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​Martin Lewis Issues Last Minute Warning To Open Help To Buy ISA Before Deadline

​Martin Lewis Issues Last Minute Warning To Open Help To Buy ISA Before Deadline

You’ve now only got a matter of days to open one up, and all you need is £1 to do so

Jess Hardiman

Jess Hardiman

Savings guru Martin Lewis has issued a last minute warning to first time buyers, reminding them that the 30 November deadline to open a Help To Buy ISA.

Lewis has been banging on about these Help To Buy ISAs for a while now, as he believes they're a good way to help Brits get onto the property ladder.

However, you've now only got a matter of days to open one up, as the clock is ticking for anyone hoping to get a little boost from the government.

On the Martin Lewis Money Show last night, he warned: "This is an urgent warning for savers and time buyers - miss this and you could be missing out on thousands of pounds worth of free cash.

"The Help to Buy ISA was launched four years ago to help first time buyers hoping to buy a property. It's been a hot topic on our roadshow ever since."

Martin Lewis says time is running out to take advantage of the government's Help to Buy ISA scheme.
PA

Set up in 2015, the scheme sees the government match any contributions you make towards the H2B ISA by 25 percent, up to the limit of £12,000 ($14,800).

It's available to people over the age of 16, but you can only apply for it if you've not owned or part-owned a home before - and that includes property anywhere in the world.

While you can start the ISA with an initial minimum deposit of up to £1,200 ($1,400), if you don't have that much to hand right now you can put in £1 to get started, in turn securing yourself an ISA before the fast-approaching deadline of 30 November.

The maximum contribution from the government you can get is £3,000 ($3,600) on savings of £12,000, bringing your total up to a massive £15,000 ($18,000).

Speaking about the scheme earlier this year, TV presenter Lewis - who also founded the financial information website MoneySavingExpert.com - wrote in the MSE newsletter: "They're a great way to save for older children. If your kids are 16+ for a Help to Buy ISA or 18+ for a LISA, the bonus means these are a great place to give them money to save in, if you have it."

On last night's show, Lewis also explained there are two accounts you need to know about.

"Two years ago the Lifetime ISA launched - intended to replace the Help to Buy ISA. There are pros and cons of both," he said.

"But time is at the essence and the clock is ticking on one," he explained at a roadshow in Somerset.

"The big perk of the Help to Buy ISA is that the Government will give you 25% on top for a mortgage deposit if you're going to buy a house in the near future. This is the most important thing you need to know.

" On the 30th November, the Help to Buy ISA closes to new applicants. You will no longer be able to get one."

Featured Image Credit: PA

Topics: UK News, News, Martin Lewis, Money, Property