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How to Remortgage a Help to Buy Loan in 2025

Key Highlights

  • Understanding Help to Buy: The Help to Buy scheme helped first-time buyers get homes with low deposits and government loans.
  • Remortgaging Options: Look into different ways to manage your loan. You can pay it off, make part payments, or keep the full loan.
  • Interest Rates After Five Years: After the five-year interest-free period ends, interest payments on the equity loan begin at 1.75% of the loan balance. This amount increases yearly based on the Retail Prices Index (RPI) + 1%, or another inflation measure specified in your agreement.
  • Benefits of Remortgaging: You could save money on monthly payments. It could also lower your debt and offer better mortgage terms for your situation.
  • Considerations and Costs: Know about extra fees tied to remortgaging. Make sure you meet what the lenders want before you go ahead.

Understanding the Help to Buy Scheme

The Help to Buy: Equity Loan scheme was a government-supported programme that ran from 2013 to 2023, aiming to help first-time buyers purchase newly built homes. With this scheme, buyers could purchase a property with a deposit of only 5%.

The government gave an equity loan of up to 20% of the property’s value. In London, it was up to 40%. This loan did not have any interest for the first five years. The rest of the amount was paid for through a mortgage.

The equity loan needs to be paid back when you sell your property or when the loan term ends, which is usually 25 years. The amount you repay is based on the market value of your home at that time, not on the original loan amount.

help to buy logo

How does a remortgage work?

When you remortgage, you are changing your current mortgage deal for a new one. This can be with your current lender or a different one. Usually, this means you get a new mortgage for your property. The money from this new mortgage pays off your old one.

People decide to remortgage for many reasons. They might want a better interest rate, access equity in their home, or combine debts. When you remortgage, you have to complete an application process that is like the one you did when you got your first mortgage. This includes sharing your financial details and going through a credit check.

It’s important to look closely at the terms of the new mortgage deal. You should also think about any fees that come with it. Do this before you decide to remortgage. This will help make sure it fits your financial goals and situation.

Can I Remortgage on a Help to Buy Scheme?

Yes, when your first Help to Buy mortgage deal finishes, usually after a fixed period of 2-5 years, you can remortgage. If you do not remortgage, you will move to the lender’s standard variable rate (SVR). This rate is usually higher and will mean increased monthly repayments.

Remortgaging lets you get a new mortgage deal. This may come with a lower interest rate, which can lower your monthly mortgage payments. It also gives you a chance to pay off your equity loan or include it in your new mortgage.

What Are My Options for the Equity Loan?

  1. Keep the full loan: You might get a new deal with your current or a new mortgage lender. However, your choices will be limited, and fees could be high. You still need to repay the 20% loan when you sell the property. This amount will feel bigger if the property value has gone up.
  2. Staircase (part-pay) the loan: If you can manage it, you could start making partial repayments on the equity loan. This allows you to gradually increase your ownership share in the property. However, it’s important to note that each part-payment incurs fees, typically ranging from £1,000 to £1,200. These fees are charged every time you make a payment, which can make multiple transactions costly. While part payments are possible, we generally recommend paying off the equity loan in a single transaction to minimise these fees. The minimum amount for partial repayments may vary, so it’s important to check the specific terms of your Help to Buy agreement.
  3. Pay off the full amount: You can pay off the equity loan entirely or in part. Partial repayments (known as staircasing) must be in increments of at least 10% of your property’s current market value, not the original loan amount. You can do this by adding it to your mortgage if you have enough equity in your home or by using your savings.
Couple saving money piggy bank

What happens with Help to Buy after 5 years?

After the first 5 years without interest, you will pay interest on the equity loan. The interest rate starts at 1.75%. Each year, it will increase based on the Retail Prices Index (RPI) plus a set percentage.

It’s important to check the specific terms of your agreement, as the details may vary depending on when you entered the scheme.

You will have to start paying back the equity loan when you sell your home or after 25 years, whichever happens first. It is a good idea to plan for these changes. This will help you be ready for the costs of the equity loan once the 5-year interest-free period is over.

Benefits of Paying Off the Equity Loan

  • Avoid extra interest charges: After the first 5 years without interest, you will pay interest on the equity loan. The rate starts at 1.75% and will increase annually based on the Retail Prices Index (RPI) plus a set percentage. Paying off the loan can help you avoid these future interest payments.
  • Increase your equity: By paying back the equity loan, you will own more of your home. This can help you do better on the property ladder.
  • Avoid negative equity risk: If home values go down, having an unpaid equity loan can put you at risk of negative equity. This means your home is worth less than what you owe on your mortgage and equity loan.

Expert mortgage advice

How Does a Remortgage Help to Buy Work?

The steps to remortgage with Help to Buy are as follows:

  1. Find a good mortgage deal: At Newhomes, our expert mortgage advisors can help you identify and secure a fantastic remortgage deal tailored to your needs. 
  2. Decide on paying back the equity loan: Think about if you want to pay back some, all, or none of your equity loan when you remortgage.
  3. Apply for the new mortgage: Send the required documents to your new lender, like your proof of income, bank statements, and solicitor’s details.
  4. Get your property valued: Set up a valuation with a RICS surveyor to find out the home’s current value and how much is left on the equity loan.
  5. Apply to pay off your equity loan from Homes England: Fill out an application form for Homes England, the group that manages equity loans, and pay a £200 administration fee.
  6. Finish the legal process: Your solicitor will take care of the legal work. This includes sending the outstanding payments to your new lender and settling any early repayment charges with your current lender. They will also sign the finalised legal documents.
  7. Pay back the equity loan (if needed): If you pick this option, your new lender will give the money to Homes England. This will be included in the application process.
  8. Set up new mortgage payments: Work with your new lender to arrange your monthly mortgage repayments. Make sure you keep up with your payment plan.

Additional Considerations

  • Loan-to-Value (LTV) Ratio: our Loan-to-Value (LTV) ratio shows your remaining mortgage and equity loan as a percentage of your property’s value. Some lenders calculate LTV by including the equity loan, while others don’t. A lower LTV ratio often qualifies you for better mortgage deals
  • Leasehold Properties: If your property is leasehold, you may need the freeholder’s permission to remortgage and could face associated management fees. Additionally, if your lease has fewer than 80 years remaining, lenders may be less willing to offer competitive rates.
  • Mortgage Arrears: If you have any mortgage arrears or outstanding payments with your current lender, you need to fix these issues first before applying for a new mortgage.

Remember, if you are remortgaging with Help to Buy, there are extra costs and things to think about. It’s important to look at both the good and bad sides closely. Talking to a mortgage broker can help you make a smart choice that fits your long-term financial plans

At Newhomes, we specialise in Help to Buy remortgages and offer personalised advice to help you make informed, confident choices.

considering affordability mortgage advice

Potential Benefits and Drawbacks

Benefits of remortgaging on Help to Buy

  • Potential savings: A lower interest rate can help lower your monthly mortgage repayments. This can save you money in the long run.
  • Debt reduction: Remortgaging gives you a chance to repay some or all of your equity loan. This can help reduce your total debt.
  • Flexibility in mortgage terms: You can look into different mortgage options. Choices like fixed-rate or repayment mortgages can give you more control over your homeownership journey.

Drawbacks of remortgaging on Help to Buy

  • Additional costs: Remortgaging comes with several costs. These include valuation fees, administration fees, legal fees, and mortgage fees. See if the savings you might get are more than these costs.
  • Affordability considerations: When lenders check if you can afford the loan, they look at both your mortgage and equity loan. This can affect your eligibility and how much you can borrow.
  • Potential loss of future property value growth: If you pay off the equity loan, you forfeit the government’s share in any future increases in property value. However, retaining the equity loan also means you share the risk of any potential decreases in property value.

At Newhomes, we know how important it is to make smart choices about homeownership. If you want to learn about remortgaging with Help to Buy, or if you are unsure if it fits your needs, feel free to reach out to our expert advisors. You can also contact our customer service team for personalised help.

Expert mortgage advice

Next Steps and Additional Resources

If you are thinking about remortgaging with Help to Buy, it is important to collect information. This will help you make a good choice. Here are some next steps and extra resources to guide you through the process:

  • Contact a Mortgage Broker: At Newhomes, our team of experts is here to guide you through every stage of the Help to Buy remortgaging process. 
  • Check Your Credit Score: Lenders will look at your credit score when you apply for a remortgage. Check your credit report first and fix any problems or arrears before you apply.
  • Gather Required Documents: Start getting the needed documents, like payslips, bank statements, and solicitor’s details. This will make the application process easier.

By following these next steps and using the resources you have, you will be ready to handle the remortgaging process. This will help you make the best choice for your financial situation.

Remortgaging on Help to Buy is a big financial choice. It is important to think about the good and bad things before you decide. With the right help and advice, you can make a smart choice. This choice should fit your goals and your financial health in the long run.

Contact us today

Contact us today to discuss your Help to Buy remortgage. Call us at 01543 629 077 or reach out to our Existing Client Advice Team for expert, personalised guidance. We’re here to help you make informed, confident decisions about your financial future.

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