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All you need to know about buying a new home with Crest Nicholson

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Our buying schemes can help you move sooner

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First Homes

Helping you move > First Homes

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First Homes

WE CAN HELP YOU REALISE YOUR NEW HOME DREAM. (YOU HEARD IT HERE FIRST).

Ready to buy in your local area? Let the exciting new First Homes scheme help you buy at a special discounted rate.

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FIRST HOMES EXPLAINED

First Homes is a new government scheme designed to help local first time buyers onto the property ladder, by offering homes at a 30% discount compared to the market price.

The scheme aims to help local people buy within their current area, in locations where house prices might make this financially challenging relative to their income.

Also, and this detail is important: the discounts apply to the homes forever, meaning that generations of new buyers and the local community will continue to benefit every time the property is sold.

ARE YOU ELIGIBLE?

Read the criteria below to see...

  • You’ll need to be a first time buyer
  • Your combined annual household income can be no more than £80,000 (£90,000 in London)
  • You should have a mortgage or home purchase plan (if required to comply with Islamic law) to fund at least 50% of the discounted purchase price

Local authorities may also set additional local eligibility criteria, designed to help local people purchase homes in the area where they currently live or work, or to support people with priority occupations.

HOW DOES IT WORK?

1

Available to local first time buyers

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Enjoy a 30% discount on your new home compared to the open market price

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Available on homes that cost less than £250K after the discount

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Your combined household income shouldn’t exceed £80,000

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You’ll need a mortgage to fund at least 50% of the discounted purchase price

WHEN WILL HOMES BE AVAILABLE WITH FIRST HOMES?

The First Homes scheme launched by the government in June 2021 and is being rolled out over the next two years across England. Whilst availability is currently limited, the First Homes scheme will launch soon. Find a development near you with First Homes below and register your interest today.

Find First Homes

Crest Nicholson Homes with First Homes

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First Homes customer guide

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FIRST HOMES TERMS AND CONDITIONS

What are First Homes?

  • First Homes are newly built homes for local and key worker first-time buyers
  • The homes are offered at a discount of at least 30% compared to prices of equivalent properties on the open market
  • The discount will apply to the First Home forever - this means the same percentage discount from the original sale will be passed on to the new buyer every time the home is sold
  • Local authorities are able to set lower price caps as part of local policy.

What type of properties are First Homes?

  • First Homes are homes suitable for first-time buyers
  • First Homes are of the same type and quality, and meet the same standards, as the other newly built homes for open market sale within the same development
  • The maximum price of a First Home, after the discount has been applied is £250,000 in England (£420,000 in London).

Who is eligible for First Homes?

  • All purchasers must be first-time buyers
  • Purchasers will also need to comply with any local connections restrictions, or key worker restrictions, set by the local authority where the First Home is located
  • The purchaser’s household’s income must be no more than £80,000* in England (or £90,000 in London)
  • The current eligibility criteria will apply to all future sales of each First Home.
  • Buyers will need a mortgage covering at least 50% of the price of the First Home.

How can I use my First Home?

  • You can decorate and update your First Home as you wish, in keeping with planning rules, any leasehold restrictions and the terms of your mortgage
  • First Home must be the only residential property you have for the duration of your First Home ownership
  • You may be allowed to let out your First Home in some circumstances, but only with the prior approval of the local authority and the consent of your mortgage provider.
  • Lodgers are permitted, as long as the home remains your only residence
  • Should you wish to move home, you can sell your First Home to another eligible buyer. The percentage discount that applied when you bought the First Home would also apply on the sale price. The percentage discount is fixed and cannot change, even if you have made improvements to your home.

FIND OUT MORE

For more information visit: https://www.ownyourhome.gov.uk/scheme/first-homes/

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Do you have a home to sell?

We're here to make it a stress-free experience. We can be the buyer of your current home with Part Exchange, or help you sell with SmoothMove.

I have a home to sell

YOUR HOME MAY BE REPOSSESSED IF YOU DO NOT KEEP UP REPAYMENTS ON YOUR MORTGAGE OR OTHER DEBT SECURED ON IT.