HELP TO BUY WALES is a lifeline for first-time buyers purchasing new build properties up to £300k. Families needing bigger homes may need to look to mortgage schemes for more support
A family saved for years to amass the deposit on a 3-bedroom home in Newport. The parents, two employed Nigerian nationals who arrived on a Skilled Worker visa, have three children under the age of 13, and were severely limited by the area they could buy in: they needed to stay near their community already living in Newport and remain in the catchment area for their daughter’s school.
They selected a home on a new Lovell Homes development in Wales that ticked both these boxes – close friends of the family had already bought on this site and it was near the school. But by the time their deposit was ready, all 3-bedroom homes on the site were sold out. There were 4-bedroom homes available, but they couldn’t afford this on their own – and Help to Buy Wales could no longer help because the property was more than £300k.
The family’s broker told them about New Build Boost – a mortgage scheme from Gen H often described as a private sector Help to Buy – which meant they could afford the 4-bedroom home. Their purchase completed in May 2026.
This case underscores both the value of Help to Buy Wales and the importance of private mortgage schemes which can help fill the gaps. As the cost of property across Wales continues to rise, more properties will cease to be eligible for Help to Buy. This will disproportionately hurt families who need more space.
Pete Dockar, Chief Commercial Officer at Gen H, said: “Help to Buy Wales is an important scheme that has helped thousands of families onto the ladder. But it comes with some cost to the taxpayer, and it isn’t able to support everyone. Schemes such as New Build Boost are able to help alleviate some of this burden on the public purse and expand who is able to benefit.
“By introducing extra improvements, such as our 2x equity loan repayment cap, and the fact that the equity loan is interest-free forever, we are trying to create truly incremental homeowners – those who wish to own but have no other path to their dream. Together, with the support of Lovell Homes, we’re able to make that dream a reality.”
Justine Elliot, Sales Director at Lovell Homes, said: “We were really excited to partner with Gen H to expand New Build Boost and bring the scheme to Wales. Case studies such as this family’s are powerful reminders of the people who stand to benefit when lenders, regulators and builders can work together to make homeownership possible for everyone.
“There are thousands of aspiring homeowners who could benefit from this scheme, and we’re excited to help them find their ideal Lovell home.”
