There are special schemes in Jersey to assist Island residents who qualify as first time buyers get on the property ladder. The qualifying criteria, set by the States of Jersey, is tightly controlled.
The information below, taken from www.gov.je, gives more details about the scheme and those who qualify.
At Troys we have a waiting list of islanders who qualify as first time buyers and we contact them as soon as a qualifying property becomes available. Therefore, if you would like to be one of the first to know about an available first time buyer home - or would like to sell one to someone on our database - please Contact Us for more information.
WHAT IS A FIRST TIME BUYER?
A first time buyer is a potential home buyer who has never owned property before.
If you’re a first time buyer, you can receive certain perks that help get you on the property ladder.
First time buyer properties are designed to help people move on to or up the housing ladder. If you own a first time buyer property, you must occupy that property as your principal residence. You are not allowed to let a first time buyer property to another person.
First time buyer stamp duty
If the property you’re buying is under £450,000, you’ll pay a reduced amount of stamp duty.
You’ll also pay a reduced amount of land transaction tax if you are buying a share transfer property.
First time buyer developments
Being a first time buyer means that you can buy a home on a specially designated first time buyer development. These homes are advertised by local estate agents and are only sold to people who are first time buyers.
Affordable housing schemes
Being a first time buyer also means that you can apply to purchase an affordable home through the affordable housing purchase scheme. This means you can buy a home through schemes that various housing providers offer.
WHO QUALIFIES AS A FIRST TIME BUYER
You are a first time buyer if you:
- have ’entitled’ residential status
- plan to buy property with an ’entitled’ spouse or civil partner
- have never owned a house or flat anywhere in the world (whether on your own or with someone else)
IF YOU ALREADY OWN PROPERTY
There are certain circumstances where you might be considered a first time buyer, even if you already own property.
If you own a flying freehold flat
You will count as a first time buyer if you:
- sell your flat to another first time buyer
- buy a property larger than your current home, eg if you’re moving from a two bedroom flat to a three bedroom house
If you own a share transfer flat
You will count as a first time buyer if you:
- sell your flat to anyone, not necessarily to a first time buyer
- buy a property larger than your current home, eg if you’re moving from a two bedroom flat to a three bedroom house
If you have owned land
Your circumstances are considered individually by the Housing Minister, for example if you have:
- inherited agricultural land
- joint inheritance with siblings of family property
- other general minor land / property ownership
If you have property that was owned by a spouse / ex-partner
Your circumstances are considered individually by the Housing Minister.
In all cases, before you consider making a purchase, contact the States of Jersey to discuss your status as a first time buyer.