Sort of... both schemes exist to help people buy a home. But they are different. The Government is using the umbrella term ‘Help to Buy’ to group a few different schemes that are helping people buy a home. (There’s a Help to Buy: ISA, Help to Buy: Equity Loan, and Help to Buy: Shared Ownership). The ‘Help to Buy’ you’ve probably heard about is the equity loan, HOWEVER the Government is ending this scheme and applications to buy with Help to Buy Equity Loan have now closed. For reference, here were the differences: Help to Buy: Equity Loan It’s a loan provided by the Government for up to 20% (40% in London) of the value of a new home, with you needing to be able to buy the other 80 or 60% with a mortgage and deposit. Help to Buy: Shared Ownership You buy a share, usually 25-75% but could be as low as 10% You only pay a mortgage and deposit on the share you buy. You pay rent on the rest. Shared ownership (what we’re referring to on this website) The same as Help to Buy: Shared Ownership (just with a non-branded name). You buy a share, usually 25-75%, but could be as low as 10%. You only pay a mortgage and deposit on the share you buy. You pay rent on the rest.