Deposit Unlock scheme set to replace Help To Buy

The Home Builders Federation (HBF) and 17 of its largest members have developed a new mortgage indemnity scheme called Deposit Unlock, writes Clive Scrivener, Founder Partner of Wimbledon based chartered surveyors Scrivener Tibbatts. 

Upon completion of home purchases offered as part of the scheme the developer funds a mortgage indemnity and deposits cash to cover any potential losses. The scheme greatly reduces risk for the lender, protecting them from a proportion of the potential loss in the event of any default. 

Nationwide and other building societies will offer the product on new builds for both first-time buyers and second steppers up to £750,000, according to Estate Agent Today.  

Supporters say Deposit Unlock will help open up the new build market to more borrowers who do not have access to large deposits or the ‘bank of Mum and Dad’, and replace Help To Buy programme which will end in 2023. 

Reported here Stewart Baseley, Executive Chairman of the HBF, says: “Ensuring people can buy a new build home is key to the industry’s ability to deliver the government’s housing ambitions. Too many people are unable to realise their ambition of homeownership because they simply can’t afford the deposit required.  

“The industry has worked hard to develop a sustainable solution that will help more prospective buyers onto the housing ladder, maintain demand and so enable builders deliver more desperately needed homes.” 

If you would like to discuss something related to a property valuation please contact Clive Scrivener direct via email at Clive@scrivenertibbatts.co.uk or call 020 8971 2983.