Help to Buy: Equity Loan (historic)
Closed to new applications in October 2022. Existing loans continue.
- Who it's for
- Existing borrowers only
- Status (April 2026)
- Ended or replaced — shown here for context.
How it works
Applications closed 31 October 2022; final completions by 31 May 2023. Existing Help to Buy equity loans remain in place: interest-free for the first five years, then charged at 1.75% rising annually by CPI + 2%. Borrowers can redeem or staircase; the equity share is repaid at current market value, not the original loan amount — so if prices have risen, you repay more.
Official source: https://www.ownyourhome.gov.uk/
Frequently asked
What happens to my existing Help to Buy equity loan?
It continues. Interest is 0% for the first 5 years, then 1.75% from year 6 rising annually by CPI + 2%. You can redeem early (partial or full) via Homes England's portal. The repayment amount is linked to the current market value of your home — not the original loan amount — so if prices have risen, you repay more than you borrowed.
Where this sits in your planning
Schemes are one input to a buying decision, not the decision itself. Model the same purchase with and without the scheme on the affordability calculator — the total cash required and the monthly payment are usually the deciders, not the headline scheme benefit.