For many first-time buyers, getting onto the property ladder in 2026 can feel challenging and confusing, but the good news is that there are more routes to home ownership than many people realise. From government-backed schemes to regional support, developer incentives and lender-led products, there are several ways to reduce the size of your deposit, lower your monthly payments, or access a home that might otherwise feel out of reach.
This guide brings together the key schemes currently available to help buyers take their first, or next, step onto the property ladder.
- National schemes helping buyers in 2026
- Regional schemes across the UK
- Developer incentives for new build buyers
- Lender-led support for firt-time buyers
- How to choose the right scheme
- Start your home search with OnTheMarket
š” National Schemes Helping Buyers in 2026
These schemes are available across most of the UK and are designed to support first-time buyers, lowādeposit buyers, and those who need help with affordability.
1. Mortgage Guarantee Scheme (supporting 95% mortgages)
Best for: Buyers with a small deposit
The Mortgage Guarantee SchemeĀ encourages lenders to offer 95% loan-to-value mortgages, meaning buyers only need a 5% deposit. The government guarantees part of the loan, reducing risk for lenders and widening access for buyers.
The scheme is available on new builds and existing homes and is ideal for renters struggling to save a large deposit.
Itās important to note that standard affordability checks still apply.
2. First Homes Scheme
Best for: Local first-time buyers and key workers
The First Homes Scheme offers 30ā50% discounts on new build homes for eligible first-time buyers. The discount applies to the property forever, helping future buyers too.
Eligibility is set locally but often includes:
- Key workers
- Local residents
- Income caps
This scheme is particularly attractive for buyers who want a new build but are priced out of the open market.
3. Shared Ownership
Best for: Buyers who want a smaller deposit and lower monthly costs
Shared Ownership allows buyers to purchase a share of a home, usually between 10% and 75%, and pay rent on the remaining portion.
Benefits include:
- Lower deposit requirements
- Ability to āstaircaseā and buy more over time (find out more about staircasing here)
- Itās available on new builds and some resale properties
This is one of the most flexible routes into home ownership.
4. Right to Buy / Right to Acquire
Best for: Eligible council or housing association tenants
These long-standing schemes offer discounts to tenants who want to purchase their home. Discounts vary by region and property type, and eligibility rules apply.
š Regional Schemes Across the UK
Different nations within the UK offer their own support for first-time buyers.
5. Help to Buy Wales
Best for: Buyers purchasing a new build in Wales
Help to Buy Wales provides an equity loan of up to 20% on new build homes, meaning buyers only need a 5% deposit and a 75% mortgage.
6. Shared Ownership Wales
Similar to the England scheme, this allows buyers to purchase a share of a home and pay rent on the rest.
7. Scotland: LIFT (Low-cost Initiative for First-Time Buyers)
Best for: Priority groups including first-time buyers, disabled buyers, and older people
LIFT helps eligible buyers purchase a home with the Scottish Government taking a shared equity stake. There are two types of this scheme available:
- Open Market Shared Equity (OMSE) ā helps people to buy property for sale on the open market (within certain price thresholds)
- New Supply Shared Equity (NSSE) ā helps people buy a new build property from a council or housing association.
8. Northern Ireland: Co-Ownership
Best for: Buyers needing flexible deposit options
Co-Ownership is a long-running shared ownership scheme allowing buyers to purchase between 50% and 90% of a home, within an approved price range) and buy more shares over time.
šļø Developer Incentives for New Build Buyers
Many developers offer incentives that can significantly reduce upfront costs and are especially useful for first-time buyers.
9. Deposit Contributions
Some developers offer 5ā10% deposit top-ups, helping buyers reach their deposit target faster. For example, Persimmon, Bellway, Barratt Homes and more offer 5%.
10. Mortgage Payment Contributions
Developers may cover a portion of mortgage payments for the first 6ā12 months, easing the transition into home ownership. Taylor Wimpey, Persimmon, Lovell Homes, and others offer this possibility.
Itās important to pay attention to the criteria offered with these schemes, they may specify the maximum value they will pay and how much they expect you to pay up front.
11. Part Exchange & Assisted Move
Part exchange includes new-build developers buying your current home and using its value as part payment towards a new property. While similar, assisted moving involved developers paying your estate agent fees and managing the marketing to achieve a quicker sale.
While often used by second-steppers, these schemes can help buyers move more quickly by simplifying the selling process.
12. New Build Upgrades and Extras
Integrated appliances, flooring and landscaping packages can reduce the cost of moving in and is especially valuable for first-time buyers with limited savings.
š¦ Lender-Led Support for First-Time Buyers
Banks and building societies have introduced innovative products to help renters and low-deposit buyers.
13. Family-Assisted Mortgages
While younger generations may be struggling to save the money required for a deposit on a home, older generations might be able to help.
These include:
- Guarantor-style mortgages
- Savings-as-security products
- Family deposit accounts
They allow family members to support the purchase without gifting cash.
14. Longer Mortgage Terms (up to 40 years)
Extending the mortgage term can reduce monthly payments, improving affordability for first-time buyers.
15. Track Record Mortgages (rent-based affordability)
Some lenders now consider rental payment history as proof of affordability, helping long-term renters who can demonstrate consistent payments.
16. Lloyds Banking Group Ā£5,000 deposit
At the time of writing, Lloyds Banking Group has announced it will be launching a scheme for first time buyers. For properties worth up to Ā£300,000, first time buyers may be eligible for a Ā£5,000 deposit mortgage, with a loan covering the rest. Shared ownership schemes, new build homes and gifted deposits are not eligible.Ā
More details will become available in the future.Ā
š§ How to Choose the Right Scheme
With so many options available, the best scheme depends on your circumstances. Consider:
- Deposit size
- Income and affordability
- Preference for new build vs existing home
- Location and regional eligibility
- Long-term ownership goals
Buyers should also compare mortgage products, explore developer incentives, and speak to a mortgage adviser for personalised guidance.
š Start Your Home Search with OnTheMarket
Whether you’re exploring Shared Ownership, looking for a discounted First Homes property, or searching for a new build with developer incentives, OnTheMarket brings together thousands of listings to help you take your next step.
- Set up property alerts
- Explore new homes developments
- Use our Instant Property Valuation tool if you’re selling to move up the ladder
Your next move starts here.
