Affordable home ownership schemes
Find out how you could get help to buy your first home or move home, and what you’ll need to apply for a Nationwide mortgage using these schemes.
Schemes in Scotland and Wales
This page deals with schemes in England. The schemes are slightly different if you live in Scotland or Wales.
Shared ownership
With shared ownership, you own part of the home, and a housing association owns the other part. You:
- buy a share of a home (between 25% to 75% of the home's value)
- pay rent to the housing association on the remaining share
- can use this type of scheme to buy new build or pre-owned properties.
Right to Buy
This scheme helps eligible tenants in England buy their council or housing association properties. You need to be a council tenant or a housing association tenant. Rules on who can purchase their home are slightly different throughout the country.
Forces Help to Buy
If you’re in the Royal Navy, Royal Marines, Royal Air Force or Army, the Forces Help to Buy scheme could help you buy your first home or move to another property on assignment.
The scheme allows eligible Armed Forces personnel to borrow up to 50% of their salary (up to £25,000) interest free, to use towards a deposit.
Apply for a mortgage using one of these schemes
Get a Decision in Principle
The first thing you’ll need is a Decision in Principle. It confirms how much we can lend you.
The process takes about 20 minutes to complete and will not impact your credit score.
Important information about mortgages:
Mortgages are subject to underwriting and criteria. Minimum age 18, UK residents only.