First time buyer information - get on the ladder

Tuesday, 18 February 2025 at 16:23

If you're a first time buyer, find out more about how you can get on the property ladder.

First time buyer properties are designed to help people buy their first home.

If you own a first time buyer property, you must occupy that property as your principal residence.

Who qualifies as a first time buyer?

You are a first time buyer if you:

Have ’entitled’ residential status
Plan to buy property with an ’entitled’ spouse or civil partner
Have never owned a house or flat anywhere in the world (whether on your own or with someone else)

First time buyer stamp duty

If the property you’re buying is under £500,000, you’ll pay a reduced amount of stamp duty. You’ll also pay a reduced amount of land transaction tax if you are buying a share transfer property.

First time buyer developments

Being a first time buyer means that you can buy a home on a specially designated first time buyer development. These homes are advertised by local estate agents and are only sold to people who are first time buyers.

Affordable housing schemes

Being a first time buyer also means that you can apply to purchase an affordable home through the affordable housing purchase scheme. This means you can buy a home through schemes that various housing providers offer.

For more information, visit the gov.je website for a guide.

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