Help to Buy ISA Bonus Calculator 2026

The Help to Buy ISA was a savings scheme where the government added a 25% bonus to savings used for a first home purchase. It closed to new applicants on 30 November 2019 but existing account holders can save until November 2029 and claim the bonus until November 2030.

25% of the amount saved, up to a maximum bonus of £3,000 (on savings of £12,000). Minimum balance to claim: £1,600 (giving a minimum bonus of £400).

£250,000 outside London. £450,000 in London. If you pay more than these limits, you cannot use the Help to Buy ISA bonus on that purchase.

No — this is a common misconception. The bonus is paid at completion (exchange of contracts), not at exchange. You cannot use it for the initial deposit. Your solicitor claims the bonus from HMRC on completion.

Yes — each first-time buyer can use their own Help to Buy ISA. A couple can combine two bonuses (up to £6,000 total) on a joint purchase, as long as both are first-time buyers.

Lifetime ISA (LISA): 25% bonus, can be used for any first home up to £450,000, contributions up to £4,000/year, 25% withdrawal penalty for non-qualifying uses, available until age 50. Help to Buy ISA: lower property limits (£250K/£450K), bonus paid at completion only, closed to new applicants.

Accounts must be closed, and the bonus claimed, by 1 December 2030. You can continue saving in your existing account until 30 November 2029. After this, the government bonus must be claimed within 12 months.

Yes — you can transfer your Help to Buy ISA balance to a Lifetime ISA. The transferred amount counts toward the £4,000/year LISA allowance. This may be beneficial if you want the higher property price limit of LISA (£450,000 nationwide).