Check Help to Buy support
Use the Help to Buy Calculator to estimate possible support for a qualifying new home or self-build.
Quick answer
- Help to Buy is a Revenue tax refund support for eligible qualifying new homes or self-builds.
- The First Home Scheme is a shared equity support for eligible buyers and properties.
- The two supports can interact, but they are not the same thing.
- Buyers should check eligibility, property limits and funding gap before relying on support.
On this page
Quick comparison
| Area | Help to Buy | First Home Scheme |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Tax refund support | Shared equity support |
| Main use | Deposit support for qualifying new homes/self-builds | Bridge funding gap between mortgage/deposit and property cost |
| Administered through | Revenue | First Home Scheme with participating lenders |
| Repayment | Generally not a loan repayment | Equity share can involve service charges after a period |
| Best calculator | Help to Buy Calculator | First Home Scheme Calculator |
How Help to Buy affects mortgage planning
Help to Buy can improve the deposit position for eligible first-time buyers of qualifying new homes. It does not automatically mean the buyer can borrow more; income, deposit, LTV and lender affordability still matter.
How the First Home Scheme affects planning
The First Home Scheme can help bridge a funding gap where the mortgage and deposit are not enough to meet the eligible property cost. Because it is shared equity, buyers should understand the equity share and service charge schedule.
Use both calculators carefully
Run the Help to Buy Calculator first if you may be eligible. Then use the First Home Scheme Calculator to understand whether a funding gap remains and what equity support might be needed.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use Help to Buy and First Home Scheme together?
In some cases, eligible buyers may use both, but the interaction depends on the property, buyer and scheme rules.
Is Help to Buy available for second-hand homes?
Help to Buy is generally for qualifying new homes or self-builds, not ordinary second-hand purchases.
Is the First Home Scheme a grant?
No. It is a shared equity support, so the scheme takes an equity share in the home.
Does Help to Buy increase my mortgage approval?
Not directly. It can support the deposit, but lender approval still depends on income and affordability checks.
Which calculator should I use first?
Start with Help to Buy if the property is a qualifying new home, then check the First Home Scheme if there is still a funding gap.
Is this guide tax advice?
No. It is general information for planning. Use official guidance or a tax adviser for your own situation.
Can I use the calculator for filing?
Use it as an estimate only. Complex activity such as DeFi, staking, mining, business trading, or many swaps may need specialist software or advice.
Sources & references
Key takeaways
- Help to Buy and First Home Scheme solve different problems.
- Help to Buy is linked to tax paid and qualifying new homes.
- First Home Scheme is shared equity support.
- Mortgage approval and property rules still matter.