First Homes Scheme

What is the First Homes Scheme?

First Homes is a new scheme designed to help local first-time buyers onto the property ladder by offering homes at a discount of 30% compared to the market price. The first sale price of the property is capped at £250,000 after the discount has been applied. The discounts will 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.

Eligibility Criteria
  • Purchasers of First Homes must be first-time buyers and must have a household income not exceeding £80,000
  • A First Home should be the buyer’s only home and a purchaser will need to use a mortgage for at least 50% of the purchase price of the home
  • Local connections, as determined by the relevant local authority
Local Connection Criteria

South Oxfordshire District Council (SODC) require purchasers of First Homes to meet at least one of the following criteria:

  • Current and permanent residence is within SODC (and has been for at least 6 months prior to exchange of contracts for the First Home)
  • Previous permanent residence was within SODC for either 6 out of last 12 months, or 3 out of last 5 years
  • Close family member has their current permanent residence within SODC and has done so for a continuous period of 5 years
  • Is currently permanently employed for at least 16 hours/ week within SODC

If, after a First Home has been marketed for 3 months, it has not been possible to find a buyer meeting these local connections, the Local Connection Criteria will cease to apply.

Take a look at the First Homes availability at our Deanfield Orchard development in Brightwell-cum-Sotwell

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