Request Callback
Author: Carl Shave-Director
Updated on January 30th, 2024

How does the Deposit Unlock Scheme work?

Released as an alternative to the Government’s Mortgage Guarantee Scheme the ‘Deposit Unlock Scheme’ is now available for the purchase of new-build properties.

Get in touch for a free initial, no-obligation discussion about your mortgage situation.

Do you qualify?

No credit checks & only takes minutes!

Free initial advice
5 star reviews
Access to the whole market
Established over 25 years
Personal service
Exclusive rates

What is the Deposit Unlock Scheme?

The Deposit Unlock Scheme allows buyers with a 5% mortgage deposit to purchase their home by means of a 95% mortgage. This option is limited to new builds and is a direct collaboration between lenders and the Home Builders Federation.

It was released as an alternative to the Government’s Mortgage Guarantee Scheme and its available to both first-time buyers and home movers.

Initially brought to the market in June 2021 with just one mortgage provider participating in the scheme. However, developments are now starting to be seen with an increased number of lenders starting to offer mortgages. And with further talks ongoing the anticipation is that even more lenders will enter.

a couple pouring glasses of wine

Fill out our quick and easy mortgage affordability calculator below. We only require a few details to see how much you may be able to borrow.

NO CREDIT CHECKS!

What lenders offer Deposit Unlock?

There are three lenders that offer this scheme:

Which home builders provide Deposit Unlock?

The list below has been taken from the Home Builder Federation. It outlines all the home builders that current provide this scheme.

List of housebuilders offering the Deposit Unlock Scheme:

  • 3West Group
  • Anderson Design & Build
  • Anderson O&U
  • Ashberry Homes
  • Ashwood Homes
  • Baker Estates Limited
  • Barratt Homes
  • Barratt London
  • Beal Developments Limited
  • Bellway Homes
  • Bellway London
  • Bewley
  • Blackstone Developments Limited
  • Bloor Homes
  • Bovis Homes
  • Braidwater Limited
  • CALA Homes Limited
  • Campion Homes Limited
  • Chase New Homes
  • City & Country Homes
  • Countryside Properties
  • Crest Nicholson
  • Croudace Homes
  • Davidson Group
  • David Wilson Homes
  • Deanfield Homes
  • Devine Homes
  • Devonshire Homes
  • Edenstone Holdings
  • Edwards Homes
  • Fairgrove
  • Fairview
  • Fenwood Estates
  • Fortitudo Limited
  • Genesis Homes
  • Gleeson Build & Develop Limited
  • H&H Properties
  • Hayfield Homes
  • Hill
  • ilke Homes
  • Hopkins Homes Limited
  • Kebbell Country Homes
  • Kebbell Development
  • Keepmoat Homes
  • Kitewood Estates Limited
  • Lagan Homes
  • Life Less Ordinary
  • Linden Homes
  • Macar Developments
  • Mandale Homes
  • MCI
  • Metis Homes
  • Miller Homes
  • MJ Gleeson PLC
  • Morris Homes
  • Morrish Homes
  • Nicholas King Homes
  • Norfolk Homes
  • Orbit Homes
  • Pat Munro Homes
  • Pearce Fine Homes
  • Pentland Homes Limited
  • Persimmon
  • Peter Ward Homes
  • Prospect Homes
  • Redrow
  • Sigma Homes
  • St. Modwen Homes
  • Stonebond Group
  • Stonebridge Homes
  • Taylor Wimpey
  • Thakeham
  • Thomas Homes
  • Tilia Homes
  • Vistry Group
  • Waters Homes
  • Weston Homes PLC
  • Wheeldon Brothers

What criteria needs to be met for me to qualify?

Some key points to consider are:

  • Available for a new-build home up to a value of £330,000.
  • For all houses and 2-bedroom apartments but excludes studios and 1-bedroom apartments.
  • Not available for buy-to-lets.
  • For first-time-buyers and home movers.
  • For mortgages with a loan to value ratio between 90.01-95%.
  • Can be used in conjunction with Part Exchange.
Google Logo
4.99 Stars icon
142 Reviews

Should I use the Deposit Unlock Scheme?

When deciding what scheme to use, you’ll need to weigh up both the pros and cons to ensure you’re making the right decision. Like with any housing deposit scheme, the Deposit Unlock Scheme has its own benefits and drawbacks.

One of the main drawbacks is the limited options of lenders and properties. As 3 lenders offer this scheme you may end up paying more in comparison to a standard mortgage. Furthermore, only certain new build house builders can be used, again reducing you choices which could cost you more. However, as you can get a mortgage with a 5% deposit this could cancel out the more expensive property or mortgage rate.

One final factor to consider is that as soon as you move into your new build home, it’s no longer considered a ‘new build.’ This means the property’s value could potentially drop instantly depending on the market. Although, if you plan to live in the property for many years this may not affect you at all.

If you’re uncertain about which path to take, our team of specialists is ready to assist you. They have decades of experience in interest-only mortgages and an in-depth understanding of the UK mortgage market.

We have close working relationships with a wide range of lenders, including those on the high street and niche-market specialists. It also means that we can access better rates for interest-only mortgages than if you had approached them directly yourself.

We'll call you...

"*" indicates required fields

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
Contact Details
0330 0945876 local rate
Proudly working with
… and many more!

Thanks for getting in touch, a member of the team will be in contact shortly.