Mortgage Guarantee Scheme for first-time buyers is extended

Prolonged by a year to the end of December 2023, the scheme allows new buyers to provide mortgages that cover 95% of the total value of their property. This will help people with 5% deposits on to the property ladder.

The government has extended the Mortgage Guarantee Scheme for another year to help more first-time buyers get on to the property ladder. Under the scheme, the government offers lenders the financial guarantees they need to provide mortgages that cover the other 95%, subject to the usual affordability checks, on a house worth up to £600,000. Launched in April 2021, the scheme has already helped over 24,000 households. It was originally planned to close at the end of 2022 but has been extended until the end of 2023.

Chief Secretary to the Treasury John Glen said: “Extending this scheme means thousands more have the chance to benefit. First-time buyers often find it hard to save for a large deposit, and the mortgage guarantee has helped over 24,000 households (as of November 2022) overcome this barrier and secure the keys to a new home with a deposit as small as 5%. 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 can get relief on properties costing up to £625,000, as opposed to £500,000 previously. Both measures are time-limited to April 2025.”

Other government home ownership options available include:

• Help to Buy ISA scheme: A savings product to support first-time buyers who choose to save through a Help to Buy: ISA will be eligible for a government bonus of up to £3,000.
• Lifetime ISA (LISA): A long-term savings product to support younger people to save for a first home or for later life.
• Shared Ownership: Gives first-time buyers the option to buy a share of their home (between 25% and 75%) and pay rent on the remaining share.
• First Homes: A new scheme designed to help local first-time buyers and keyworkers onto the property ladder, by offering homes at a discount of 30% compared to the market price.

Please contact us if you would like advice about the legal aspects of buying or selling a property.