First Homes are new-build homes sold at a discount on their market value. The discount stays with the home, so each later buyer gets it too.
First-time buyers who live in the home as their only or main residence, within the household income limit shown below. Councils can add local priorities for a short period after a home is first marketed.
The developer sells the home through the scheme at the discounted price, and you fund most of that price with a mortgage or a home purchase plan. The discount is written into the home’s planning agreement, which is what keeps it in place on resale.
When you sell, you sell at the same discount to another eligible buyer, so your share of any rise in value is reduced in the same way. Check the local criteria with the council before you reserve, since they can narrow who may buy for a while.
Each rule in its primary source's own words, with the date it applies from.
The home must be sold through the First Homes scheme by its developer.
. Start date: the source states no start date, so this is the day it was last updated.You can look for new homes in your area that are advertised by developers or estate agents through the First Homes scheme.
Every buyer must be a first-time buyer.
. Start date: the source states no start date, so this is the day it was published.A purchaser (or, if a joint purchase, all the purchasers) of a First Home should be a first-time buyer as defined in paragraph 6 of schedule 6ZA of the Finance Act 2003 for the purposes of Stamp Duty Relief for first-time buyers.
Every buyer must be 18 or older.
. Start date: the source states no start date, so this is the day it was last updated.be 18 or older
Combined household income in the previous tax year must not exceed £80,000, or £90,000 in Greater London.
. Start date: the source states no start date, so this is the day it was published.Purchasers of First Homes, whether individuals, couples or group purchasers, should have a combined annual household income not exceeding £80,000 (or £90,000 in Greater London) in the tax year immediately preceding the year of purchase.
A mortgage or home purchase plan must fund at least 50% of the discounted price.
. Start date: the source states no start date, so this is the day it was published.A purchaser of a First Home should have a mortgage or home purchase plan (if required to comply with Islamic law) to fund a minimum of 50% of the discounted purchase price.
The home must be your only or main residence.
. Start date: the source states no start date, so this is the day it was last updated.The home must be your only or main residence.
The home must be discounted by at least 30% of its market value.
. Start date: the source states no start date, so this is the day it was published.must be discounted by a minimum of 30% against the market value
On its first sale, the price after the discount must not exceed £250,000, or £420,000 in Greater London.
. Start date: the source states no start date, so this is the day it was published.after the discount has been applied, the first sale must be at a price no higher than £250,000 (or £420,000 in Greater London)
Councils may add local criteria, which apply for at most 3 months from when a home is first marketed.
. Start date: the source states no start date, so this is the day it was published.Any local eligibility criteria will apply for a maximum of 3 months from when a home is first marketed.
Answer what you know. Each rule is checked against your answers, and anything left blank shows as a fact the check still needs.
As of 12 Nov 2026. Lenders, providers and councils make the final decision.