Help to Buy ISA Calculator

Closed to new applicants since 2019, but existing accounts earn a 25% government bonus. Calculate your potential bonus.

Help to Buy ISA Calculator

Note: Help to Buy ISAs closed to new applicants on 30 November 2019. Existing accounts earn interest and can claim the bonus until 1 December 2030.

How to Use This Calculator

1
Enter your current balance

Your current Help to Buy ISA balance — maximum is £12,000.

2
Set monthly savings

You can save up to £200 per month (£2,400 per year) into your HTB ISA.

3
Add interest rate

Enter the interest rate your provider currently offers.

4
See your bonus

The government adds 25% to your savings when you buy your first home — up to £3,000 maximum.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Help to Buy ISA?

The Help to Buy ISA was a government scheme where first-time buyers could save up to £200/month, with the government adding a 25% bonus (up to £3,000) when you purchase your first home. It closed to new applicants in November 2019.

How much bonus can I get?

The government bonus is 25% of your total savings, minimum £400 (on £1,600 saved), maximum £3,000 (on £12,000 saved). The bonus is paid directly to your solicitor on completion.

Can I still use my Help to Buy ISA?

Yes — existing accounts continue to earn interest and can use the bonus until 1 December 2030. You must claim the bonus by this date.

What property can I buy with the bonus?

The property must cost no more than £250,000 (or £450,000 in London), be your main residence, and be purchased with a mortgage. New-builds and existing properties qualify.

Should I switch to a Lifetime ISA?

The Lifetime ISA (LISA) offers a 25% bonus too, but the maximum annual contribution is £4,000 (giving £1,000 bonus/year vs £600/year for HTB ISA). If you're under 40 and haven't opened a LISA, it may offer a larger total bonus.

Can I have both a HTB ISA and LISA?

You can have both, but you can only use ONE bonus towards a property purchase. Most people use the LISA bonus as it's potentially larger.

When is the bonus paid?

The bonus is paid on completion of your property purchase. Your solicitor applies for it through the government's scheme — you don't receive it directly.

What happens if the property falls through?

If the sale falls through after the bonus is applied, your solicitor returns the bonus to HMRC. Your ISA savings remain in your account.