The schemes that actually exist in 2026

Freedom to Buy

Buyers with a 5% deposit

Permanent replacement for the Mortgage Guarantee Scheme — government-backed 95% LTV mortgages, launched 2025.

First Homes

First-time buyers aged 18+

New-build homes sold at 30–50% below market value, with the discount locked in for every future sale.

Price cap: £250,000 outside London, £420,000 in London (post-discount)

Income cap: £80,000 household (£90,000 in London)

Shared Ownership

Buyers who can't afford outright

Buy a 10–75% share of a home (5% on new AHP-funded homes) and pay rent on the rest.

Income cap: £80,000 household (£90,000 in London)

Lifetime ISA

First-time buyers aged 18–39 (open), –50 (contribute)

Save up to £4,000/year and the government adds a 25% bonus — free deposit top-up (£1,000/year max).

Price cap: £450,000 property price (nationwide)

Deposit Unlock

New-build buyers with a 5% deposit

Industry scheme run by HBF and reinsurers — 5% deposit on specific new builds from participating lenders.

Price cap: Varies by lender (typically £600k–£750k max loan)

Discount Market Sale (DMS)

Local buyers of new-build homes

A 20–50% discount on a new-build, set and administered by the local council under s.106 planning.

Right to Buy

Secure council tenants in England

Buy your council home at a regional-cap discount — caps cut substantially on 21 November 2024.