First-Time Buyers

Nationwide's Helping Hand mortgage

Nationwide's Helping Hand scheme lets eligible first-time buyers borrow up to six times their income, around 33% more than standard lending, on a 5 or 10-year fix. Here's how the 2026 eligibility, income limits and LTV rules work.

By Debbie Shepherd Published May 2023 · Updated July 2026 2 minute read
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Introduction

In the face of rising house prices and the ongoing challenge of affordability, Nationwide's Helping Hand lets eligible first-time buyers borrow up to six times their income, around 33% more than standard lending, when they opt for a 5 or 10-year fixed-rate mortgage. Since launching in 2021 it has helped around 60,000 first-time buyers onto the ladder, and Nationwide relaxed the income requirements again in July 2026 to open it up to more people.

Eligibility criteria

To be considered for Helping Hand, you'll need to fit the following criteria. Meeting these requirements doesn't guarantee acceptance, availability is also subject to factors such as your credit score and overall debt position.

  • First-time buyers. Applicants must be first-time buyers.
  • Loan-to-value tiers. 5 and 10-year fixed-rate options are available at all LTV tiers, up to a maximum of 95%.
  • Minimum income. As of July 2026, sole applicants need a minimum income of £30,000, and joint applicants a combined minimum of £50,000 (both reduced by £5,000 from the previous £35,000 / £55,000 thresholds). All sources of income except self-employed income can be included.

LTV restrictions by property type

Maximum loan-to-value (LTV) restrictions vary depending on the type of property being purchased:

  • Second-hand houses: up to 95% LTV
  • Second-hand flats: up to 85% LTV
  • New build houses: up to 95% LTV
  • New build flats: up to 75% LTV

Exclusions

The following scenarios are not eligible for Helping Hand:

  1. Self-employed income from either applicant will not be considered.
  2. The mortgage cannot be combined with any scheme or non-standard ownership type, such as Deposit Unlock, First Homes, Shared Ownership, Genuine Bargain Price, Right to Buy or Help to Buy.
  3. Interest-only mortgages are not eligible.

It's also worth knowing that Helping Hand is only available to first-time buyers for the original purchase. It cannot be used for later transactions, including additional borrowing, those fall under standard lending criteria.

Next steps

To find out whether you qualify for the higher borrowing potential offered by Helping Hand, get in touch. Our affordability tools display two maximum borrowing figures side by side, one for standard criteria, and one specifically for Helping Hand.

Conclusion

Helping Hand is a meaningful option for first-time buyers wrestling with affordability in today's market. By letting eligible clients borrow more than standard criteria would allow, it can open the door for buyers who'd otherwise be priced out.

Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage.

Frequently asked questions

How much can I borrow with Nationwide's Helping Hand?

Eligible first-time buyers can borrow up to six times their income, which is around 33% more than Nationwide's standard lending. The mortgage is taken on a 5 or 10-year fixed rate, up to a maximum of 95% loan-to-value.

What income do I need to qualify for Helping Hand?

As of July 2026 you need a minimum income of £30,000 as a sole applicant, or £50,000 combined for a joint application, both reduced by £5,000 from the previous thresholds. Self-employed income isn't accepted, and meeting the minimum doesn't guarantee approval, as your credit profile and overall affordability still apply.

Is Helping Hand only for first-time buyers?

Yes. Helping Hand is available to first-time buyers on their original purchase only, and can't be used for later moves or additional borrowing. Nationwide has separately extended six-times-income lending to some home movers and remortgagers, which a broker can talk you through.

Can I use Helping Hand if I'm self-employed?

No. Helping Hand doesn't accept self-employed income from either applicant. If you're self-employed there are other lenders and routes to a larger mortgage, so it's worth speaking to a broker about the best fit for your situation.

Are there any other perks?

First-time buyers completing with Nationwide currently receive £500 cashback, with up to a further £500 available through Nationwide's Green Reward if you buy an energy-efficient home. Rates and incentives change, so check the current position before you apply.

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