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Help to Buy: ISA

Helping first-time buyers save for a deposit

Based on reviews

Made in Chelsea, in 1856 With over 160 years’ experience matching people and property throughout London, we’re not only one of London’s longest established agents, but also one of the most prevalent.

The best in the business Underpinned by a culture built on energy, agility, professionalism and knowledge, our local teams live and breathe our values. That means we go to great lengths to get the best results for our clients.

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What is a Help to Buy ISA?

To help first-time buyers save a deposit, the government offers Help to Buy ISA accounts, whereby money deposited into the account receives a government boost of 25%, tax-free – restrictions apply. As in all savings accounts, interest is also added to the balance at the rate set by your chosen bank.

Who is eligible for a Help to Buy ISA?

To apply for a Help to Buy ISA, you must be:

Aged 16 or over
A resident in the UK for tax purposes
Be a first-time buyer
Buying a primary residence (i.e. not an investor)

A person can only open one Help to Buy ISA in their lifetime and the money saved can be used on property purchases up to £450,000 inside Greater London and £250,000 outside.

What if I am saving for a deposit with my partner or friend?

If you’re purchasing with another person, you can both save in the same ISA. Each of you will benefit from the government bonus, meaning the amount you receive will be doubled.

What financial requirements are there for a Help to Buy ISA?

The minimum deposit to open an account is £1 and you can save up to £200 per month, with an additional allowance of £1,000 in the first calendar month.

Are there limitations for receiving the government bonus?

To qualify for the government bonus, the minimum saving is £1,600, which will benefit from a £400 top-up. The maximum bonus is £3,000, which is payable on balances of £12,000 and above. As outlined previously, these limitations apply to each person individually.

Who offers Help to Buy ISAs?

Most banks and building societies offer Help to Buy ISAs. It’s worth comparing the options on a site such as Money Supermarket to find the best interest rate. If your chosen ISAs interest rates change, it’s possible to transfer the balance in an existing account to a different provider.

How do I claim the bonus?

Once you’ve saved and are close to offering, instruct your solicitor to apply for the government bonus. The money is received on completion, so cannot be contributed towards the deposit paid on exchange.

For more information on Help to Buy and government schemes available to you, take a look at our articles on Help to Buy Equity Loans and Shared Ownership. If you currently have a Help to Buy ISA and are looking to buy your first property, here are our top properties for sale under £450,000.

Why buy with us?

Over 160 years’ experience matching buyers to their ideal London properties
One point of contact, hundreds of properties for sale across London
People with wonderful properties – a team with experience, energy and excellence
Viewings and appointments at times that suit your schedule
Award-winning customer service every step of the way

Help to Buy schemes

Government-backed schemes to help first-time buyers save for a deposit

Find out more

London area guides

Helping you to find your perfect first home, in a location you love

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Stamp duty

Everything you need to know about first-time buyer stamp duty exemptions.

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Buying advice

Tips and tricks to help you find your next home.

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This delightful one-bedroom apartment is situated in a prime position between Holland Park and Notting Hill and features wonderful views of the communal gardens at the rear of the building. The property is neutrally decorated throughout offering a large reception room, separate contemporary kitch...

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A beautiful terraced house on this highly sought after street in Notting Hill, benefitting from excellent entertaining space, with an open plan reception room/kitchen/dining room on the ground floor as well as boasting solid wooden floors throughout and good storage space. Upstairs there are two ...

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The Westbourne

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Set within an exclusive development, this stunning modern apartment comprises a huge living room leading out to a private balcony, over-looking communal gardens, a well-equipped open-plan kitchen with integrated appliances and granite worktops, two good-sized double bedrooms with built in storage...

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Holland Road

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This bright and spacious apartment is fantastically located a short walk from the popular Westfield shopping centre and has just been freshly redecorated throughout. The property benefits from large proportions in each room with a larger than usual bedroom with excellent storage and nice garden v...

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