Help to Buy has ended. What does that mean for buyers?
The Help to Buy Equity Loan scheme helped many buyers purchase a home with a smaller deposit, particularly first time buyers purchasing a new build property. Now that the scheme has ended, buyers often need to look at other ways to make a purchase affordable.
That does not mean there are no options available. Depending on your circumstances, there may still be other routes that can help, including Shared Ownership, 95% mortgages, gifted deposits and other affordability schemes.
If you are unsure which route may suit you, we can help you talk through the options and understand what may be realistic.
What options are available now Help to Buy has ended?
There is no single replacement for Help to Buy, but there are several alternatives that may help depending on your deposit, income and the type of property you want to buy.
Shared Ownership
Shared Ownership can help some buyers get onto the property ladder by purchasing a share of a property and paying rent on the remaining share. It may be worth exploring if you are struggling to raise a larger deposit or borrow enough on income alone.
95% mortgages
Some lenders still offer 95% mortgages, which can help buyers purchase with a 5% deposit. These can be useful for buyers with steady income who have saved a smaller deposit but still want to move forward.
Forces Help to Buy
If you are serving in the Armed Forces, the Forces Help to Buy scheme may be another route worth exploring. This is a separate scheme from the old Help to Buy Equity Loan and may help with deposit and purchase related costs.
Joint Borrower Sole Proprietor mortgages
A Joint Borrower Sole Proprietor mortgage can help some buyers borrow more with support from a family member, while keeping the property in one name. This can be useful where affordability is the main challenge.
Gifted deposits
Some buyers are able to move forward with help from family in the form of a gifted deposit. This can make a significant difference where saving a deposit is the main barrier.
Right to Buy
If you are living in a council property and may be eligible to buy it, Right to Buy could be another route worth looking at.
The best option depends on your circumstances, so it helps to get advice before assuming one route will be suitable.
Which Help to Buy alternative may suit you?
The route for you depends on a range of things, including:
- How much deposit you have available
- How much you may be able to borrow
- Whether you are a first time buyer or moving home
- Whether you are buying alone or with someone else
- Whether family support may be available
- The type of property you want to buy
Some buyers will be more suited to a 95% mortgage. Others may find Shared Ownership or family supported borrowing more suitable. Our role is to help you understand which options may be available and what the pros and cons of each route may be.
A MORTGAGE IS A LOAN SECURED AGAINST YOUR HOME. YOUR HOME MAY BE REPOSSESSED IF YOU DO NOT KEEP UP REPAYMENTS ON YOUR MORTGAGE OR ANY OTHER DEBT SECURED ON IT.
There may be a fee for mortgage advice. The actual amount you pay will depend upon your circumstances. The fee is up to 1% but a typical fee is 0.3% of the amount borrowed.
Help to Buy alternatives for first time buyers
Many people searching for Help to Buy are really trying to answer a simpler question: how can I afford to buy my first home?
If that sounds like you, you are not alone. Many first-time buyers are dealing with the same challenges:
- Saving a deposit
- Understanding affordability
- Working out what lenders may offer
- Trying to choose between different schemes and mortgage types
We can help first time buyers understand their options more clearly and work out what next step may be realistic.
If you are buying your first home, you may also find our first time buyer mortgage advice helpful.
Things to think about before choosing an affordability route
Before deciding which option to pursue, it helps to think about:
- What level of monthly payment feels affordable
- Whether a smaller deposit is realistic or whether more saving time is needed
- Whether you are comfortable with the structure of schemes such as Shared Ownership
- Whether family help is available and appropriate
- Whether the type of property you want to buy fits the criteria of the route you are considering
A mortgage is a long term commitment, so the right answer is not always the option that gets you moving fastest. It is the option that feels sustainable and suitable for your circumstances.
Why speak to Your Mortgage Expert?
We know that buyers looking into Help to Buy are often looking to work out what they can do now.
That is where advice can make a real difference. We can help you:
- Understand the alternatives clearly
- Compare the routes that may be relevant to you
- Work out what lenders may look for
- Understand deposit and affordability requirements
- Move forward with a plan that feels realistic
If you are not sure where to begin, we would be delighted to help.
Need help understanding your options after Help to Buy?
If you are trying to work out what to do now that Help to Buy has ended, we would be happy to help. We can talk through your circumstances, explain the alternatives clearly and help you take the next step with confidence.
Book a free initial mortgage review
This page was last updated in April 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Has Help to Buy ended?
Is there anything replacing Help to Buy?
Can I still get a mortgage with a 5% deposit?
What is the alternative to Help to Buy?
Can family help me buy if Help to Buy is no longer available?
What if I am in the Armed Forces?
Can you help me work out which route may suit me?
A MORTGAGE IS A LOAN SECURED AGAINST YOUR HOME. YOUR HOME MAY BE REPOSSESSED IF YOU DO NOT KEEP UP REPAYMENTS ON YOUR MORTGAGE OR ANY OTHER DEBT SECURED ON IT.
There may be a fee for mortgage advice. The actual amount you pay will depend upon your circumstances. The fee is up to 1% but a typical fee is 0.3% of the amount borrowed.