The clock is ticking...Help to Buy ISAs will be no more as of Saturday, so you if you're planning on using the service to help you save for a house, you need to hurry.
The bad news is, Santander and Virgin Money have already stopped accepting applications ahead of the deadline, but the likes of Barclays, HSBC, Natwest, Lloyd's and Nationwide banks are still allowing people to apply.
The government scheme is open to first time buyers and aims to help you save for a property, as the government tops up your contributions, so if you're not using it, you could be missing out on thousands of pounds.
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Which is why Consumer expert Martin Lewis has been stressing that people should consider taking up the offer before it's too late.
Martin, who returned to our TV screens on Monday evening on the ITV Money Show, pointed out the deadline to viewers and those visiting him on the roadshow.
"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," he explained on the Martin Lewis Money show.
"But the time is ticking," he added.
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This specific savings ISA for first time buyers only will provide you with 25 per cent interest and is ideal for those aged 16 or over planning to purchase a home soon up to the value of £250,000 (or £450,000 in London).
There are limitations though, with savers only allowed to contribute up to £1,200 when they first open the account and thereafter maximum deposits of £200 are allowed monthly.
The maximum you are allowed to input in total too is £12,000, meaning you could land yourself £3,000 extra on top from the government. Don't mind if we do!
However you won't see the cash in your account - your solicitor will need to apply for the funds on completion of a house sale - so the extra money is to be used towards your mortgage rather than a deposit.
But if you change your mind or manage to buy a house another way, you can withdraw your savings at any time - you just won't be rewarded at the end.
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So if you think this is the ISA for you, then hurry! You can read more about it here.
However, each bank's cut off time varies, so check our list below to see how long you have to apply.
See the full list of cut off times here:
- Barclays: 30th November - existing customer online until 10pm, on the phone until 9pm; new customers within branch during opening hours, but you do need an appointment.
- Natwest: 30th November - existing customers online until 5pm, on the phone until 5pm and in branch within opening hours; new customers online until 5pm
- Nationwide: 30th November - new and existing customers online until 11.59pm and in branch within opening hours
- HSBC: 30th November - existing customers online until 11.59pm and over the phone until 10pm; new customers in branch only
- Halifax: 30th November - existing customers online until 11.59pm and over the phone until 6pm and in branch in opening hours; new customers online until 11.59pm and in branch within opening hours
- Lloyd's: 30th November - existing customers online until 11.59pm, over the phone until 6pm and in brand within opening hours; new customers online until 11.59pm and within branch within opening hours
- Santander: applications now closed
- Virgin Money: applications now closed
But if you miss the deadline, don't sweat it too much, because this perk is set to be replaced by the Lifetime ISA (LISA) which is another government scheme already available.
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It has positives and negatives when compared to the original scheme so be sure to check out which one is best for you today before the Help to Buy offer ends.
You can see the perks of each in our article here.
Either way, it's something everyone should look into because: free money. You'd be mad not to accept!
Featured Image Credit: MaxpixelTopics: Life News, Money, Life, Property