The government runs a number of different schemes to help you get on the property ladder including the Help to Buy Mortgage Guarantee Scheme, Help to Buy ISA, Co-Ownership and Right to Buy.
Before you start you should check to see if you would be eligible for a standard mortgage. If you currently have a 5% deposit this may be a possibility. If not don’t give up there are still options. The government currently run a range of different schemes that are designed to help people in your situation get a foot on the property ladder. The scheme that is right for you will depend on your circumstances so in order to establish that we need to answer a few questions.
If you have already done the hard work and saved a 5% deposit the Government Help to Buy Mortgage Guarantee Scheme could be available to help you today but remember a lot of lenders now offer 95% mortgage to first time buyers so using a government scheme may not even be necessary. If you are starting to or in the process of saving for your deposit don’t forget to investigate the Help to Buy ISA which could boost your savings by up to 25%.
Co-Ownership allows you to buy between 50% and 90% of a property’s value and pay rent on the remaining share. This type of scheme is available to those who do not have a deposit and has proved popular in Northern Ireland. Want to learn more about co-ownership in Northern Ireland.
The majority of housing association tenants who have lived in the same property for 5 years or more will have the right to buy their property at a considerable discount. Find out more about Right to Buy in Northern Ireland.