Help to Buy Mortgage FAQ
General information only. This is not financial advice.
Last reviewed: 2026-06-06
Can I remortgage a Help to Buy property?
Yes, but there are specific requirements. Your new mortgage lender must be on Homes England's approved lender panel, and you must use a Help to Buy conveyancing solicitor for the remortgage. You cannot borrow additional funds over and above your outstanding mortgage balance without first repaying some or all of the equity loan. Rate-and-term remortgages (switching rate only) are straightforward with any panel lender.
How does the Help to Buy equity loan work?
The Help to Buy: Equity Loan scheme allowed buyers to purchase a new-build home with a 5% deposit, with the government lending up to 20% (40% in London) of the purchase price. No interest was charged on the equity loan for the first five years. From year six, interest started at 1.75% annually and increased each year by RPI plus 1%. The scheme closed to new applicants in March 2023, but existing borrowers continue under their loan terms.
How do I repay my Help to Buy equity loan?
Repayment is calculated as a percentage of your property's current market value — not the amount originally borrowed. A RICS-qualified surveyor must value the property before each repayment. You can repay in full or in minimum tranches of 10% of the current value. All repayments must go through a Help to Buy-approved solicitor and be formally notified to Homes England to update the register.
What is staircasing in Help to Buy?
Staircasing means buying back the government's equity stake in stages. Each staircase transaction requires a new independent RICS valuation, and the minimum repayment per tranche is 10% of the property's current market value. You can staircase as many times as you wish until the loan is fully repaid. Once the equity loan is cleared and the charge removed, you own the property outright with no government interest.
What happens when I sell a Help to Buy home?
The equity loan is repaid from sale proceeds based on the property's sale price — not the original loan amount. If you sell for more than you paid, the government's share of the proceeds is proportionally higher. You must inform Homes England before listing the property and use a Help to Buy solicitor to handle the repayment at completion. Any outstanding admin fee must also be settled at this stage.
Will the Help to Buy equity loan affect my remortgage rate?
Most lenders treat a Help to Buy remortgage the same as a standard remortgage for rate purposes, provided you are not seeking to increase borrowing. The equity loan charge is a second charge behind your mortgage, but approved panel lenders are comfortable with this structure. If the loan-to-value on the first charge is low, you may access competitive rates. A specialist broker familiar with Help to Buy lender panels can identify the best rates for your situation.
Risk warning
Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage. Think carefully before securing other debts against your home. This article is general information only and does not constitute financial advice.
Explore further