Is the Help to Buy ISA still available?

No, the Help to Buy ISA closed to new accounts on 30 November 2019. If you already have one, you can continue saving into it until 30 November 2029, and you must claim the bonus before 1 December 2030. If you're looking for a similar product, the Lifetime ISA offers a better deal (higher limit, bigger potential bonus).

How does the Help to Buy ISA bonus work?

The government adds a 25% bonus to your savings when you buy your first home. You'll receive a minimum of £400 (on £1,600 savings) and a maximum of £3,000 (on £12,000 savings). The bonus is not paid directly to you; your solicitor claims it from the government on completion of your property purchase.

What property can I use it for?

The property must be your first home, used as your main residence (not a buy-to-let), purchased with a mortgage, and worth no more than £250,000 (or £450,000 in London). The bonus cannot be used for the deposit at exchange; it's only available at completion.

Can I have a Help to Buy ISA and a Lifetime ISA?

Yes, you can hold both. However, you can only use the government bonus from one of them toward a first home purchase. In practice, the Lifetime ISA offers a higher annual contribution limit (£4,000 vs £2,400/year) and a higher maximum property price limit (£450,000 vs £250,000), so it's generally the better option for most first-time buyers.

What happens if I don't use the savings for a property?

You can withdraw your own savings at any time, but the government bonus is forfeited if you don't use it for a qualifying property purchase. The account will close in 2030. If you have a Lifetime ISA, consider transferring (though this may incur charges; check with your provider before moving funds).

Savings & Investments

Help to Buy ISA Calculator

Calculate the 25% government bonus on your Help to Buy ISA savings. See your total deposit fund for a first home purchase.

Updated April 2026

Closed to new accounts since 30 November 2019. Existing holders can save until 30 November 2029 and must claim the bonus before 1 December 2030. If you don't already have one, the Lifetime ISA is the better alternative.

Your details

Current balance

How much you have already saved (max £12,000)

Monthly contribution

Maximum £200/month (£2400/year)

Additional years to save

You can save until 30 November 2029

Your results

Help to Buy ISA Bonus on £12,000 Savings

Total deposit fund

£15,000

Government bonus

£3,000

Your savings: £12,000
Max qualifying savings: £12,000
Total fund at completion: £15,000

Breakdown

Your savings: £12,000
Government bonus (25%): £3,000
Total deposit fund: £15,000

You've reached the maximum qualifying savings of £12,000. You'll receive the full £3,000 government bonus at completion.

Key rules

Monthly contribution limit£200/month

Maximum qualifying savings£12,000

Maximum government bonus£3,000

Property limit (outside London)£250,000

Property limit (London)£450,000

Save until30 Nov 2029

Claim bonus by1 Dec 2030

Help to Buy ISA: key facts

The Help to Buy ISA closed to new accounts on 30 November 2019. If you already have one, you can continue saving until 30 November 2029 and must claim the bonus before 1 December 2030. You can save up to £200 per month (plus £1,000 in the first month when opening), and the government adds a 25% bonus at completion.

The minimum savings to qualify for any bonus is £1,600 (giving a £400 bonus). The maximum bonus is £3,000, achieved on £12,000 of savings. The bonus is paid by your solicitor at legal completion, it cannot be used for the exchange deposit.

Property price limits

The property you buy must cost no more than £250,000 outside London, or £450,000 in London. It must be your first home, purchased with a mortgage, and used as your main residence, not a buy-to-let or holiday home.

These limits are notably lower than the Lifetime ISA's £450,000 national limit, which is one reason the LISA is generally considered the better option for first-time buyers who haven't yet opened either account.

Help to Buy ISA vs Lifetime ISA

Both accounts offer a 25% government bonus, but the Lifetime ISA has several advantages: a higher annual contribution limit (£4,000 vs £2,400), a higher property price limit (£450,000 everywhere), and the same bonus rate. You can hold both accounts simultaneously, but you can only use the government bonus from one of them for a first home purchase.

If you're yet to buy your first home and have both, compare the bonus amounts carefully before choosing which to use, in most cases the LISA bonus will be larger. See the Lifetime ISA calculator to compare your projected figures.

Related calculators

Lifetime ISA Calculator ISA Calculator Stamp Duty Calculator Mortgage Calculator

Related guides

Help to Buy ISA vs Lifetime ISA

Frequently asked questions

Sources & methodology

Built and maintained by Tim, a personal finance enthusiast (not a financial adviser). Last reviewed April 2026. Rates and thresholds come from official UK government publications.

GOV.UK: Individual Savings Accounts · ISA allowances, types and eligibility rules
HMRC: Lifetime ISA · LISA bonus, withdrawal rules and limits

Figures are estimates only. This is not financial or tax advice. For help with your specific situation, speak to HMRC or a qualified adviser.