First-time buyer schemes explained, without the jargon

Buying your first home can feel like learning a new language. It needn’t. Start with the foundation: a deposit, usually at least 5% of the price, and a mortgage in principle that tells you what a lender will offer.

Shared ownership lets you buy a share of a home — often 25% to 75% — and pay rent on the rest, which lowers the deposit and monthly cost. Lifetime ISAs add a government bonus to money you save towards a first home. Both are worth understanding before you rule anything out.

Beyond the schemes, the fundamentals matter most: keep your credit tidy, save consistently, and be realistic about the monthly cost, not just the sticker price. A slightly smaller home you can comfortably afford beats a stretch that keeps you up at night.

When you’re ready, set up a saved search so new homes come to you, and don’t be shy about messaging sellers with questions. That’s what the platform is for.