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Your First Home: The New Government Scheme Explained

Buying your first home is a big step, and it’s natural to wonder what help might be available. The government has announced Your First Home, a new scheme expected to help eligible first-time buyers purchase a new-build home with a deposit of just 2.5%.

The full details have not yet been confirmed. We’re following the announcement closely and will update this page as we learn more.

If you’re already thinking about buying, you may not need to wait. Tilia Homes currently offers support on selected homes, including help towards your deposit.

What is the Your First Home scheme?

Your First Home is a proposed government-backed equity loan scheme intended to make buying a first home more accessible.

Based on the government’s announcement, it is expected to bring together:

  • A deposit of at least 2.5% from the buyer
  • A 20% government-backed equity loan
  • A mortgage for the remaining amount
  • An initial interest-free period on the equity loan

The scheme is expected to be available in England to eligible first-time buyers purchasing a qualifying new-build home from a developer signed up to the scheme.

Household income limits and local property price caps will apply, although these have not yet been confirmed.

What could Your First Home look like?

If you bought a new-build home for £250,000, the purchase could potentially be funded with:

  • A 2.5% buyer deposit of £6,250
  • A 20% government-backed equity loan of £50,000
  • A mortgage for the remaining 77.5% of £193,750 

This is an illustration based on the initial government announcement. It does not include legal fees, mortgage fees, moving costs or other expenses associated with buying a home.

What is still to be confirmed?

The full details for Your First Home are expected to be announced at the Autumn Budget on 28 October 2026.

We’re waiting for more information about:

  • The household income limit
  • Local property price caps
  • Detailed eligibility requirements
  • How long the interest-free period will last
  • Any interest, fees or charges payable after that period
  • How and when the equity loan will need to be repaid
  • The application and approval process
  • Which developers and new-build homes will participate
  • When the scheme will become available

Tilia Homes’ participation in Your First Home has not yet been confirmed. We’ll update this page when the government publishes the full details and we know whether eligible Tilia homes can be offered through the scheme.

You may not need to wait to buy your first home

Your First Home scheme could provide support in the future. If you’re ready to explore your options now, help may already be available.

On selected Tilia homes, we could contribute up to 5% of the home’s price towards your deposit.

Our Deposit Contribution scheme may mean you need to use less of your own savings. It could help you move sooner or keep more money aside for moving costs and making your new home your own.

Availability varies by home and development and is subject to your mortgage lender’s criteria. Deposit Contribution cannot be used alongside another Tilia Homes offer.

Start exploring your options today

You don’t have to put your search on hold while the details of Your First Home are being finalised. Our friendly Sales Teams can:

  • Help you explore the Tilia homes currently available
  • Explain the offers available on selected homes
  • Talk you through the buying process
  • Introduce you to an independent mortgage adviser if required

Your circumstances are personal to you. An independent mortgage adviser can help you compare your options and understand what may be affordable.

Start your search today

You do not have to put your plans on hold while the details of Your First Home are being finalised.

Explore our new homes for sale, speak to your local Tilia Homes Sales Team and find out what support may already be available.

We will continue to follow the government’s announcement closely and update our Your First Home scheme page as soon as further details are confirmed.

 

Your First Home scheme: frequently asked questions

Is the Your First Home scheme available now?

No. The government has announced the proposed scheme, but its full terms and launch timetable have not yet been confirmed. Further details are expected at the Autumn Budget on 28 October 2026.

The government has said the scheme is expected to support eligible buyers purchasing with a deposit of at least 2.5%. The final requirements have not yet been published.

An equity loan allows the government to contribute part of the price of your home. Your First Home is expected to provide an equity loan equal to 20% of the purchase price.

The repayment arrangements, the length of the interest-free period and any subsequent interest or charges have not yet been confirmed.

The scheme is expected to be available to eligible first-time buyers purchasing qualifying new-build homes in England. A household income limit and local property price caps will apply, but the figures and detailed eligibility rules are still to be announced.

Tilia Homes’ participation has not yet been confirmed. We’ll update this page once the full government requirements have been published and we know whether particular Tilia homes will be eligible.

This has not yet been confirmed. It will depend on the final government rules and the requirements of participating mortgage lenders.

Tilia Homes Deposit Contribution is currently available on selected homes and cannot be used with another Tilia Homes offer.

Potentially. Deposit Contribution and other assistance may be available on selected Tilia homes now. Speak to our Sales Team about your preferred development and they’ll explain the support currently available.

Important information

Information about Your First Home is based on the government announcement published on 26 September 2026 and is correct as of 6 October 2026. The scheme has not yet launched and its final eligibility criteria, financial terms, participating developers, eligible homes and implementation timetable remain subject to confirmation.

Tilia Homes’ participation in the scheme has not been confirmed. Tilia Homes is not a mortgage adviser and cannot provide financial advice.

Buyers should speak to an independent mortgage adviser and obtain independent legal advice before making any financial commitment.

Deposit Contribution is available on selected Tilia homes and developments only and is subject to lender criteria and the full terms of the offer. It cannot be used in conjunction with another Tilia Homes offer.

Promotions are subject to change and can be withdrawn at any time.

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