First-Time Buyer Schemes in the UK: What’s Still Available

Buying your first home in 2026 comes with a shifting mix of national and local initiatives. Some well-known programmes have closed or changed, but others continue to support deposits and affordability. Understanding how each option works, who is eligible, and the trade-offs involved can make the difference between a smooth purchase and a stressful search. The sections below outline the main routes and where to find local services in your area.

Help to Buy alternatives in 2026: what are they?

With Help to Buy (Equity Loan) closed in England, first-time buyers often look to a combination of tools instead of a single replacement. The main alternatives include the Lifetime ISA for savings support, shared ownership for part-buy/part-rent, and the First Homes scheme that discounts eligible new-builds. Some lenders offer 5% deposit mortgages, sometimes with builder or family support, depending on affordability checks. Local planning policies can prioritise eligible buyers for certain plots. Specific criteria, price caps, and availability vary by location and can change, so verify details with official guidance in your area before applying.

Lifetime ISA: how far can it take you?

A Lifetime ISA (LISA) can boost a first-home deposit with a government bonus added to your savings. You contribute up to an annual limit and receive a 25% bonus, which can significantly accelerate progress toward completion funds. Funds are intended for first-home purchases or retirement; withdrawals for other reasons may incur a penalty. There’s a required minimum period before you can use the bonus toward a purchase, and a maximum eligible property price applies. Couples who each qualify can use two LISAs on the same purchase. Compare cash LISAs for interest rates and check conveyancer experience with LISA timelines to avoid delays at exchange.

Shared ownership: what you need to know

Shared ownership lets you buy a share of a home and pay rent on the remainder, lowering the initial deposit and mortgage needed. Initial shares typically start at a smaller percentage, with the option to “staircase” over time and increase your ownership. Rent is charged on the unsold portion and service charges can apply, especially in flats. New-builds may include repair support for a limited period, but always review lease terms, maintenance responsibilities, and the process for resales. Consider whether the lease length, ground rent (if any), and building warranty meet your needs. A detailed affordability assessment will consider income, credit history, and ongoing costs beyond the mortgage.

Regional schemes across the UK nations

England offers the First Homes scheme, providing a discount from market value on certain new-build properties for eligible buyers, often with local connection priorities and price caps set by the local authority. Scotland operates shared equity routes linked to new supply through housing associations and councils in selected areas. Wales runs affordable homeownership options including shared ownership, and it has previously supported selected new-build programmes—check the current status as schemes can be time-limited. Northern Ireland provides government-backed shared ownership via regionally administered programmes. Across all nations, property taxes (SDLT in England and Northern Ireland, LBTT in Scotland, and LTT in Wales) differ, with first-time buyer reliefs or thresholds set by each government; confirm the latest rates before budgeting.

Tips for navigating the application process

Start by confirming first-time buyer status and reviewing eligibility rules for each scheme. Obtain a Decision in Principle from a lender to gauge borrowing capacity, then assemble documents early: ID, proof of deposit, bank statements, payslips, and evidence of any gifts. For shared ownership or discounted homes, check local criteria such as income caps, priority groups, and required residence or employment links. Use conveyancers experienced with your chosen route, as schemes can add steps like deed restrictions or lease provisions. Build in time for valuations, lender checks, and any authority approvals. If buying a new-build, scrutinise the contract, completion window, snagging process, and service charge estimates.

Help to Buy Alternatives in 2026

Even without the equity loan, several paths can reduce the barrier to entry. The First Homes discount can lower the price you need to finance; shared ownership reduces the initial mortgage; and a LISA can grow your deposit faster. In some areas, 5% deposit options exist through mainstream lending, subject to affordability and lender policy. You may also see developer-supported routes on selected new-build sites. Because eligibility, caps, and lending appetite shift over time, check current criteria with official sources and independent advisers before committing.

Lifetime ISA: How Far Can It Take You?

A LISA is most effective when started early and funded consistently. Saving throughout the year helps capture the full annual bonus, and keeping funds in cash reduces market risk close to exchange. Remember the minimum time requirement and the maximum property price—exceeding the cap can make the bonus unusable. Coordinate with your conveyancer so your provider releases funds in line with exchange and completion dates. If buying with a partner, ensure both LISAs meet the rules and timelines. Review provider transfer times if you switch accounts for a better rate.

Shared Ownership: What You Need to Know

Plan for both today’s costs and tomorrow’s. While the initial outlay can be lower than buying outright, factor in rent on the unsold share, service charges, and potential staircasing fees. Clarify repair responsibilities and any initial repair support period if applicable. Lease terms, building safety provisions, and resale rules matter for long-run flexibility and value. If you expect income to grow, map a realistic staircasing path; if not, be sure the rent escalator and charges remain affordable. Ask for worked examples of total monthly costs at your chosen share to avoid surprises.

Regional Schemes Across the UK Nations

• England: First Homes allocations are set locally, with eligibility and discount levels defined by councils. Availability varies by development, and some plots may prioritise key workers or local residents.
• Scotland: Shared equity routes linked to housing associations or local authorities may be available on specific new supply schemes. Terms differ by area.
• Wales: Shared ownership options and selected new-build support have been offered on a programme basis; confirm what is open now in your area.
• Northern Ireland: Shared ownership is delivered through regionally administered programmes with their own affordability and eligibility assessments.

Tips for Navigating the Application Process

• Check scheme criteria early, including income caps, property price limits, and local connection rules.
• Get a Decision in Principle and compare total monthly costs, not just rates.
• Line up a conveyancer familiar with your chosen scheme and new-build or leasehold specifics where relevant.
• Review contract conditions, longstop dates, and any restrictions on resale or letting.
• Keep communication tight between lender, solicitor, and any scheme administrator to avoid delays.

In 2026, there is no single replacement that mirrors Help to Buy in every respect, but a toolkit of options can still bridge the gap to homeownership. By matching your circumstances to the right route—deposit support via a LISA, price reductions through First Homes, or phased ownership with shared ownership—and checking the most up-to-date rules in your area, you can move forward with clearer expectations and fewer surprises.