Yes, you can use Help to Buy for private houses. There are different types of houses available in Help to Buy scheme, private houses included. For private houses, you can check with your local Help to Buy Agent or local housing association. The agent or association will find out if eligibility is available in your area. Meanwhile, you can check online for available houses. Once eligible and you find your prospect private house, you can proceed to apply for the Help to Buy private houses. The application may take a while. The entire process can take weeks to up to six months. This is because there are necessary steps of checking for availability, assessment of your financial capability and the transfer of the property. When you finally get the key to your new home, you can immediately move into your new Help to Buy private house. There are no restrictions mentioned. Restrictions such as having to wait until after completely paying for the house before occupying the private house.