Government housing schemes

Lloyds supports a range of government-sponsored affordable housing initiatives including Right to Buy, Shared Ownership and the Help to Buy: equity loan. So if you’re a first time buyer, there could be a scheme that’s right for you.

Mortgage guarantee scheme


You can apply for a first time buyer or home mover mortgage of up to 95% of the property’s value under the Government’s mortgage guarantee scheme.

If you’re planning to put down a deposit of at least 5% but less than 10%, to qualify you’ll need to be:

  • a first-time buyer or home mover
  • thinking about borrowing less than £570,000
  • buying a property that’s not a new build flat, Shared Ownership, Shared Equity, Right to Buy or buy to let
  • applying for a qualifying mortgage by 30 June 2025 (however, the scheme may be withdrawn earlier) and complete on your mortgage by 31 December 2025
  • applying for a mortgage with a loan to value (LTV) of more than 90% and less than, or equal to, 95%.
  • thinking about getting a repayment mortgage and not interest only.

Lending is subject to an affordability assessment, credit score and a full mortgage application. You can apply for a mortgage under the scheme by following our usual application process.

Learn about 95% mortgages Learn about 95% mortgages

  • Lloyds is proud to support the Government's Help to Buy scheme. If you’re a first time buyer struggling to get on the property ladder, the Government can provide you with a loan (called an equity loan) which you then add to your deposit for the house you want to buy. 

    The Help to Buy: Equity Loan is currently only available in Wales. Speak to one of our advisers to do an application.

    Regional Equity Loan information

    I'm buying in Wales

  • Shared ownership mortgages allow you to buy a share of the property, instead of buying the whole property. You’ll pay a mortgage on your share then pay rent on the rest.

    For example, if you bought a 50% share of a property at £100,000 then you would rent on the remaining £50,000

    When you part-buy, part-rent a home through shared ownership, you can apply for a smaller mortgage – so your deposit could be lower too.

    For more details, call us.

    How to use the Shared Ownership scheme

    1. Use the regional links below to contact an agent in the area you would like to live. 
    2. Call us to start your application. 
    3. Find a property and make an offer.
    4. Complete your mortgage application.

    Regional Shared Ownership information

    I'm buying in England

    I'm buying in Wales

    I'm buying in Scotland

    I'm buying in Northern Ireland

  • Lloyds is supporting the Government's Right to Buy scheme, which assists people who are renting their home from a Local Authority (or the Local Authority's nominated housing provider e.g. Housing Association) to buy the property at a discounted price. Depending on the level of discount offered, buyers may not need a personal deposit.

    Your local authority will be able to advise if you qualify, confirm the level of discount that may apply and give you details of other scheme rules. 

    For more details, call us.

    How does Right to Buy work?

    1. Use the regional links below to contact your local authority and confirm the level of discount that may apply.
    2. Call us to start your application.
    3. Find a property and make an offer.
    4. Complete your mortgage application.

    Regional Right to Buy information

    I'm buying in England

    I'm buying in Wales

    I'm buying in Scotland

    I'm buying in Northern Ireland

  • Lloyds is supporting the Government's MoD Forces Help to Buy scheme, which allows forces personnel to borrow up to £25,000 interest free (repaid over 10 years) to use as a deposit when buying a property to be used as their main home.

    You can apply for a mortgage through Lloyds branches or over the telephone; remember to tell the Mortgage and Protection Adviser the deposit is being provided through the Forces Help to Buy scheme.

    For more details, call us.

    How does Forces Help to Buy work?

    1. Seek advice through your Chain of Command and personnel agency.
    2. Call us to start your application.
    3. Find a property and make an offer.
    4. Complete your mortgage application.

    Further information is also available on the Government website.

  • The Help to Buy: ISA is closed for new applications.

    If you already have a Help to Buy: ISA you can still save and claim the Government 25% bonus (minimum £400 and maximum £3,000).

    Although closed to new applications, the Government Bonus can still be claimed up to November 2030.

    You can also still transfer your Help to Buy: ISA to us from another bank or building society.

    For more details please call us or view our Help to Buy: ISA information.

Lloyds Bank is supporting the Government’s First Homes scheme, which helps first time buyers buy a new build property at a discounted price in England (not available elsewhere in the UK).

Your local authority will be able to advise if you qualify, confirm the level of discount that may apply and give you details of other scheme rules.

How does First Homes work?

  • Call us if you want to start an Agreement in Principle. 
  • You must contact your local authority to see if you are eligible before you start your mortgage application.
  • Find a property and make an offer.
  • Complete your mortgage application.

For full terms and conditions on the First Homes scheme, visit the UK Government website.

You could lose your home if you don’t keep up your mortgage repayments

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