Is the Your First Home scheme open?

No. GOV.UK says customer pre-registration is expected from December 2026, applications from February 2027 and first sales from April 2027. Registering interest with DR Rent is not official pre-registration.

Can home movers get help?

Yes, some schemes are open to people who have owned before. The Mortgage Guarantee Scheme supports mortgages with deposits as low as 5% for first-time buyers and home movers, and some current owners can apply for Shared Ownership.

How much Stamp Duty do first-time buyers pay?

In England and Northern Ireland, first-time buyers pay no Stamp Duty on the first £300,000 and 5% from £300,001 to £500,000 when the home costs £500,000 or less. Wales and Scotland have their own taxes.

Is DR Rent part of a government scheme?

No. DR Rent is an independent property platform. We explain official schemes and link to GOV.UK, but only the scheme provider or your lender can confirm eligibility.

Buyer help · checked 30 October 2026

Help to buy your home

Government schemes can lower your deposit, your tax bill or the price you pay. Check which ones might fit you in under a minute — no sign-up, no personal details needed.

Check buyer incentives

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Schemes for first-time buyers

If you've never owned a home anywhere in the world, these may help. One is not open yet — its status is shown clearly.

Coming soon — not open

England

Your First Home (England, new-build)

A planned government scheme for first-time buyers of new-build homes in England.

Not open yet. Customer pre-registration expected December 2026, applications February 2027, first sales April 2027.

Minimum deposit of 2.5% expected
Government equity loan of 20%, interest-free for the first 5 years
Income, price and local caps are set by the published Budget terms

• The scheme is not open and places are not guaranteed.
• Registering interest with DR Rent is not official scheme pre-registration.
• Final terms may change — check GOV.UK before relying on them.

GOV.UK: Your First Home (28 Oct 2026) GOV.UK: Budget 2026 Last checked 30 October 2026

Open now

England

First Homes

Eligible homes in England sold at a discount of 30% to 50% of market value.

Running, but only where eligible First Homes are offered locally.

Discount of at least 30%, up to 50% in some areas
Local councils may set extra criteria

• Availability depends on homes being offered in your area.
• Eligibility rules are on GOV.UK and set locally.

GOV.UK: First Homes scheme Last checked 30 October 2026

Open now

England · Wales · Scotland · N. Ireland

Shared Ownership

Buy a share of a home and pay rent on the rest.

Running. Rules and providers differ across the UK.

You pay a mortgage on your share and rent on the remainder
Some current owners can qualify — see who can apply

• The GOV.UK page covers England; Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland run their own versions.
• Rent, service charges and lease terms vary.

GOV.UK: Shared Ownership — who can apply Last checked 30 October 2026

Open now

England · Wales · Scotland · N. Ireland

Mortgage Guarantee Scheme

Helps lenders offer mortgages with deposits as low as 5% — for first-time buyers and home movers.

Permanent scheme. Depends on lenders offering eligible products.

Deposits as low as 5%
Open to home movers as well as first-time buyers

• Lenders decide who they lend to; the scheme doesn't guarantee a mortgage.
• Property price caps and lender criteria apply.

GOV.UK: Mortgage Guarantee Scheme Last checked 30 October 2026

Open now

England · N. Ireland

Stamp Duty first-time buyer relief

No Stamp Duty on the first £300,000 for first-time buyers buying a home up to £500,000.

Applies in England and Northern Ireland only.

0% on the first £300,000
5% on £300,001 to £500,000
No relief above £500,000

• Every buyer must be a first-time buyer.
• Wales uses Land Transaction Tax and Scotland uses LBTT, with their own rules.

GOV.UK: Stamp Duty residential rates Last checked 30 October 2026

Open now

England · Wales · Scotland · N. Ireland

Lifetime ISA

Save for a first home and get a 25% government bonus, up to £1,000 a year.

Open to new savers aged 18 to 39.

Home must cost £450,000 or less to withdraw without a charge
From 29 October 2026 the withdrawal charge for a home over £450,000 is 20%

• Other withdrawal rules and the age limit apply — check GOV.UK.
• A new First Time Buyer ISA has been announced for 2029; it is not available yet.

GOV.UK: Lifetime ISA GOV.UK: Tax-free savings newsletter 24 (Oct 2026) Last checked 30 October 2026

Help if you're moving home

Already owned a home? The Mortgage Guarantee Scheme and Shared Ownership can still apply in some cases.

Open now

England · Wales · Scotland · N. Ireland

Shared Ownership

Buy a share of a home and pay rent on the rest.

Running. Rules and providers differ across the UK.

You pay a mortgage on your share and rent on the remainder
Some current owners can qualify — see who can apply

• The GOV.UK page covers England; Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland run their own versions.
• Rent, service charges and lease terms vary.

GOV.UK: Shared Ownership — who can apply Last checked 30 October 2026

Open now

England · Wales · Scotland · N. Ireland

Mortgage Guarantee Scheme

Helps lenders offer mortgages with deposits as low as 5% — for first-time buyers and home movers.

Permanent scheme. Depends on lenders offering eligible products.

Deposits as low as 5%
Open to home movers as well as first-time buyers

• Lenders decide who they lend to; the scheme doesn't guarantee a mortgage.
• Property price caps and lender criteria apply.

GOV.UK: Mortgage Guarantee Scheme Last checked 30 October 2026

Common questions

Is the Your First Home scheme open?: No. GOV.UK says customer pre-registration is expected from December 2026, applications from February 2027 and first sales from April 2027. Registering interest with DR Rent is not official pre-registration.
Can home movers get help?: Yes, some schemes are open to people who have owned before. The Mortgage Guarantee Scheme supports mortgages with deposits as low as 5% for first-time buyers and home movers, and some current owners can apply for Shared Ownership.
How much Stamp Duty do first-time buyers pay?: In England and Northern Ireland, first-time buyers pay no Stamp Duty on the first £300,000 and 5% from £300,001 to £500,000 when the home costs £500,000 or less. Wales and Scotland have their own taxes.
Is DR Rent part of a government scheme?: No. DR Rent is an independent property platform. We explain official schemes and link to GOV.UK, but only the scheme provider or your lender can confirm eligibility.

More guidance: First-Time Buyer Hub. Information only, not financial advice.