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First Homes Buyer Scheme

First Homes is a Government-backed scheme designed to help more first time buyers onto the property ladder. Homes are available for sale with a discount of at least 30% of the market value, on selected new-build homes in England, up to a maximum price of £250,000 (£420,000 in London) after the discount is applied.


First Homes is subject to availability, status, national and local eligibility, terms and conditions*.

First time buyer? Make your move with First Homes

What is First Homes?

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  • A Government-backed scheme designed to help first time buyers own their own home in England.
  • Under the scheme, homes are offered for sale with a discount of at least 30% of market value.
  • Exclusively available on selected new-build homes in England, up to a maximum price of £250,000 (after the discount has been applied). In London, the maximum price is £420,000 (after the discount has been applied).
  • The discount will apply to the future sales of the property. This means the same percentage discount as applied to the original sale will be passed on to the new buyer every time the property is sold to help other first time buyers in the future.

First Homes eligibility criteria

  • Available to first time buyers only (if the home is being purchased by more than one person all must be first time buyers) whose gross household income does not exceed £80,000 per year (£90,000 when purchasing a First Homes property in London).
  • A buyer will need to meet local eligibility criteria (if any) set by the local authority, such as having a local connection or being a keyworker, or (on future sales) a lower household income level. Local connection and keyworker status is as determined by the local authority. 
  • You must be able to obtain a mortgage (or home purchase plan) for at least 50% of the discounted purchase price.
  • You will need a deposit of at least 5% of the discounted purchase price. 
  • A property purchased using First Homes should be the buyers' only home.
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First Homes FAQs

  • 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. In some areas, the discount can be as high as 50%. 

  • 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 £350,000, 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 income (combined if couples or group purchasers) doesn’t exceed £80,000 per annum
    • Meet the local eligibility criteria set by the local authority (if any)^
    • Be able to get a mortgage for at least 50% of the discounted purchase price
    • Have at least a 5% deposit of the discounted purchase price
    • Have the First Homes property as your only home

    ^The local eligibility criteria vary and could include having a local connection, being a key worker, or having a lower household income level.

  • The First Homes scheme is available only on selected properties. Explore our collection of brand-new homes to find out if the First Homes scheme is available on the home you want to buy.
  • Yes. First Homes properties cannot cost more than £250,000, or £420,000 in London after the discount has been applied.
  • 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, meaning each future buyer and the local community will continue to benefit from it every time the property is sold.
  • Yes, both need to be first time buyers.
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When selling a property purchased using First Homes, the seller will only receive the discounted market value (i.e. 70% of its market value if the First Homes discount was 30%) not full market value, and must only sell to a buyer that meets the First Homes eligibility criteria (including any local authority’s local eligibility criteria in force at that time). The percentage discount cannot change, even if you have made improvements to your home or if market values increase of decrease.

The First Homes scheme: first time buyer's guide explains in more detail the First Homes scheme including the application process, FAQs in respect of First Homes ownership, restrictions on letting the home and the process for selling. Further information is available at: www.ownyourhome.gov.uk/scheme/first-homes.

*The Government-backed, First Homes scheme, is subject to status, eligibility (including any “Local Eligibility Criteria” set by the local authority for their area (if any) designed to prioritise people that have a local connection or are a keyworker or Armed Services Member) and terms and conditions. Available on selected plots on some developments in England only. A property purchased using First Homes should be the buyers’ only home. First Homes buyers are required to fund at least 50% of the price after discount by a repayment mortgage (or home purchase plan) together with a deposit of at least 5% of the price after discount. If you're interested in the First Homes scheme, please click here for full terms and conditions and speak to one of our Sales Advisers for more information.