Dreaming of buying your very first home?
Advice for first-time buyers on how the purchase process works, incentives you may be eligible for and what you can expect from your move.
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First Homes Scheme with Cala
First-time buyers could buy a new home for atleast 30% less than the market price with the Government-backed First Homes scheme, making your dream Cala home even more affordable. The First Homes scheme is only available in England.
What is the First Homes scheme and how does it work?
The Government-backed First Homes scheme is designed to assist first-time buyers in purchasing their first home for 30% to 50% less than the market price. The same discounted percentage will also be available to future eligible first-time buyers when that same home is sold, ensuring that the home is always available below market value. The First Homes scheme is only available in England.
Am I eligible for the First Homes scheme?
To be eligible for the First Homes scheme, you, and any co-purchasers, must be:
a) 18 or older;
b) a first-time buyer; and
c) able to get a mortgage for at least half the price of the home, and the total income of the household must be no more than £80,000, or £90,000 if you live in London.
You must also be able to meet any eligibility criteria set by the relevant local authority - for example, some councils may prioritise giving First Homes discounts to:
- essential workers;
- people who already live in the area; and/or,
- those on lower incomes.
Further eligibility criteria can be found in the Terms and Conditions at the bottom of this page.
Not eligible for the First Homes scheme?
If you're not eligible for the First Homes scheme, there are other ways we could help you purchase your dream Cala home as a first-time buyer. Unlock home ownership with the Deposit Unlock scheme which allows you to buy a Cala home with as little as a 5% deposit. Or, Own New's Rate Reducer could be your key to homeownership with access to lower mortgage interest rates.
Find out more about our first-time buyer schemes below:
First-time buyer guide
Read our First Homes scheme frequently asked questions below
To be eligible for the First Homes scheme, you, and any co-purchasers, must be:
a) 18 or older;
b) a first-time buyer; and
c) able to get a mortgage for at least half the price of the home, and the total income of the household must be no more than £80,000, or £90,000 if you live in London.
You must also be able to meet any eligibility criteria set by the relevant local authority - for example, some councils may prioritise giving First Homes discounts to:
- essential workers;
- people who already live in the area; and/or,
- those on lower incomes.
A home purchased using the First Homes scheme must be your only/main residence during ownership of your home. You may be allowed to let or sub-let home in some circumstances, subject to the local council’s prior notification or approval and any other relevant conditions in place at the time (for example, with your mortgage lender).
Exemptions for armed forces and their families
You are exempt from any additional criteria set by the local council in respect of being an essential worker or living in the area if you are:
· a member of the armed forces;
· a divorced or separated spouse or civil partner of a member of the armed forces;
· a widow or widower of a deceased member of the armed forces (if their death was caused wholly or partly by their service); and/or,
· a veteran who left the armed forces in the last 5 years.
You will still need to meet other eligibility conditions.
Contact the participating Cala development and tell the Sales Consultant you want to buy a First Home.
They’ll help you to complete the application, then send it to the local council.
You’ll have to pay a reservation fee to Cala to reserve your new First Home. The Sales Consultant at your chosen development will inform you of the amount you need to pay.
You’ll get the reservation fee back if your application for a First Home is unsuccessful.
The local council will check your application to make sure you’re eligible.
They will contact you to tell you their decision, or request any further information that may be required. Cala will also liaise with the local council directly, and the council will also contact your mortgage advisor.
Please read the First Homes Customer Guide for more information on completing your purchase and owning your home:
Advice and incentives to help you make your first move
If you're not eligible for the First Homes scheme and you're a first-time buyer, Cala can still help.
Need some homebuying advice?
Our handy homebuyer guides are filled with useful information to help you prepare for your first move.
Why buy a new home from Cala?
There’s nothing quite like moving into a brand-new home. From newly installed kitchens and bathrooms to the peace of mind of knowing that your property is safe, energy efficient and low maintenance.
What’s more, you’re buying a complete blank canvas on which to stamp your own individual style. Take a look at our top reasons to buy a new home below.
Less Maintenance
Individual Choice
Peace of Mind
A Blank Canvas
Energy Efficient
Location Location Location
Move Chain Free
Safe as Houses
A vibrant new community
Less Maintenance
Opting for a new build home means less maintenance and cost compared to older houses. Modern construction ensures durability, minimising the need for constant repairs. Enjoy a low-maintenance lifestyle and the peace of mind that your home is designed for longevity, freeing up your time and money for what matters most.
Purchase your home from a plan and tailor it to your own individual taste. Choose from a range of high-quality kitchens and bathrooms, with customisable styles, colors, and finishes that reflect your personal preferences.
Your new home is covered by an NHBC or similar industry-regulated insurance scheme covering the structural integrity of your new home from years three to 10.
The first two years of the warranty is provided by us. This means we take responsibility for fixing any quality issues during this period after you move in. We also provide you a 24-hour response service for emergency calls. We take personal pride in our customer service.
Peace of Mind Built In
A new build home allows you to make it your own. When you move into a new home, there’s no need to live with other people’s decorating disasters! Your light, spacious and neutral interior is the perfect blank canvas on which to create a home to suit your individual taste and lifestyle.
Choosing a new home means embracing advanced energy efficiency. With superior insulation and modern energy-saving features, your new property outperforms older homes, ensuring not just comfort but also cost savings over time. Make a smart investment in a home that aligns with contemporary standards for sustainable living.
Tackle Energy Use
Prioritising prime locations, we meticulously select sustainable sites that offer convenient access to local schools, amenities, and robust transport links. Our focus on strategic placement ensures that your new home is not just a residence but a gateway to a well-connected and vibrant community. Choose the advantage of a location that complements your lifestyle while contributing to the long-term value of your investment.
Experience a chain-free move with our Part Exchange service. Say goodbye to the complications of being stuck in a chain, saving both time and money. Discover more about this hassle-free option and explore the convenience through our Part Exchange calculator.
Cala's up to 100% Part Exchange Service
Join a vibrant new community when you choose one of our developments. Whether showcasing modern or traditional architecture, our designs are crafted to nurture a strong sense of community. Experience the satisfaction of becoming a valued part of a neighborhood where connection and camaraderie thrive.
First Homes scheme Terms & Conditions
First Homes is a Government-backed scheme in partnership with housebuilders.
First Homes is available on selected homes and developments in England, subject to availability, eligibility and any terms and conditions in place at the time.
A first-time buyer is as defined in paragraph 6 of Schedule 6ZA of the Finance Act 2003. This includes the fact, but is not limited to, that you must not currently be, or previously have been (either solely or jointly with another):
- a purchaser in relation to a land transaction, the main subject-matter of which was a major interest in a home;
- an acquirer of an equivalent interest in a home (e.g. by way of purchase, gift, trust or inheritance);
- in receipt of any mortgage finance or home purchase plan for any land transaction contemplated above prior to submitting your First Home application.
Cala will not be liable for the refusal of any mortgage or similar finance instrument based on your individual circumstances.
Please speak to your Cala Sales Consultant to find out if the First Homes scheme is available on your chosen development.
