First Homes scheme: first-time buyer's guide
How to apply
Contact the developer or estate agent (if you鈥檙e buying from a previous First Homes buyer) and tell them you want to buy a property through the First Homes scheme.
They鈥檒l check you meet the eligibility criteria and help you to complete the application. They鈥檒l submit your application to the local council.
You may have to pay a reservation fee if the property you want to buy is a new build. You鈥檒l get the fee back if your application is unsuccessful.
The developer can offer you incentives such as free goods or cash back. These should not be worth more than 5% of the discounted purchase price.
Find a conveyancer
Your application will need to include the name and contact details of your conveyancer. A conveyancer is either a conveyancing solicitor or a licensed conveyancer.
You can:
- find a conveyancing solicitor on the
- find a licensed conveyancer on the
Contact the conveyancer to check they鈥檒l be able to work for you and to find out what they鈥檒l charge you.
Getting a mortgage
If your application is successful, you鈥檒l need to arrange a mortgage. The mortgage must cover at least half of the purchase price.
You can find out about getting a mortgage on the .
What happens next
The local council will check your application. They鈥檒l tell you whether you鈥檙e eligible for the scheme. They鈥檒l also contact:
- the developer or estate agent
- your mortgage adviser, if you have one
- your conveyancer
If the council agrees you鈥檙e eligible
Follow these steps:
-
Hire your conveyancer.
-
Apply for your mortgage. If you have a Lifetime ISA or a Help to Buy ISA, you might be able to use it to buy your First Home.
-
Complete any legal documents that your conveyancer sends you.
After you鈥檝e got a mortgage offer and completed the legal documents, your conveyancer will ask the local council if you can exchange contracts.
The council will tell you when they鈥檝e decided on your application.