‘Your First Home’: What the New Government Buyer Scheme Could Mean for the Market

On 26 September 2026, the Government announced a new first-time buyer scheme called Your First Home, designed to make it easier for people to take their first step onto the property ladder.

Under the proposals, eligible first-time buyers purchasing a new-build home could be able to buy with a deposit of just 2.5%, supported by a 20% government-backed equity loan. The equity loan is also expected to benefit from an initial interest-free period.

The scheme is intended to tackle one of the biggest barriers facing first-time buyers: saving a large enough deposit while continuing to pay rent and other living costs.

What do we know so far?

Your First Home will apply to qualifying first-time buyers purchasing new-build properties from developers taking part in the scheme.

There will also be household income limits and local property price caps, although the Government has confirmed that the full details, costs and implementation timetable will not be announced until the Budget.

So, while the headline 2.5% deposit is eye-catching, there is still more information to come before we know exactly who will qualify and how widely the scheme will be available.

Why should landlords take notice?

Although the scheme is aimed at buyers rather than landlords, measures that make home ownership more accessible can influence the wider rental market.

Some renters who may previously have expected to rent for longer could find themselves in a position to buy sooner. At the same time, because the scheme is currently focused on new-build homes, its impact is unlikely to be felt evenly across every part of the rental market.

For landlords, it is another reminder that tenant expectations and the housing market continue to evolve. Maintaining a well-presented property, reviewing rents carefully and making sure your property remains competitive will continue to be important as renters have more options available to them.

The Government is expected to confirm the full details of Your First Home at the upcoming Budget, and we’ll keep a close eye on what the final scheme looks like and what it could mean for the Brighton rental and sales markets.