Has Help to Buy Ended

Yes. The Help to Buy Equity Loan scheme is closed to new applications. The final scheme closed to applications on 31 October 2022 and the final transactions completed in 2023. That means Help to Buy is no longer a current route for new buyers in England.

If you still see Help to Buy being advertised on older websites or historic property pages, the information is likely to be out of date.

What Help to Buy Used to Be

Help to Buy was a government backed equity loan scheme designed to help eligible buyers purchase a new build home with a smaller deposit. Under the scheme, the government provided an equity loan alongside the buyer’s deposit and mortgage.

That scheme is no longer open, so buyers in 2026 should instead look at the current alternatives that may be available.

What Options Are Available Instead in 2026

The main affordable home ownership routes buyers may want to explore now include Shared Ownership and the First Homes scheme, depending on eligibility and local availability. These are very different from Help to Buy, so it is important to understand how each works before committing to a purchase.

First Homes Scheme

The First Homes scheme is available in England and is aimed at eligible first time buyers. It offers qualifying homes at a discount of 30 percent to 50 percent from market value. The property must usually be your only or main home, and the scheme is subject to eligibility rules and local availability.

First Homes can apply to certain new homes built by developers and also to some homes that were previously bought through the scheme and are being sold on.

This can be a useful route for some first time buyers, but not every development or area will have First Homes available.

Shared Ownership

Shared Ownership remains an important option for many buyers in England. Instead of buying the whole property at once, you buy a share and pay rent on the remaining share. Over time, some buyers may be able to increase their ownership, depending on the lease and scheme rules.

Shared Ownership can be helpful for buyers who cannot yet afford to buy on the open market but still want to take a step onto the property ladder. It is important to understand the rent, service charge, lease terms and ongoing costs before proceeding.

Cooke & Co can help explain the practical side of buying property locally, but scheme rules and eligibility should always be checked carefully with the relevant provider and your legal adviser.

Why Current Information Matters

Home buying schemes change over time. A page that was correct in 2021 or 2022 can now be completely outdated. Keeping guidance accurate matters because buyers may otherwise make decisions based on a scheme that is no longer available or misunderstand the options that actually exist today.

At Cooke & Co we want buyers to start with the right information and the right expectations.

How Cooke & Co Can Help

Cooke & Co have been helping buyers across Margate, Ramsgate, Broadstairs and the wider Thanet area since 1992. We understand the local market and can help buyers identify suitable property, understand local values and take practical next steps in the buying process.

We can also point buyers in the right direction for mortgage and financial guidance where needed. It is always important to obtain advice based on your own circumstances before making a commitment.

Important Note

Cooke & Co do not provide tax advice, mortgage advice or legal advice. Availability and eligibility for any affordable housing scheme should always be checked with the relevant provider, mortgage adviser, solicitor or official government guidance before proceeding.