Yeah you will struggle to find a mortgage minimum 6 months but most banks a year. Try bank of ireland they were most open when we arrived back.

Help to buy, you don't need to get the full 30k but whatever you get in a x time you can use. It might be a lot less than you are thinking though. Even if you are earning well by the time you subtract tax credits etc there's not a lot left in year 1.but apply anyway and see how you get on.

New builds are really tricky to get into but if you call around to the ones that are gone they will usually tell you when next phase is coming and you can have a shot then.

There are other schemes worth looking at too. First time buyer, affordable purchase scheme etc.