UK Calculator

Help to Build Calculator UK 2025/26

Calculate your Help to Build government equity loan for a custom or self-build home. The scheme provides an interest-free loan up to 20% of project costs (40% in London) for the first 5 years.

Help to Build Equity Loan Calculator 2025/26

Help to Build Scheme — Key Facts 2025/26

Help to Build is designed for people who want to commission or build their own home in England. Instead of buying from a developer, you create a bespoke property on a plot you have found. The government equity loan bridges the gap between your deposit, your self-build mortgage, and the total project cost.

Help to Build Key Parameters

ParameterEnglandLondon
Maximum equity loan20% of total costs40% of total costs
Maximum total project cost£600,000£600,000
Maximum build cost£400,000£400,000
Interest-free period5 years5 years
Year 6 management fee1.75% p.a.1.75% p.a.
Annual fee increaseCPI + 2%CPI + 2%
Repayment basis% of market value at repayment% of market value at repayment

Frequently Asked Questions — Help to Build

What is Help to Build?
A UK Government equity loan scheme for England helping people build their own custom or self-build home. The government lends up to 20% of total project costs (40% in London), interest-free for 5 years.
How much can I borrow under Help to Build?
Up to 20% of the total project cost in England (40% in London). Maximum total project cost is £600,000; maximum build cost is £400,000.
What is the maximum total project cost?
Total land and build costs must not exceed £600,000. Build costs alone must not exceed £400,000.
How long is the equity loan interest-free?
Interest-free for 5 years. From year 6, a management fee of 1.75% p.a. applies, rising each April by CPI plus 2%.
Who is eligible for Help to Build?
Must be aged 18+, not own any other property at the time of the equity loan, have a UK mortgage in principle, and intend to live in the property as your only home. England only.
Which lenders offer Help to Build mortgages?
Registered lenders include Buildstore, Ecology Building Society, Furness Building Society, and others. The current list is maintained by Homes England.
What is the difference between Help to Build and Help to Buy?
Help to Buy was for buying new-build homes from developers (now closed). Help to Build is for custom and self-build projects where you commission or build your own home.
Can I use Help to Build for a plot purchase?
Yes — the equity loan covers both land and build costs up to scheme limits, paid in stages linked to construction milestones.
How do I repay the Help to Build equity loan?
You repay a percentage of the property's market value at repayment time — not the original amount borrowed. If values rise, you repay more; if they fall, you repay less.
What happens if my property value increases?
The equity loan tracks market value. If you borrowed 20% and your home doubles in value, you repay 20% of the new higher value at repayment.
Can I make improvements while I have the equity loan?
You need written approval from Homes England before making structural improvements. Failure to get approval can affect your loan terms.
What is the difference between custom build and self-build?
Self-build: you manage the entire project from land to completion. Custom build: you work with a developer who prepares a serviced plot, often handling part of the construction. Both are eligible for Help to Build.