We use some essential cookies to make this website work.
We’d like to set additional cookies to understand how you use GOV.UK, remember your settings and improve government services.
We also use cookies set by other sites to help us deliver content from their services.
You can change your cookie settings at any time.
Departments, agencies and public bodies
News stories, speeches, letters and notices
Detailed guidance, regulations and rules
Reports, analysis and official statistics
Consultations and strategy
Data, Freedom of Information releases and corporate reports
Updated 20 May 2022
© Crown copyright 2022
This publication is licensed under the terms of the Open Government Licence v3.0 except where otherwise stated. To view this licence, visit nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence/version/3 or write to the Information Policy Team, The National Archives, Kew, London TW9 4DU, or email: psi@nationalarchives.gov.uk.
Where we have identified any third party copyright information you will need to obtain permission from the copyright holders concerned.
This publication is available at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/help-to-build-marketing-toolkit/help-to-build-equity-loan-marketing-toolkit-accessible-version
Help to Build is open for applications. As one of our valued partners, we’re asking you to help us spread the word about it.
This toolkit contains useful information on how to use Help to Build marketing materials and how to get them.
We’ve included some links to useful resources too.
If there are additional items that you would like to help you promote Help to Build, please get in touch by email: HelpToBuildComms@homesengland.gov.uk
We also encourage you to signpost potential Help to Build customers to our customer guide.
Help to Build is a government home ownership scheme to help people in England to custom or self build their own home.
The scheme aims to make custom and self build more affordable for the younger generation.
Custom and self builders can apply for an equity loan to put towards their land and build costs. Successful Help to Build customers will then have 3 years to build their home.
To start the process, they will need a 5% deposit, and will need to apply for a self build mortgage from a lender registered with Help to Build.
At the end of the build, we’ll pay the equity loan to the mortgage lender. The lender will change the self build mortgage to a repayment mortgage.
The equity loan is based on the estimated costs to buy a plot of land and build the home. The equity loan amount can be between 5% to 20% (up to 40% in London) of the total estimated cost.
Eligible customers can spend up to £600,000 on building their home and buying the land. The most they can spend on the build cost is £400,000, even if they already own the land.
No interest is charged on the equity loan for the first 5 years from the date of payment. Interest is paid from year 6.
Help to Build aims to scale up the number of SME builders in the market, and this could create 2,000 new custom and self build homes. It also aims to diversify the housing market as customers can appoint smaller builders and contractors to help with their development.
Help to Build is not a discount scheme or a price reduction – the land and build costs will be the same without an equity loan.
The total amount a customer repays on their equity loan is linked to the value of the home, not the original amount they borrowed.
The self build mortgage must be provided by a lender registered with Help to Build.
Customers must have outline planning permission before they apply for an equity loan.
This graphic has been removed as it could not be made accessible. Please contact enquiries@homesengland.gov.uk citing the name of the document if you need this information.
A Help to Build customer can apply if they:
Help to Build is available on a custom and self build property as defined under the Self-build and Custom Housebuilding Act 2015.
It must be a new-build property, or any home previously occupied either by an owner-occupier, licensee or a tenant; or a building which is to be demolished in full in order to build a new custom and self build property.
Shell properties designed to allow customisation of internal walls, completion of second fix and final fit-out are allowed.
Self build warranties are required and need to be in place before completion.
When helping us to share information about Help to Build, it should be in line with our mission and values. It should also be clear, accurate and consistent.
We must use the Help to Build identity in a consistent way to:
More detailed guidance for using the Help to Build brand elements can be found in the brand guidelines. You can request access by emailing HelpToBuildComms@homesengland.gov.uk.
Tone of voice is a crucial element of how we connect with consumers, colleagues, and strategic partners and should underpin how we communicate.
Tone of voice must be:
1 Underpinned by our values and responsibilities:
2 Informed by our target audience’s characteristics:
Tone may need to be dialled up or scaled back depending on channel, customer circumstance, or previous communications. More guidance can be found in our tone of voice guidelines. You can request access by emailing HelpToBuildComms@homesengland.gov.uk.
You can include these key messages about Help to Build in any materials you share about the scheme.
Help to Build is a government equity loan for people in England who want to build their own home. Government lends 5% to 20% (40% in London) of the estimated value of the home when it’s built.
Repayments: You cannot make monthly payments to reduce your equity loan amount. You must repay at the end of your mortgage or equity loan term, when you sell your home, or you can repay any time before.
Interest rate: Years 1 to 5 fixed rate of 0% each year. Year 6 fixed rate of 1.75% each year. Year 7 on, previous year’s interest rate increases by 2% plus CPI (or a min. 2% if CPI is zero or less). Homes England is the lender, and will secure the equity loan as a second charge on your home.
Help to Build is subject to eligibility, terms, and conditions: http://www.OwnYourHome.gov.uk/Help-to-Build. Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your repayment mortgage, equity loan or other loans secured against it.
Help to Build is a government equity loan for people in England who want to build their own home. Eligibility, terms, and conditions apply. Customers should seek independent financial advice, and get information and guidance on applying for Help to Build: Equity Loan at www.OwnYourHome.gov.uk/Help-to-Build.
Here are some examples of key messages featuring in Help to Build press coverage between April and August 2021.
We’ve provided a range of assets for you to use, both on and offline. We’ve also included guidance about how best to use these, along with examples of how to use them. To request access, email: HelpToBuildComms@homesengland.gov.uk
You may want to include some information about Help to Build in your email footer, to help spread the word about the scheme.
Suggestions for email footer text:
Help to Build – a government equity loan to help fund your custom or self build home
Help to Build is a government equity loan available to those in England who want to custom or self build their home.
Find out more at ownyourhome.gov.uk/scheme/help-to-build/
Our core logo features the roundel containing our distinctive Help to Build logotype. Under this is the message ‘Backed by HM Government’. Both of these elements make up the complete logo.
The logo must not be changed, altered or adapted in any way.
As our partner, you must only use the Help to Build logo that contains the wording ‘Backed by HM Government’.
For more information on how to use the Help to Build logo correctly, including sizing and placement, please refer to our brand guidelines. To request access, email HelpToBuildComms@homesengland.gov.uk
Our range of posters and leaflets are available in A3, A4 and A5 size. They’re high resolution and have been designed for print, meaning they are not suitable for online use. Our designs include bleed and trim lines to make it easier for the company printing your posters.
Web banners are designed for online use. They are not suitable for printing. There are a wide range of sizes, which can be used in various locations on websites.
The examples in this section have been removed because they could not be made accessible. Please contact enquiries@homesengland.gov.uk citing the name of the document if you need this information.
These guidelines are for organisations who offer and market services to consumers that are for Help to Build. Any individual or organisation marketing Help to Build must do so in a consistent, accurate and fair way.
Always follow our guidelines, and use the assets in this marketing toolkit, including our:
You must always explain what the Help to Build equity loan is. You can find the key messages in this marketing toolkit.
You must only use the Help to Build logo that contains the wording ‘Backed by HM Government’.
Always explain that eligibility for Help to Build is subject to terms and conditions.
Help to Build is an equity loan that customers pay back. It is not a discount on the price of the home.
You should not describe Help to Build as a discount, incentive, or promotion.
Support Help to Build social media channels by following and sharing our content using the hashtag #HelpToBuildYourHome.
While Homes England is the provider of the Help to Build: Equity Loan, we do not offer financial or legal advice, or advice on the building process, or builder mediation services. There are other organisations who provide free and impartial information.
The National Custom and Self Build Association (NaCSBA) is the voice of the custom and self build housing sector. Their mission is to make custom and self build a mainstream choice for everyone seeking a home of their own.
NaSCBA works to share knowledge and best practice across the sector and advise you through their Self Build Portal website. Local councils must keep a list of anyone who wants to custom or self build, and you can find the registers local to you there.
Local authority planning and housing teams can get planning advice and information on the Right to Build Task Force website.
The National Self Build and Renovation Centre is a permanent venue offering independent advice and support to those who want to build their own home. They offer events, courses, exhibitions, and expert advice.
MoneyHelper is an independent organisation set up by the government. It has a range of free and unbiased tools and advice for homebuyers, including understanding mortgages and using a mortgage adviser.
The financial services register lists financial advisers and mortgage brokers.
For information on stamp duty land tax and the latest rates, visit Stamp Duty Land Tax.
For information on registering land or property, and search services, visit HM Land Registry.
The Law Society’s online database lists solicitors.
The Citizens Advice website provides information about local Citizens Advice services.
Help to Build Facebook
Help to Build Instagram
Help to Build LinkedIn
Help to Build Your Home Twitter @HtBuildYourHome
Find out more about Help to Build
Don’t include personal or financial information like your National Insurance number or credit card details.
To help us improve GOV.UK, we’d like to know more about your visit today. We’ll send you a link to a feedback form. It will take only 2 minutes to fill in. Don’t worry we won’t send you spam or share your email address with anyone.
About Author
