First Homes scheme: first-time buyer's guide

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How to apply

Contact the developer or estate agent (if you’re buying from a previous First Homes buyer) and tell them you want to buy a property through the First Homes scheme.

They’ll check you meet the eligibility criteria and help you to complete the application. They’ll 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’ll 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:

Contact the conveyancer to check they’ll be able to work for you and to find out what they’ll charge you.

Getting a mortgage

If your application is successful, you’ll 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 Money Advice Service’s Money Helper website.

What happens next

The local council will check your application. They’ll tell you whether you’re eligible for the scheme. They’ll also contact:

  • the developer or estate agent
  • your mortgage adviser, if you have one
  • your conveyancer

If the council agrees you’re eligible

Follow these steps:

  1. Hire your conveyancer.

  2. 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.

  3. Complete any legal documents that your conveyancer sends you.

After you’ve 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’ve decided on your application.

View a printable version of the whole guide

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