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Helping Hand mortgage

If you don't think you can borrow enough to buy your first home, a Helping Hand from us could get you up to 20% more.

Helping each other to buy homes of our own was one of Nationwide’s founding principles. But as times have changed, it’s become harder for first time buyers. Which is why we've launched our Helping Hand mortgage, to help those who don’t think they can borrow enough to buy their first home.

What is a Helping Hand?

With a Helping Hand from Nationwide, you might be able to borrow a little more towards your first home.

It’s available to eligible first time buyers with our 5 and 10 year fixed rate mortgages, up to a 95% loan to value.

How a Helping Hand could work

A couple, who are eligible first time buyers, have a joint income of £50,000, a 5% deposit and no other costs impacting how much they can afford. With a Helping Hand, they may be able borrow up to £275,000. This is compared to the £225,000 they’d be able to borrow without one.

Features and benefits

  • £500 cashback* when you complete your mortgage with us.
  • Ability to overpay up to 10% of the loan amount each year without incurring an Early Repayment Charge (ERC).

  • After your deal period ends, you’ll move onto our Standard Mortgage Rate (SMR), which is currently 7.99% (variable). You’ll also have the option to switch to a new mortgage deal.

*Only one £500 cashback will be paid per mortgage and is payable within one month of completion. If applying jointly, all applicants need to be first time buyers (we see first time buyers as customers who have not had a mortgage in the last three years).

To be eligible for a Helping Hand you need to:

  • be a first time buyer. To us, this means you will not have had a mortgage in the last 3 years. If applying jointly, both applicants need to be first time buyers.
  • have at least 5% deposit.
  • take out a 5 or 10 year fixed rate mortgage.

You will not be eligible if you, or anyone you’re applying with, are:

  • self-employed.
  • using an affordable home ownership scheme such as shared ownership or Right to Buy.

Check if you're eligible for a Helping Hand

To find out more and apply for a Helping Hand you'll need to complete a Decision In Principle over the phone.

Please have your income and outgoings information to hand.

Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm.
Saturday 8:30am to 4pm.
Closed Sundays and bank holidays.

0345 609 25 30

Related links

Important:

Mortgages are secured on your home. You could lose your home if you do not keep up payments on your mortgage.
Mortgages are subject to underwriting and criteria. Minimum age 18, UK residents only.