First Homes Scheme London:Discover London New Build Homes & Developer Listings Across Prime Regions.

Key Takeaways

The First Homes Scheme offers first-time buyers in London a minimum 30% discount on new-build homes, making homeownership more affordable in a high-cost market.
Eligibility requires buyers to be first-time buyers with a combined household income under £90,000 and to meet local connection or key worker priority criteria.
The scheme covers all London boroughs, with the best supply and value typically found in West, South West, and North West London.
Buyers gain full ownership immediately, unlike shared ownership schemes, with resale conditions to keep properties affordable for future buyers.
The application process involves registering with local authorities, providing financial and residency documentation, and working with approved developers or estate agents.

Get up to 30% discount on new homes across London boroughs. Maximum property price £420,000, income limit £90,000. Key workers get priority access.

First-time buyers in London need a minimum 5% deposit, but a 10–15% deposit is often required for better mortgage deals.

First Homes Scheme London Eligibility Requirements

Income and Financial Criteria:

Maximum household income: £90,000 per year before tax. This applies to your total combined income if you’re buying with a partner.

Your income limit is higher than most other UK regions, reflecting London’s elevated living costs.

First-time buyer status required: You must not have owned a residential property anywhere in the world. If you’re married or in a civil partnership, your partner must also be a first-time buyer.

Deposit requirements: Minimum 5% deposit of the discounted purchase price. For a £420,000 property with 30% discount (£294,000), you’ll need at least £14,700 deposit.

WHAT is Britain’s First Homes Scheme REALLY About? | Credit: Market Appraisal

Local Connection Criteria

Priority order for applications:

Key workers (NHS staff, teachers, police, firefighters, armed forces)
Local residents living in the borough for 3+ years
Local workers employed in the borough for 12+ months
Family connections (parents/children living locally)

Documentation required:

Payslips for income verification
Employment contracts for key worker status
Council tax bills or tenancy agreements for residency proof
Bank statements showing deposit funds

London Property Prices and Limits

Maximum Purchase Prices by Area:

Central and Prime Areas: £420,000 cap applies universally across London, but availability is extremely limited in:

Westminster, Kensington & Chelsea, Camden (minimal new builds)
City of London, Hammersmith & Fulham (few qualifying developments)

Outer London Boroughs: Better availability with prices closer to the £420,000 limit:

Croydon, Bromley, Havering: £380,000-£420,000 typical range
Barking & Dagenham, Bexley: £320,000-£380,000 range
Hillingdon, Enfield: £350,000-£400,000 range

Property Types Available

Typical First Homes properties:

1-2 bedroom apartments in new developments
Converted buildings with modern specifications
Purpose-built developments with shared facilities
Ground floor or lower floor apartments (more affordable)

Excluded property types:

Houses (rarely available within price limits)
Luxury developments with premium specifications
Properties with service charges exceeding £300/month

First Homes Scheme by London Area

First Homes Scheme West London:

Active boroughs: Ealing, Hounslow, Hillingdon offer the most opportunities in West London. These areas provide better value while maintaining excellent transport links.

Available developments:

Ealing: Dickens Yard and Filmworks developments offering 1-2 bed apartments from £380,000
Hounslow: Near Heathrow developments with competitive pricing £350,000-£400,000
Hillingdon: Uxbridge and Hayes regeneration areas with new builds from £320,000

Transport advantages: Direct access to Central London via Central, Piccadilly, and Elizabeth lines. Journey times 30-45 minutes to Zone 1.

Local authority contacts:

Ealing Council: Housing team handles First Homes applications
Hounslow Council: Apply through HomeBuy agent
Hillingdon Council: Register on Hillingdon Home Choice

First Homes Scheme South West London:

Premium accessibility: Wandsworth, Merton, and Richmond offer limited but high-quality options. Competition is intense due to excellent schools and transport links.

Current availability:

Wandsworth: Battersea and Nine Elms developments, limited units £400,000-£420,000
Merton: Wimbledon and Mitcham new builds, better availability £360,000-£400,000
Kingston: Town center regeneration projects £380,000-£420,000

Key considerations:

School catchments: Outstanding primary and secondary schools increase demand
Transport hubs: Zones 2-3 with National Rail connections
Property appreciation: Historically strong capital growth areas

Application strategy: Register early with multiple boroughs. Merton typically has shorter waiting lists than Wandsworth.

Join Our Telegram Community

Get the latest updates on UK housing schemes, tips, and property news instantly on Telegram.

🚀 Join on Telegram

First Homes Scheme North West London

Emerging opportunities: Barnet, Brent, and Harrow provide excellent value with ongoing regeneration programs creating new supply.

Development hotspots:

Brent: Wembley Park expansion with 2,000+ new homes, First Homes from £340,000
Barnet: Mill Hill East and Colindale developments £360,000-£400,000
Harrow: Station Road regeneration offering competitive pricing

Regeneration benefits:

Infrastructure investment: New transport links and community facilities
Employment growth: Commercial developments creating local jobs
Long-term value: Areas benefiting from sustained investment

Typical commute times:

Jubilee line: 25-35 minutes to Bond Street
Metropolitan line: 30-40 minutes to Baker Street
Northern line: 35-45 minutes to Central London

Application Process and Timeline

Step-by-Step Application

1. Register with local authority (Week 1)

Complete online housing register application
Submit required documentation
Attend assessment appointment if required

2. Property matching (Weeks 2-12)

Receive property notifications via email/portal
Express interest within 48-72 hours
Shortlisting based on priority criteria

3. Formal application (Weeks 2-4)

Submit detailed application form
Provide financial verification
Undergo affordability assessment

4. Property offer (Week 1)

Conditional offer subject to mortgage approval
28-day acceptance deadline
Reserve property with deposit

Required Documentation Checklist

Financial evidence:

✅ 3 months’ payslips and P60
✅ Bank statements (6 months)
✅ Mortgage agreement in principle
✅ Proof of deposit funds

Eligibility proof:

✅ Passport/driving license
✅ Council tax bills (3 years for local connection)
✅ Employment contract (key worker verification)
✅ Right to work documentation

Application timeline expectations:

Borough registration: 2-4 weeks processing
Property matching: 3-18 months (varies by area)
Offer to completion: 8-12 weeks standard conveyancing

Mortgage Options and Financial Planning

Approved Lenders

Mainstream lenders accepting First Homes:

Halifax/Lloyds: Dedicated First Homes products, 5% deposit
NatWest: Competitive rates for key workers
Santander: First-time buyer incentives available
Nationwide: Building society with favorable terms

Specialist brokers:

Legal & General Home Finance: Government scheme expertise
Shared Ownership Mortgages: Experience with discounted sales
Local authority recommended brokers: Area-specific knowledge

Affordability Calculations

Example scenario – £420,000 property:

Market value: £420,000
30% discount: £126,000
Purchase price: £294,000
5% deposit: £14,700
Mortgage required: £279,300

Monthly costs estimation:

Mortgage payment (2.5%, 35 years): £1,250
Service charge: £150-£250
Council tax: £120-£180
Total monthly outgoings: £1,520-£1,680

Income requirement: £54,000-£60,000 annual household income recommended for comfortable affordability.

Legal Requirements and Conveyancing

Title Restrictions and Covenants

Resale price covenant: Property must be sold at minimum 30% discount to market value. Independent valuation required at point of sale.

Local connection priority: Future buyers must meet the same local connection criteria unless no eligible buyers are found within 3 months.

Right of first refusal: Local authority has an 8-week period to purchase or nominate buyer before open market sale.

Choosing Legal Representation

Recommended conveyancing firms:

Government scheme specialists: Experience with restriction clauses
Local authority panels: Pre-approved firms familiar with borough requirements
First-time buyer services: Competitive fixed-fee packages

Legal costs budget:

Conveyancing fees: £800-£1,200
Local searches: £300-£500
Land registry fees: £270
Total legal costs: £1,370-£1,970

Finding Available Properties

Property Search Strategies

Official channels:

Borough housing websites: Primary source for new releases
HomeBuy agent portals: Cross-borough search facility
Shared Ownership Plus: Government property search platform

Developer direct marketing:

Help to Buy South: Covers multiple London boroughs
Peabody, L&Q, Clarion: Major housing associations with First Homes
Sales suite registration: Early access to off-plan releases

Estate agent networks:

Foxtons New Homes: London-wide coverage
Knight Frank New Homes: Premium developments
Savills Developments: High-end new build specialists

Property Alert Systems

Setup multiple alerts for:

Borough-specific property releases
Price range notifications (£280,000-£420,000)
Property type preferences (1-bed, 2-bed)
Transport zone requirements

Response time critical: Express interest within 24-48 hours of notification. Popular properties receive 50+ applications within first weekend.

Leading London Housebuilders Participating in the First Homes Programme

Feature	Details for First Homes Scheme London
Major Developers	Barratt Homes, Redrow, Taylor Wimpey, Persimmon, Bellway, David Wilson
Discount Amount	30% minimum (up to 50% in some cases)
Max Price (after discount)	£420,000 in London
Income Cap	£90,000 household income in London
Deposit Required	5% of discounted price (typical)
Mortgage Required	50% or more of property price
Priority	Local buyers, key workers, first-time buyers
Own Outright?	Yes, full ownership (at a permanent discount)
Resale Terms	Discount applies for future sales too

Developers Offering First Homes in London

1. Barratt Homes London stands as one of the most prominent developers actively offering First Homes properties across Greater London.

Following their merger with Redrow in 2024, Barratt Redrow now operates as Britain’s largest housebuilder, delivering over 22,000 homes annually.

Their London portfolio includes properties across multiple boroughs with First Homes discounts of at least 30% on market value.barratthomes+1

2. Persimmon Homes provides First Homes across selected London developments, targeting first-time buyers with household incomes up to £90,000 in the capital.

The developer emphasizes that First Homes properties maintain the same quality and standards as other homes within their developments, ensuring buyers receive excellent value without compromising on build quality.persimmonhomes

3. Taylor Wimpey London operates numerous developments throughout the capital, including major regeneration projects like The Score Centre in Leyton, which creates 750 new homes at Coronation Square.

Their First Homes offerings span from North West London to Wandsworth, with properties ranging from apartments to family homes.taylorwimpey+2

4. Bellway London has achieved 5-star builder status from the Home Builders Federation for nine consecutive years, demonstrating their commitment to quality construction and customer care.

They actively promote First Homes across their London developments, particularly targeting needs-driven domestic buyers and first-time purchasers.bellwaylondon+1

5. David Wilson Homes, part of the Barratt Redrow family, specializes in premium new build properties and participates in the First Homes scheme across selected London locations. Their developments often feature enhanced specifications and sustainable building practices.dwh

Regional Coverage and Development Locations

Central London Developments: Several developers focus on central locations with excellent transport links. Countryside Homes operates the prestigious Greenwich Millennium Village, offering apartments and maisonettes with stunning Thames views and proximity to transport hubs.countrysidehomes

North London Focus: Developers like Berkeley Group have established significant presences in North London, with developments such as Trent Park offering countryside living within 26 minutes of Central London.

Their properties often include exclusive resident facilities and premium specifications.berkeleygroup

South London Opportunities: Multiple developers operate across South London boroughs, with Crest Nicholson providing detailed First Homes customer guides specifically tailored to London market conditions.

Their developments emphasize community integration and sustainable living.crestnicholson

Local Authority Partnerships

London boroughs maintain specific eligibility criteria for First Homes applications, with many prioritizing key workers and residents with local connections.

Key worker definitions typically include NHS staff, teachers, emergency services personnel, and other essential workers crucial to London’s functioning.gov+1

Income Thresholds: London’s elevated income cap of £90,000 for First Homes purchases reflects the capital’s higher living costs and salary levels.

This represents a £10,000 increase over the national threshold, acknowledging London’s unique housing market dynamics.gov+1

Priority Systems: Most London councils implement three-month priority periods for local residents and key workers before opening applications to the broader first-time buyer market.

This ensures those with strongest community connections receive first opportunities.gov

Developer Application Processes and Buyer Support

Pre-Application Requirements: Leading developers typically require mortgage agreements in principle before accepting First Homes reservations. This streamlines the application process and ensures serious buyer commitment.1newhomes

Council Coordination: Developers work directly with local authorities to process First Homes applications, with companies like Keepmoat Homes providing dedicated support throughout the eligibility verification process.keepmoat

Professional Guidance: Many developers recommend chartered surveyors for property valuations, ensuring buyers understand true market values and discount calculations. This professional oversight protects both buyers and developers throughout transactions.surveymerchant

Current Market Conditions and Future Developments

Supply Constraints: London faces significant new homes supply challenges, with private housing starts falling to 14-year lows in 2024. This scarcity makes First Homes opportunities increasingly valuable for eligible buyers.knightfrank

Developer Expansion: Major mergers like Barratt’s acquisition of Redrow create larger development portfolios, potentially increasing First Homes availability across London. These expanded operations aim to deliver greater housing volumes to meet demand.wikipedia

Build-Complete Focus: Current market conditions favor move-in-ready properties, with buyers preferring completed homes over off-plan purchases. Many developers now prioritize delivering finished First Homes to meet this demand.knightfrank

Key Considerations for Prospective Buyers

Perpetual Discounts: First Homes discounts apply permanently to properties, meaning future sales must maintain the same percentage discount for subsequent eligible buyers. This creates lasting community benefits while potentially affecting resale values.barratthomes+1

Mortgage Requirements: Buyers must secure financing for at least 50% of the discounted purchase price, with many developers working with specialist lenders familiar with First Homes transactions.bellway+1

Price Caps: London’s £420,000 price cap (after discount) provides access to quality properties across diverse boroughs, though individual local authorities may set lower limits based on area-specific housing strategies.gov+1

The First Homes scheme represents a significant opportunity for eligible first-time buyers to access London’s property market through established, reputable developers.

With major housebuilders actively participating and local authorities providing targeted support, the programme offers genuine pathways to homeownership in the capital’s challenging housing landscape.

Scheme Comparisons and Alternatives

First Homes vs Shared Ownership

Feature	First Homes	Shared Ownership
Ownership	100% from day one	25-75% initially
Discount	30% minimum	Varies by scheme
Income limit	£90,000 London	£90,000 London
Rent payments	None	Yes, on unowned share
Staircasing	Not applicable	Available to 100%
Resale restrictions	30% discount maintained	Right of first refusal

First Homes vs Help to Buy

Help to Buy Equity Loan (closed to new applications):

40% government loan in London (20% elsewhere)
No income restrictions
Interest-free for 5 years, then 1.75%

First Homes advantages:

No loan repayment required
Immediate 100% ownership
No interest charges
Simpler legal structure

Frequently Asked Questions

Who qualifies for the First Homes Scheme in London?

First-time buyers with household income under £90,000, meeting local connection criteria. Key workers get priority, followed by local residents (3+ years), local workers (12+ months), and those with family connections.

What is the maximum income for First Homes Scheme London?

£90,000 gross annual household income. This is your total combined income before tax if buying with a partner. Higher than other UK regions due to London’s elevated living costs.

How much discount can I get?

Minimum 30% discount off market value. On a £420,000 property, you’d pay maximum £294,000. Some developments offer higher discounts up to 50% depending on viability assessments.

Which London boroughs participate?

All 32 London boroughs participate, but availability varies significantly. Outer boroughs like Bexley, Havering, and Hillingdon have better supply than central areas like Westminster or Kensington & Chelsea.

Can I use Help to Buy with First Homes?

No, First Homes cannot be combined with Help to Buy Equity Loan, Shared Ownership, or other government homeownership schemes. It’s a standalone discount scheme.

Which developers are part of the First Homes Scheme?

Key developers include Barratt Homes, Taylor Wimpey, Persimmon, Bellway, and David Wilson Homes. Check their websites for the latest First Homes offers.

Are there First Homes Scheme properties in West London?

Yes, major developers offer First Homes in West London across various boroughs. Availability varies, so check current listings with developers or local agents.

What happens when I want to sell?

You must sell at the same percentage discount (minimum 30%) to an eligible buyer meeting local connection criteria. Local authorities have 8 weeks to find a buyer before general sale is permitted.

How long does the application process take?

Borough registration: 2-4 weeks. Property matching: 3-18 months depending on area and preferences. Offer to completion: 8-12 weeks. Total timeline: 6-24 months typically.

What if my application is rejected?

Appeal through the borough’s housing team within 21 days. Common rejection reasons: income too high, insufficient local connection, incomplete documentation. Reapply when circumstances change.

Next Steps: Getting Started

Quick Action Checklist

Immediate actions (This week):

✅ Check income eligibility (under £90,000)
✅ Gather local connection evidence
✅ Research target boroughs and developments
✅ Register with 2-3 borough housing teams

Short-term preparation (Next month):

✅ Obtain mortgage agreement in principle
✅ Build deposit fund (minimum £15,000)
✅ Choose conveyancing solicitor
✅ Setup property alert notifications

Ongoing monitoring:

✅ Weekly property search updates
✅ Monthly financial review and savings targets
✅ Quarterly scheme policy updates
✅ Annual income and eligibility verification

Professional Support Available

Mortgage advice: Government-approved advisors through MoneyHelper or local authority partnerships. Free initial consultations available.

Legal guidance: Citizens Advice Bureau provides free housing law advice. Local law centers offer specialist assistance for government schemes.

Financial planning: Independent Financial Advisors with first-time buyer expertise can optimize your deposit strategy and mortgage options.

Conclusion:

Stay Updated on New Developments

Subscribe to borough newsletters: Receive advance notice of new developments and policy changes affecting local First Homes availability.

Developer marketing lists: Register with major London developers (Peabody, L&Q, Clarion) for early access to new scheme properties.

Government policy updates: Monitor DLUHC announcements for scheme modifications, price cap changes, or eligibility criteria updates affecting London applicants.

Ready to start your First Homes journey? Register with your preferred London borough today and take the first step toward affordable homeownership with up to 30% discount on market prices.

Tell me witch Part of London Borough you buy your first Homes , Comment Below!

Resource url:

UK Government Official Guide:
https://www.gov.uk/first-homes-scheme
Government “How to Apply” Instructions:
https://www.gov.uk/first-homes-scheme/how-to-apply
Comprehensive consultation document on scheme structure and policy:
https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/605b1b8c8fa8f545d43cda7e/First_Homes_consultation_response.pdf
Greater London Authority: Buying and Owning a Home (inc. scheme context):
https://www.london.gov.uk/programmes-strategies/housing-and-land/buying-and-owning-home
First Time Buyer Schemes 2025 Overview (National Homeowners Advice):
https://hoa.org.uk/advice/guides-for-homeowners/i-am-buying/government-schemes-help-buy-home/
Ke Takeways Source:
https://www.surveymerchant.com/blog/the-government-first-homes-scheme-your-ultimate-guide-to-the-first-time-buyer-home-scheme-in-london
https://www.unbiased.co.uk/discover/mortgages-property/buying-a-home/what-is-the-first-homes-scheme-and-how-does-it-work
https://residential.jll.co.uk/insights/first-time-buyer/discover-the-benefits-of-the-first-homes-scheme
https://henrydannell.co.uk/education-hub/blogs/first-homes-scheme-explained
https://www.gov.uk/first-homes-scheme
https://extendfinance.co.uk/what-is-first-homes-scheme/
https://www.gov.uk/first-homes-scheme/letting-the-property
https://www.countrysidehomes.com/ways-to-move/first-homes
https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/605b1b8c8fa8f545d43cda7e/First_Homes_consultation_response.pdf
https://www.barratthomes.co.uk/offers/first-homes/first-homes-terms-and-conditions/