First Homes – From Applying to Moving in

Start by visiting developers who are selling First Homes properties to see what is available.

If you find a property you want to buy, the developer (and usually mortgage advisor) will carry out an initial check to see whether you meet:

• The national First Homes eligibility rules, and
• Any local eligibility criteria that applies

If you have not already done so, it is strongly advised that you speak to a mortgage advisor about your borrowing options.

At this stage, you should:

• Get decision in principle from a mortgage lender, and
• Find a solicitor or conveyancer to advise you on the purchase

If you appear eligible, the developer will help you complete a formal First Homes application to be submitted to the council.

You will need to provide information and evidence so that:

• Eligibility can be confirmed,
• Household income can be assessed, and
• Mortgage affordability can be considered

Once the form is complete, you must:

• Sign legal declarations confirming (for example) that all buyers are first-time buyers, and
• Formally reserve the property with the developer, paying a reservation fee (up to £500)

The reservation fee is refundable if your application is rejected.

Applications cannot be considered unless the property has been reserved and all required information is provided.

The developer submits your completed application to the council for assessment. The council aims to review applications within five working days.

The council will check your application. If any supporting documents are missing, we’ll ask you or the developer to provide them.

If you meet all requirements, the council will issue and Authority to Proceed (ATP).

This will be sent to you, the developer, your mortgage advisor, and your conveyancer. Your conveyancer will also receive formal instructions from the council at this point.

Once you have received the Authority to Proceed, you can submit your full mortgage application.

Do not apply for a full mortgage before this point, as doing so may incur costs and could risk delays is eligibility has not yet been confirmed.

Your conveyancer will continue the legal work on the purchase and follow the council’s instructions.

You will also be required to sign a further legal declaration confirming that:

• You remain eligible for the scheme, and
• You understand that the property can only be resold in the future to another qualifying First Homes buyer

Once your mortgage offer is in place and the contract terms are agreed with the developer, your conveyancer will request permission from the council to exchange contracts.

If the sale complies with the First Homes rules, the council will issue:

• An Authority to Exchange (ATE), and
• A Compliance Certificate

After receiving approval to exchange, you will pay your deposit and exchange contracts with the developer. At this point, you are legally committed to buying the property.

The developer will confirm when the home will be ready and how much notice they will give before completion. Typically, the time between exchange and legal completion (when you move in) should not exceed six months.

When the developer services notice that the property is ready, your conveyancer will arrange for your mortgage funds to be released, and payment will be made to the developer.

On the legal completion date, you will receive the keys and you can move into your First Home!