In May 2020 the government concluded a consultation on their proposed New First Homes Scheme or ‘Starter Home Scheme’ which was proposed as a way to assist first-time buyers to purchase a new home at 30% discount to open market value.
The First Home Scheme, aimed at first-time buyers, key workers and veterans looking to buy a new-build home.
The idea behind the Starter Home Scheme, which first appeared during last year’s election, is to help local people to afford property in areas where they would otherwise be priced out of the market. The scheme will be funded by developers in much the same way as affordable homes have previously been provided under S106 planning agreements. The idea though is that key workers, first-time buyers and veterans be prioritised and that whenever the property is sold on the 30% discount on market value will remain, keeping properties in the market at a 30% discount to the open market value.
The purchase of such properties will, it is proposed, be funded using deposits and standard mortgage products, as with other properties.
Today
If buying your first property, or moving home, is on your to-do list this year, the new year can be a great time to take this big step. In this short blog, we look at what you need to consider as you plan and prepare for your home-buying journey.
11 days ago
Here are the lowest fixed mortgage rates of the week, available to first-time buyers, home movers, buy-to-let, and those remortgaging.
Call us for more information: 01628 507477 or email: team@mortgagerequired.com.
Just because the Bank of England decides to reduce the base rate, this doesn't automatically mean that your mortgage rate will go down.
26 Nov 2025
Chancellor, Rachel Reeves, has delivered the Autumn 2025 budget. We have summarised the government's plans for tax and spending.
14 Nov 2025
The Renter’s Rights Bill became law at the end of October, which means it has been signed off by the King, and it is now the Renters’ Rights Act. Despite this becoming law, these changes are likely to start changing within the next six months, with the aim of being fully implemented throughout 2026 and into 2027.
A welcome change in school is coming as financial literacy is due to become compulsory in schools in England.
The Government has announced that as part of the new national curriculum, children in primary and secondary education will be required to learn about budgeting, compound interest, managing money, and mortgages.
24 Oct 2025
Forbes has published a global ranking of stunning locations and one popular picturesque corner of the UK has nabbed top spot.
Over three years after the Mini-Budget took place, we look at what the mortgage market looks like now, showing the difference in mortgage repayments.