When should I remortgage my Help to Buy?

Ideally before year 6, when interest charges begin. Start the process 4-6 months before the interest-free period ends to ensure completion in time.

How much does it cost to repay the equity loan?

The repayment amount is based on the current property value, not the purchase price. If your home was bought for £200,000 with a 20% loan and is now worth £250,000, the repayment would be £50,000 (20% of £250,000).

Can I remortgage without repaying the equity loan?

Some lenders allow product transfers or remortgages while keeping the equity loan in place, though options are more limited. We can advise on the best approach.

Do I need a specific valuation?

Yes, you'll need an RICS valuation from a surveyor approved by the Help to Buy scheme administrator. This is usually at your cost (around £200-£400).

Help to Buy Remortgage

Remortgaging a Help to Buy property involves repaying the equity loan. We navigate the process and find you a suitable deal to clear your government loan.

Remortgaging with Help to Buy

If you bought your home through Help to Buy, you'll eventually need to repay the government's equity loan — and remortgaging is the most common way to do this. The equity loan is interest-free for the first 5 years but then charges escalate. Understanding when and how to remortgage, and how much equity you need, is crucial for minimising costs.

Expert Help to Buy equity loan repayment guidance
Staircasing and partial repayment options explained
Lenders experienced with Help to Buy remortgages
Timing advice to avoid escalating equity loan fees
free initial advice remortgage advice

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Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage.

How Help to Buy Equity Loans Work

The government lent you 20% (40% in London) of your property's purchase price, interest-free for 5 years. From year 6, interest charges begin at 1.75% and increase annually by CPI + 2%. These charges can become significant, making repayment through remortgaging financially sensible.

The Remortgage Process

To repay the equity loan, you remortgage for a higher amount than your current mortgage balance. The extra borrowing pays off the government loan. You'll need a new property valuation (from an RICS surveyor approved by the scheme administrator), and the repayment amount is based on the current property value, not the original purchase price.

Staircasing (Partial Repayment)

You can repay the equity loan in stages (staircasing), with a minimum repayment of 10% of your property's current value. This can be useful if you can't afford to repay the full loan at once, or if your LTV would be too high for the competitive rates.

What If My Property Has Fallen in Value?

If your property's value has decreased, you may owe less on the equity loan than expected (as it's percentage-based). However, your LTV may be higher, affecting remortgage rates. We'll assess your specific situation and advise on the best approach.