The Welsh Government has announced the extension of three major housing support schemes, reinforcing its commitment to making homeownership more affordable and accessible across Wales.
The decision will see Help to Buy – Wales continue until 31 March 2027, enabling up to 400 additional households to purchase a new-build home with a smaller deposit. The scheme has played a crucial role in helping first-time buyers overcome affordability challenges and gain a foothold on the property ladder.
Alongside this, the Empty Homes Grant has been extended until the end of March, unlocking funding to renovate up to 300 vacant properties. The initiative aims to transform neglected buildings into safe, energy-efficient homes for families while helping tackle housing shortages in communities across Wales.
The Welsh Government has also confirmed that Help to Stay – Wales will remain available until 31 March 2027. The scheme provides support for homeowners struggling to meet mortgage payments and forms part of the government's efforts to help households manage ongoing cost-of-living pressures.
Together, the three programmes represent a comprehensive approach to housing support in Wales, combining assistance for first-time buyers, investment in bringing empty homes back into use, and financial support for existing homeowners facing mortgage difficulties.
The announcement was made during a visit by Cabinet Minister for Local Government, Housing and Planning, Siân Gwenllian, to Hollybrook Park in Connah’s Quay, where she met residents who purchased their homes through the Help to Buy – Wales scheme.
The Cabinet Minister said:
“This government is committed to the principle that every family deserves a safe and affordable home in which to live. Increasing the supply of social homes is one way of achieving this and we have announced our 20,000 additional homes target.
“We are also offering targeted support for those who own or wish to own their homes – an option that is not affordable or accessible for many as prices continue to grow beyond the reach of local people across many parts of Wales. Today I am announcing the extension of three schemes that support people that are buying their first home, helping families from losing their home and helping to renovate empty properties into homes.
“The cost-of-living crisis has hit hard, and these extensions are about helping families and young people to buy and to keep their homes through challenging times.
“I am hugely grateful to our partners – the homebuilders, local authorities, mortgage lenders, and the Development Bank of Wales – whose commitment makes all of this possible. Together, we will keep pushing to make homeownership a reality for more people right across Wales.”
The extensions underline the Welsh Government’s broader housing ambitions, including increasing housing supply, supporting sustainable communities and ensuring more people can access secure and affordable homes despite continuing economic pressures.
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