All you need to know about upcoming changes to the government’s Help to Buy equity loan scheme.
If you’re looking to buy your first home, you probably already know about the government’s Help to Buy equity loan scheme. It’s proved popular since its launch in 2013, with almost 300,000 properties bought as part of the initiative so far. But some aspects of the scheme are changing later this year, and it’s important you understand whether you’ll still be eligible for help.
The new Help to Buy equity loan rules apply from April 2021 to March 2023. To qualify, you must:
The price of your home can’t exceed the maximum figure outlined by the government. These limits vary depending on where you’re looking to buy.
Region Maximum Property Price
North East £186,100
North West £224,400
Yorkshire & 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
The amount you have to pay back is based on the market value of the property when you choose to repay. If the market value of your home rises, so does the amount you owe on your equity loan – if it falls, the amount you owe also falls.
Rest assured we are here to help if you have any questions about Help to Buy mortgages
The total cost of buying your home will be covered by the government equity loan as well as your deposit and mortgage. The percentage you borrow from the government is based on the market value of your home when you buy it.
For example, if the property is worth £200,000, you might ask the government for a 20% equity loan (£40,000) to add to your 5% deposit (£10,000) and 75% mortgage (£150,000).
The loan is interest-free for the first five years, and from the sixth year, you’ll be charged interest at 1.75% each month. This rate increases every year after that in line with the consumer price index, plus 2%.
You’ll continue to pay interest until you’ve fully repaid the loan. You can repay all or part of the equity loan at any time, but a part payment must be a least 10% of what your home is worth at the time.
You’ll need to pay the equity loan back in full if you:
Our team of financial experts can help you with your financial queries from income protection policies to find a suitable mortgage deal. We can also give independent no-obligation advice on personal pensions and more – get in touch today!. Or you can call us on 0161 443 4830 or email [email protected] – we’re here to help.
Note: The value of investments and any income from them can fall as well as rise and you may not get back the original amount invested. Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage.
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