What is New Build Boost and how does it compare to Help to Buy?
Carpenter Surveyors’ Guide to Gen H’s New Mortgage Scheme
The housing market has seen a major shift since the closure of the government’s Help to Buy scheme, leaving many prospective homeowners wondering what options remain. Stepping into that space is Gen H, a modern mortgage lender aiming to reimagine homeownership, with their new New Build Boost scheme. But what exactly is it, and how does it measure up to Help to Buy?
A New Route to Homeownership
New Build Boost is Gen H’s answer to the affordability crisis facing many would-be buyers of new-build homes. Much like the Help to Buy scheme, it uses an equity loan model—but with a few key updates designed to make it more flexible and appealing for today’s market.
Here’s how it works:
Buyers need only a 5% deposit.
Gen H provides a 15% interest-free equity loan.
This enables buyers to access a standard 80% Loan-to-Value (LTV) mortgage.
Crucially, buyers own the entire property from day one.
This model effectively stretches the buyer's borrowing power, with some borrowers potentially able to access up to 5.5 times their income, depending on eligibility.
How Does It Compare to Help to Buy?
While New Build Boost draws inspiration from Help to Buy, it represents a new generation of assistance schemes, differing in several key ways:
Is It a Good Fit for You?
Buying schemes like New Build Boost are especially helpful for those with smaller deposits or modest incomes who still want to get on the property ladder. By bridging the gap between deposit savings and borrowing capacity, schemes like this provide a viable route into new-build homeownership.
That said, they may not be suitable for everyone. Monthly repayments can be higher compared to traditional mortgages, and depending on how property values shift, the repayment of the equity loan may still carry long-term cost implications.
Who’s Eligible?
To qualify for New Build Boost, buyers must:
Be a first-time buyer or an existing homeowner
Be purchasing a new-build home from Persimmon or Charles Church
Have a deposit between 5–15% (can be from savings or gifted)
Be purchasing a property in England (scheme excludes Scotland and Wales)
Why This Matters
The end of Help to Buy left a clear gap in the market, particularly for those looking to purchase new-build properties. New Build Boost signals a renewed commitment to helping more people into homeownership—this time, with a more flexible and arguably more generous structure.
By offering longer interest-free periods and extending eligibility beyond just first-time buyers, Gen H appears to be acknowledging some of the limitations of the previous scheme and adjusting accordingly.
Final Thoughts from Carpenter Surveyors
At Carpenter Surveyors, we believe any scheme that helps buyers navigate the increasingly complex path to homeownership is worth exploring, but it’s essential to do so with your eyes open.
We always recommend speaking to a qualified mortgage advisor or independent financial consultant before making decisions based on schemes like this. What works for one buyer might not work for another, and understanding both the short- and long-term implications is key.
If you're considering purchasing a new-build property, the New Build Boost may offer a compelling option.
Find out more here: https://www.generationhome.com/new-build-boost