Support for first-time buyers extended to end of year

Looking to get on the property ladder this year? A government support scheme has been extended until the end of the year.

The Mortgage Guarantee Scheme, which has already helped 24,000 first-time buyers, will now run an extra 12 months, giving you more time to take advantage.

The scheme, which was launched in April 2021, supports first-time buyers to buy a home with a five per cent deposit. It is just one of the ways the Government is helping people with home ownership.

Chief Secretary to the Treasury, John Glen MP said:

“For hard-working families facing today’s challenging economic conditions, it’s right that we continue to help them secure their first home or move into their dream house. Extending this scheme means thousands more have the chance to benefit, and supports the market as we navigate through these difficult times.”

Since 2010, more than 687,000 households have been helped into home ownership through government schemes. First-time buyers often find it hard to save for a large deposit, and the mortgage guarantee has helped households overcome this barrier and secure the keys to a new home with a deposit as small as five per cent.

More help for home buyers

As well as first-time buyers and current homeowners, the scheme has also helped support the wider housing sector. Lenders reduced the availability of high LTV products during the Covid-19 pandemic, with just eight 95 per cent LTV products available in January 2021.

The Government’s Mortgage Guarantee Scheme helped restore competition and consumer choice to the market, which has benefited businesses and boosted the market.

To also support people to get onto the property ladder, the Government has increased the level where first-time buyers start paying stamp duty from £300,000 to £425,000.

Furthermore, first-time buyers will pay only five per cent on properties costing from £425,001 up to £625,000, as opposed to £500,000 previously. Both of these measures are time-limited to April 2025.

The Government has also continued to provide a range of other options to support home ownership and the wider housing sector. For example, the Help to Buy ISA and Lifetime ISA have collectively facilitated over 618,000 households get on to the property ladder.