Government Homebuyer Schemes UK 2026: What's Available?

Which Government Schemes Are Available in 2026?

The government offers several schemes to help people buy a home. Some are specifically for first-time buyers, while others are available to all buyers. Here's what's currently available:

• Shared Ownership — Buy a share (25–75%) and rent the rest
• First Homes — 30–50% discount on new-builds for local FTBs
• Lifetime ISA — 25% government bonus on savings
• Right to Buy — Council tenants buy at a discount
• Forces Help to Buy — Interest-free loan for military personnel
• Help to Buy: Wales — Welsh Government equity loan scheme

The original English Help to Buy equity loan scheme closed to new applications on 31 October 2022, with completions required by 31 March 2023.

Shared Ownership

Shared ownership lets you buy between 25% and 75% of a property and pay subsidised rent on the remaining share. You can "staircase" (buy more shares) over time until you own 100%.

• Who qualifies: Household income under £80,000 (£90,000 in London). First-time buyers, previous homeowners who can't afford to buy now, and existing shared owners.
• Deposit: Typically 5–10% of the share you're buying (not the full property price).
• Example: On a £250,000 property, a 25% share costs £62,500. A 10% deposit on that share is just £6,250.

For a full breakdown, see our shared ownership guide.

First Homes Scheme

First Homes provides a minimum 30% discount on new-build properties for first-time buyers. The discount is passed on to future buyers when the property is sold.

• Price cap: After discount, the property must cost no more than £250,000 (£420,000 in London).
• Income cap: Household income under £80,000 (£90,000 in London).
• Priority: Local authorities can give priority to key workers and local residents.
• Discount is permanent: When you sell, the same percentage discount applies, keeping the property affordable for the next buyer.

Lifetime ISA (LISA)

The Lifetime ISA is a savings account where the government adds a 25% bonus on every pound you save, up to £4,000 per year (so up to £1,000 free per year).

• Age limit: Must open between 18 and 39 years old.
• Property price cap: Must buy a property costing £450,000 or less.
• Must be a first-time buyer.
• Must have been open for 12 months before using for a purchase.
• Withdrawal penalty: 25% charge if withdrawn for non-qualifying purposes (you lose your bonus plus 6.25% of your own money).

Over 4 years of maximum contributions, you'd save £16,000 plus receive £4,000 in government bonuses — giving you a £20,000 deposit pot. See our first-time buyer guide for more on saving for your first home.

Right to Buy

Council tenants in England can buy their home at a significant discount under the Right to Buy scheme. The discount depends on how long you've been a tenant:

• Houses: 35% discount after 3 years, rising by 1% per year to a maximum of 70%
• Flats: 50% discount after 3 years, rising by 2% per year to a maximum of 70%
• Maximum discount: £102,400 (£136,400 in London) in 2025/26

For full details, see our Right to Buy mortgages guide.

Forces Help to Buy

Military personnel can borrow up to 50% of their salary (capped at £25,000) as an interest-free loan, repayable over 10 years. This can be used as a deposit or towards buying costs.

Available to all regular Armed Forces personnel who have completed Phase 1 training and have at least 6 months remaining on their contract.

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