First Homes scheme
If you're a first-time buyer, you may be able to buy a home for at least 30% less than its market value.
How the scheme works
- First time buyers who earn less than £80,000 per annum (combined household income) can apply for discounts under this scheme
- Buyers should have a mortgage or home purchase plan to fund a minimum of 50% of the discounted purchase price
Eligibility
You must be:
- 18 or older
- A first-time buyer - If the First Home is being bought by more than one individual all purchasers must be first-time buyers.
- Able to get a mortgage for at least half the price of the home
- Buying the home as part of a household where total income is no more than £80,000
You must also meet one of the following local connection criteria:
- You have lived in Kirklees for the last 3 years
- You have lived in Kirklees for at least five years in the last 10 years
- You have close family who have lived in Kirklees for the last 3 years
- You receive or provide care and support in Kirklees
- You are employed or about to accept an offer of employment in Kirklees
Buyers are exempt from local connection criteria if they are:
- A member of the armed forces
- The divorced or separated spouse or civil partner of a member of the armed forces
- A widow or widower of a deceased member of the armed forces (if their death was caused wholly or partly by their service)
- A veteran who left the armed forces in the last 5 years
You still need to meet other eligibility conditions.
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 First Home.
They'll help you to complete and submit the application.
You'll have to pay a fee if the First Home you want to buy is a new build. The amount is set by the developer.
You'll get the fee back if your application is unsuccessful.
Further information
First Homes scheme: discounts for first-time buyers gives more information about the scheme and national guidance