Reviewed by Mustafa Bilgic
Founder, WebCalculator
The 25% bonus, £1,600 minimum and £3,000 maximum are taken from GOV.UK Help to Buy ISA rules. Scheme closed to new savers in 2019 — estimates only, not financial advice.
Already hold a Help to Buy ISA? The government tops it up by 25% when you buy your first home. Enter your current balance and monthly saving to see the bonus you'll earn and your total deposit at completion.
Existing account · £200/month limit
The Help to Buy ISA closed to new savers in November 2019, but existing holders can keep contributing up to £200 a month. When you buy your first home, the government adds a 25% bonus on your balance — paid to your conveyancer at completion. The bonus only kicks in once you've saved at least £1,600, and is capped at £3,000.
| Savings | Bonus | Total |
|---|---|---|
| £1,600 (minimum) | £400 | £2,000 |
| £6,000 | £1,500 | £7,500 |
| £12,000 (maximum) | £3,000 | £15,000 |
You can hold both, but only use one for a property purchase. The Lifetime ISA has a higher £450,000 cap everywhere, a £4,000 annual allowance and a larger maximum bonus — so many savers transfer across. Run both before deciding, and check your overall affordability on the mortgage affordability calculator and the duty due via the stamp duty calculator.
25% of your savings — minimum £400 (on £1,600 saved), maximum £3,000 (on £12,000 saved). Paid to your solicitor at completion.
No — they closed to new savers in November 2019. Existing holders can pay in until November 2029 and must claim the bonus by December 2030.
The Lifetime ISA usually wins: higher £450,000 cap, £4,000 allowance and a bigger possible bonus. For most starting fresh, the LISA is stronger.
Up to £250,000, or £450,000 in London. The home must be your first and you must live in it — not let it out.