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Update on First Homes in South Downs National Park



Update on First Homes in South Downs National Park

July 29, 2022

A new scheme aimed at helping first-time buyers and key workers get on the property ladder is now an important consideration for developers and agents.

Since 28 March, the Government’s First Homes scheme is relevant to the determination of all new full and outline applications in the National Park.

The key aspects of First Homes are:

  • First Homes are sold with a minimum 30% discount on the open market price. The percentage discount is kept in perpetuity.
  • The value of First Homes, after the discount has been applied, is capped at £250,000. Price caps only apply on the initial sale.
  • Eligibility criteria applies to buyers; who must be first-time buyers, with a household income not more than £80,000, have a mortgage covering at least 50% of the discounted purchase price value and meet a local connection and/or key worker criteria.

The discounts will apply to the homes forever, meaning that generations of new buyers and the local community will continue to benefit every time the property is sold.

The scheme is in its infancy, but a programme of 1,500 First Homes is being rolled out over the next two years in over 100 locations across England. Some of these sites in the future could be in the National Park.

The Local Plan Review will look at potential options for First Homes in the National Park.

Tim Slaney, Director of Planning, said: “Delivering affordable homes to meet local needs is a priority for the Authority.  There is an acute need for affordable homes, with average property prices 16.5 times average local earnings, putting the prospect of buying a house out of reach for many people. We’ll seek to implement the Government’s First Homes policy while allowing flexibility to prioritise local needs for affordable housing and maintaining a focus on affordable rental tenure.”

First Homes are not required to form part of the affordable housing provision on Rural Exception Sites, but may do so if there is a need for First Homes identified by the local community.