First time buyer information - get on the ladder

Tuesday, 18 February 2025 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.

Share

More from Consumer Tips

  • Funeral costs rise

    Funeral costs are often the last thing we’d like to think about, but when the death of a loved one comes along having some idea about what’s on offer and the costs to be occurred makes it easier at such a sad time.

  • Are you paying for subscriptions you don't use?

    September is often seen as a month for getting back into a routine. The summer holidays are over, children are back at school, and life starts to feel a little more organised again. It’s also a good time to take a fresh look at your household finances – including those regular payments that quietly leave your bank account each month.

  • The September price check: are you really getting a bargain?

    September can often be a month of sales and special offers, as retailers clear their summer stock, and ‘back to school’ promotions and early Christmas deals appear in the shops. But before you go on a spending spree, ask yourself whether what you’re buying is really a bargain.

Opinion Poll

The Jersey Consumer Council frequently asks Islanders to take part in polls on a range of topics.

Just tap on one of the options below to cast your vote and see what others think.

ⓘ What does the JCC do with this information?

Connect with the JCC