First Homes is a government-backed scheme to help first time buyers in England get on the property ladder. They will be able to buy a new-build home with a discount of at least 30% on market value.

The First Homes scheme is available on selected brand-new homes in England.

For example, if you’re a first time buyer and are interested in one of the selected properties priced at £325,000, you could buy it for £245,000 (where a 30% First Homes discount applies).

To apply for the First Homes scheme, you’ll need to

• Be a first time buyer whose joint gross annual income (combined if couples or group purchasers) does not exceed £80,000.
• Meet the local eligibility criteria set by the local authority, which includes having a local connection to the area and being a key worker.
• Have the First Homes property as your main residence during your ownership of the property.

Yes. First Homes properties cannot cost more than £250,000 after the discount has been applied, but local authorities can set a lower price cap. The price cap will only apply to the initial sale of the property to you, it does not apply to any subsequent sale of the property.

Buying your new-build home with the First Homes scheme means you’ll have full ownership.

The First Homes scheme will apply to the home forever (subject to limited exceptions), meaning each future buyer and the local community will continue to benefit from it every time the property is sold.

This means that if you are ready to move on, you must notify the local authority and when selling your home you must apply the same discount to market value that you received on your purchase, and only sell to buyers that have been approved by the local authority as meeting the First Homes Eligibility Criteria (including any local eligibility criteria set by the local authority at that point in time). Your solicitor/conveyancer will run through the full details with you.

Yes, both need to be first time buyers.

If the First Home is being purchased by a couple (who are married, in a civil partnership or living together) but only one of them can obtain a mortgage (e.g. where one of the couple has a poor credit history) it is still possible to progress with the First Homes scheme, but both adults in the couple must be first time buyers and both will need to complete the Application Pack, supply the supporting evidence documents and sign the Legal Declarations that they meet the First Homes Eligibility Criteria.