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Government Housing Schemes
Halifax supports a range of government backed initiatives including Right to Buy, Shared Ownership and the Help to Buy: Equity Loan. So if you're a first time buyer, there could be a scheme that's right for you.
Mortgage guarantee scheme
You can apply for a first time buyer or home mover mortgage of up to 95% of the property’s value under the Government’s mortgage guarantee scheme.
If you’re planning to put down a deposit of at least 5% but less than 10%, to qualify you’ll need to be:
- a first-time buyer or home mover
- thinking about borrowing less than £570,000
- buying a property that’s not a new build flat, Shared Ownership, Shared Equity, Right to Buy or buy to let
- applying for a qualifying mortgage by 31 December 2023 (however, the scheme may be withdrawn earlier) and complete on your mortgage by 30 June 2024
- applying for a mortgage with a loan to value (LTV) of more than 90% and less than, or equal to 95%.
- Thinking about getting a repayment mortgage and not interest only.
Lending is subject to an affordability assessment, credit score and a full mortgage application. You can apply for a mortgage under the scheme by following our usual application process.
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Halifax is proud to support the Government's Help to Buy scheme. If you’re a first time buyer struggling to get on the property ladder, the Government can provide you with a loan (called an equity loan) which you then add to your deposit for the house you want to buy. We’re happy to support you with a mortgage.
The Help to Buy: Equity Loan is endingThe last date you can reserve your home and apply for the Help to Buy: Equity Loan is 6pm on the 31st October 2022.
You can still apply for a qualifying mortgage after the 31st October 2022 but should be mindful of the completion deadline which is 31st March 2023. This means completion needs to have taken place by this date when the scheme closes.
You can also refer to the Government’s Guide to the Help to Buy: Equity Loan.
For more details speak to a mortgage adviser once you have agreed the equity loan with the Government's schemes advisers.
How does the Help to Buy: Equity Loan work?
- Use the regional links below to contact the agent in the area you would like to live.
- Speak to one of our mortgage advisers to start your application.
- Find a property and make an offer.
- Complete your mortgage application.
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Shared ownership mortgages allow you to buy a share of the property, instead of buying the whole property. You’ll pay a mortgage on your share then pay rent on the rest.
For example, if you bought a 50% share of a property at £100,000 then you would pay rent on the remaining £50,000.
When you part-buy, part-rent a home through shared ownership, you can apply for a smaller mortgage – so your deposit could be lower too.
For more details speak to a mortgage adviser.
How does Shared Ownership work?
- Use the regional links below to contact the agent in the area you would like to live.
- Speak to one of our mortgage advisers to start your application.
- Find a property and make an offer.
- Complete your mortgage application.
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Halifax is supporting the Government's Right to Buy scheme, which assists people who are renting their home from a Local Authority (or the Local Authority's nominated housing provider e.g. Housing Association) to buy the property at a discounted price. Depending on the level of discount offered, buyers may not need a personal deposit.
Your local authority will be able to advise if you qualify, confirm the level of discount that may apply and give you details of other scheme rules.
For more details speak to a mortgage adviser.
How does Right to Buy work?
- Use the regional links below to contact your local authority to confirm the level of discount that may apply.
- Speak to one of our mortgage advisers to start your application.
- Find a property and make an offer.
- Complete your mortgage application.
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Halifax is supporting the Governments MoD Forces Help to Buy scheme, which allows forces personnel to borrow up to £25,000 interest free (repaid over 10 years) to use as a deposit when buying a property to be used as their main home.
You can apply for a mortgage through Halifax branches or over the telephone; remember to tell the mortgage adviser the deposit is being provided through the Forces Help to Buy scheme.
For more details speak to a mortgage adviser.
How to use Forces Help to Buy
- Seek advice through your Chain of Command and personnel agency.
- Speak to one of our mortgage advisers to start your application.
- Find a property and make an offer.
- Complete your mortgage application.
Further informationInformation is also available on the Government website.
Halifax is supporting the Government’s First Homes scheme, which helps first time buyers buy a new build property at a discounted price in England (not available elsewhere in the UK).
Your local authority will be able to advise if you qualify, confirm the level of discount that may apply and give you details of other scheme rules.
How does First Homes work?
- Speak to one of our mortgage advisers if you want to start an Agreement in Principle.
- You must contact your local authority to see if you are eligible before you start your mortgage application.
- Find a property and make an offer.
- Complete your mortgage application.
For full terms and conditions on the First Homes scheme, visit the UK Government website.
Help to Buy: ISA Scheme
The Help to Buy: ISA is closed for new applications.
If you already have a Help to Buy: ISA you can still save and claim the Government 25% bonus (minimum £400 and maximum £3,000). Although closed to new applications, the Government Bonus can still be claimed up to November 2030.
You can also still transfer your Help to Buy: ISA to us from another bank or building society.
For more details please contact us or view our Help to Buy: ISA information.