England

Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) for First-Time Buyers (Effective from 1 April 2025)

As of April 2025, the SDLT relief for first-time buyers in England has been adjusted:

0% on the first £300,000 of the property price
5% on the portion between £300,001 and £500,000
No relief for properties over £500,000

This change reduces the previous threshold from £425,000, potentially increasing upfront costs for buyers in higher-priced areas.

Mortgage Guarantee Scheme

The Mortgage Guarantee Scheme has been extended until 30 June 2025. This initiative enables buyers to secure a mortgage with a 5% deposit, aiming to increase the availability of 95% loan-to-value (LTV) mortgages.

Shared Ownership

Shared Ownership allows purchasers to buy an initial share (10%-75%) of a property's market value and pay rent on the remaining share. Over time, owners can "staircase" to full ownership. The scheme includes a 10-year essential maintenance and repairs support.

Wales

Help to Buy – Wales: Equity Loan Extension

The Welsh Government has extended the Help to Buy – Wales scheme until September 2026. This program offers a shared equity loan of up to 20% for new-build homes priced up to £300,000, requiring a minimum 5% deposit from the buyer.

Shared Ownership – Wales

This scheme assists individuals in purchasing a share (25%-75%) of a property, paying rent on the remainder. Eligibility criteria include:

Buying from a participating landlord
A combined household income of £60,000 or less
Being a first-time buyer, forming a new household, or relocating for work

Scotland

Land and Buildings Transaction Tax (LBTT) Relief for First-Time Buyers

First-time buyers in Scotland benefit from LBTT relief, with no tax payable on the first £175,000 of the property's purchase price. This relief effectively raises the zero-tax threshold from £145,000 to £175,000, offering a maximum saving of £600.

LIFT Open Market Shared Equity (OMSE) Scheme

The Scottish Government's LIFT OMSE scheme continues to support eligible buyers, including social renters and other priority groups, in purchasing homes on the open market. Funding has been secured for the 2025/26 period, providing up to 40% funding towards the property's price.

These programs are designed to make homeownership more accessible across the UK. For detailed information and to explore available new-build homes, please visit the respective government websites or consult with local housing authorities.