There is some good news for those keen to use the government’s existing Help to Buy Scheme which is due to be replaced by a more restrictive scheme in April 2021.

The current scheme, which ends on 31 March next year, has been very popular with buyer’s of new homes. However, with the impact of Covid on the building industry, housebuilders have been concerned that delays in bringing developments to practical completion before the end of the scheme would have a detrimental impact on sales.

Whilst the 31 March 2021 remains the deadline for legal completion of sales, the government has extended the deadline for practical completion of building works from the end of this year until 28 February 2021.

The Help to Buy and Right to Buy schemes have been very popular with people needing to bridge the gap between available mortgages and purchase price. With high Loan to Value ratios now harder to come by, the government-funded assistance has enabled approximately 640,000 people to buy homes over the last decade.

In addition, the government has announced that there will be a further safety net for buyers who’ve experienced severe delays as a result of Covid. Where buyers had a reservation in place with a builder before 30. June, Homes England will “assess their situation and look to provide an extension where necessary”. This might mean that buyers would have until May 31 to legally complete.

For more information please contact us on 01628 507477 or click here to book a free phone or video appointment.

Related article:

Recent posts

Deals of week web larger

Here are the lowest fixed mortgage rates of the week, available to first-time buyers, home movers, buy-to-let, and those remortgaging.

Call us for more information: 01628 507477 or email: team@mortgagerequired.com.

Nationwide Electronic Signature   Web Larger

Nationwide is the first lender to allow mortgage deeds to be signed electronically and without the need for a witness.

Santander 98 Percent   Web Larger

‘My First Mortgage’ from major high-street lender Santander is specifically for those wanting to buy their first property. It allows first-time buyers to purchase 98% of the property’s value. However, certain criteria must be met to be eligible.

Team MR Y Not PR   Web Larger

Maidenhead, Berkshire – 26th January 2026 – Dedicated independent mortgage experts, Mortgage Required, are delighted to have acquired fellow experienced brokerage, Y-Not Finance.

The acquisition connects two well-respected brokerages, both with a wealth of experience and shared values, to continue providing the best advice on all aspects of the mortgage market.

Ground Rents 250   Web Larger

As part of the UK government’s plans to change the leasehold system to help families struggling with unaffordable ground rent costs.

The Prime Minister announced this morning (27 January) that ground rents will be capped at £250 per year, reverting to a peppercorn rate after 40 years.

Five Common Reasons Additional Borrowing   Web Larger

Additional borrowing, also known as a further advance, is when you borrow more money on your existing mortgage for a specific reason agreed with your lender.

Here are five of the most common reasons for additional borrowing. 

2025 Round Up   Web Larger

Property search site Zoopla has estimated that the UK housing market will end 2025 with approximately 1.15 million completed sales – 4.5% more than the previous year.

Take a look at the 2025 summary of the UK housing market.

New Home   Web Larger

If buying your first property, or moving home, is on your to-do list this year, the new year can be a great time to take this big step. In this short blog, we look at what you need to consider as you plan and prepare for your home-buying journey.