenging for some home buyers, particularly those with a low income.



Mortgage lenders typically evaluate an applicant’s income and financial stability to assess their ability to repay the loan.



A low income may result in a limited borrowing capacity, making it harder for the applicant to meet the affordability criteria set by mortgage lenders.



Additionally, a lower income can make it more difficult to save for a sufficient deposit, which is required by mortgage lenders.



There are various government schemes available that aim to support low-income home buyers in accessing affordable housing options.



Some of these schemes specifically target individuals with lower income levels, offering the opportunity to purchase a property at a reduced or discounted cost.



This makes homeownership more feasible and cost-effective for those with limited income.



Each scheme has its own eligibility criteria, and not all may be applicable to every situation.



It can be helpful to consult with a mortgage advisor in London who specialises in helping buyers navigate these schemes and find suitable options for their circumstances.

How does Forces Help to Buy (FHTB) work?

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Forces Help to Buy is a government scheme designed to help members of the armed forces in purchasing a home.



This scheme offers eligible personnel an interest-free loan, enabling them to borrow up to 50% of their salary, with a maximum limit of £25,000.



The loan can be utilised for various purposes related to buying a property, including the deposit and other associated costs.



The primary objective of the scheme is to address the specific challenges faced by military personnel, who often encounter difficulties in accessing traditional mortgage products due to frequent relocations.



Forces Help to Buy provides servicemen and women with a valuable opportunity to step onto the property ladder and establish a stable home for themselves and their families.



By offering financial support and favorable loan terms, the scheme makes homeownership more accessible and affordable for those serving in the armed forces.

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Our Simple Step by Step Process

Free 30-Minute Mortgage Appointment

Step 1

During this appointment, your mortgage advisor will also review your income and expenditure to work out your mortgage affordability and eligibility for a Help to Buy Schemes in London.

We Can Search 1000s of Mortgage Deals

Step 2

Our team will search for 1000 mortgage products to find the best one at your disposal.

We will help you obtain your mortgage agreement in principle, which is a great tool for backing up any new build offers you put down.

Submit Your Help to Buy Application

Step 3

Once your purchase offer is accepted, we will submit your full mortgage application and evidence documents to the mortgage lender.

While this process is going on, your dedicated case manager will ensure that you are kept up to date through a formal mortgage offer, completion and beyond.

Protecting You and Your Mortgage

Step 4

However, our service is more than that. Not only will we secure the best mortgage deal for you, but we will also recommend relevant insurance to protect you and your family.

We will also contact you when your mortgage deal ends to make sure you are on the best deal.

Reasons to Choose us

Free Mortgage Appointment

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During your mortgage appointment, your mortgage advisor in London will take a look at the current situation to provide you with the maximum amount you will be paying per month for your mortgage.

1000's of Deals

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If you have already found your dream property and would like to know if you match the criteria for a Help to Buy in London, we can check eligibility and speak to the home builder or estate agents on your behalf.

We don’t just help you with your mortgage, but also help with any surveyors or solicitors, and advise you on what’s the most suitable route.

Our Service

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As a trusted and experienced mortgage broker in London with over 20 years working in the industry to provide expert mortgage advice in London, we have helped many homeowners get onto the property ladder under the Help to Buy Scheme.

Once you’re booked in with one of our mortgage advisors in London, you’ll have some dedicated with working with you throughout the entire process until your process finishes.

7 Days a Week

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As a fast & friendly and experienced mortgage broker in London, we are here to provide you with expert mortgage advice in London and guide you throughout every step of your mortgage process. Book your free mortgage appointment online today to see how we can be of assistance.

Malcolm and Amy Davidson - Mortgage Advice in London

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Different Types of Help to Buy Scenarios in London

Help to Buy in London – Do I Qualify?

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Before we can start with your mortgage application to see if you are eligible for a Help to Buy Mortgage in London, we will need to check if you qualify for any of the available Help to Buy schemes.


If you would any clarifications about the different types of schemes that you may have access to use, don’t hesitate to get in touch to speak with one of our expert Help to Buy mortgage advisor in London.


You must not have ownership of another property when you look at buying your new home with a Help to Buy in London. Also, it is very important that you remember that subletting and part-exchange is strictly banned.


Find out more helpful information about the Help to Buy schemes available to you at Own Your Own Home.

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