New year, new home

Could 2023 be the year you buy your dream home? With the Help to Buy scheme coming to an end and mortgage rates having risen in recent months, the prospect of getting on the property ladder – or moving up it – might feel more distant than ever.

But it’s not all bad news. Experts expect rates on fixed mortgages to fall in the coming months – albeit modestly – and, although Help to Buy may no longer be on the scene, a wide range of other schemes are available to give would-be buyers that much-needed leg up.

We’ve outlined a few of the schemes that could help get you moving in 2023…

Lifetime ISAs: lifetime ISAs allow those saving for their first home to benefit from a 25% government bonus on their savings. With a lifetime ISA, people aged between 18 and 40 can top up their savings by up to £1,000 in each tax year that they save up to £4,000 of their own money. For more information check out gov.uk/lifetime-isa.

First Homes: Some first-time buyers may be able to benefit from a discount of between 30% and 50% on some new-build homes thanks to the government-backed First Homes scheme. Launched in 2021, the scheme helps buyers who have a 5% deposit, a household income of less than £80,000, and who meet certain other criteria; it is available on selected plots at selected Countryside developments.

Deposit Unlock: On certain developments, both first-time buyers and existing homeowners can use the Deposit Unlock scheme to purchase selected properties worth up to £750,000 with just a 5% deposit.

Bank of Mum and Dad: Research has shown that almost half of first-time buyer transactions are supported by contributions from parents. Our Bank of Mum and Dad scheme rewards this generosity, offering a £2,000 gift to say thank you to family members who have provided 5% of the purchase price of a new Countryside home.

Assisted Move: Already a homeowner and keen to move but don’t want the stress and hassle of selling your current home? With our Assisted Move scheme, which is available on selected schemes and plots, we handle the sale of your existing property for you, making the moving process as simple and smooth as possible.