Your First Home, in Bicester

Are you exploring your first home options but finding it hard to save for a deposit? A new government scheme, announced as part of the Autumn 2026 Budget, could make that first step onto the property ladder more achievable.

Your First Home is a government scheme to help eligible first-time buyers in England purchase a new build home with a smaller deposit and mortgage. Buyers will put down a deposit of at least 2.5%, take a repayment mortgage from a participating lender, and receive a government equity loan worth 20% of the purchase price. You’ll own your home from the day you complete. The government won’t be a joint owner or your landlord.

Graven Hill is in Cherwell, where the scheme’s property price cap is up to £420,000.

At Graven Hill, your first home could offer more than just a place of your own. Our new homes come with integrated appliances, fitted flooring throughout, patio and turf included, alongside energy-efficient features designed for modern living. Plus, with an already-established community, there’s plenty to look forward to on moving day.

How it could work:

Based on the government’s published scheme guidance of 28 October 2026. Details may change.

2.5%

Your deposit

A minimum deposit from you.

20%

Equity loan

Government-backed, interest-free for the first 5 years.

77.5%

Your mortgage

A repayment mortgage from a participating lender.

Illustration only: Based on a £315,000 home, that could mean a £7,875 deposit, a £63,000 equity loan and a £244,125 mortgage. Mortgage lending is subject to availability and credit checks by the lender?

Who is the Your First Home Scheme for?

To take advantage of the scheme, buyers will normally need to:
  • be a first-time buyer
  • buy a new build home in England within the local price cap (up to £420,000 in Cherwell)
  • use the property as their main home
  • have an annual total household income of £110,000 or less (outside London)
  • be able to obtain a mortgage from a participating lender

Full eligibility rules will be published before applications open by the end of December 2026

About the Equity Loan

  • Interest: none in the first 5 years, then 1.5% in year 6 and 3% from year 7. These payments are separate from your mortgage and will not reduce the amount you owe.
  • Repayment: normally when you sell, though you’ll be able to repay some or all of it earlier. You will repay 20% of your homes value at the time, based on an independent valuation, so the amount can go up or down with the value of your home.

As with any mortgage, you should consider whether you can afford higher rates in future, and take independent financial and legal advice before committing.

Register Your Interest in Your First Home Scheme

Just leave us a few details and we'll be in touch to discuss your requirements.

New build 4 bedroom home

Call us today
01869 390 009

Email the Sales team
sales@gravenhill.co.uk

Key Dates

  • By the end of December 2026: customer pre-registration opens and guidance is published
  • February 2027: first customer applications
  • April 2027: first property sales under the scheme

Pre-registration with the government won’t commit you to buying, but it will give you more information on your eligibility and your local price cap. Register your interest for us above and we’ll keep you updated on what it means for buying at Graven Hill.

What Help is Available Right Now?

The scheme isn’t expected to complete its first sales until April 2027, but there’s no need to wait. Ready-to-move-into homes are available today, with support towards the cost of buying.
  • Contribution towards stamp duty, deposit and legal fees available on selected homes*
  • Reservation fee reduction until 30 November
  • Refer-a-Friend rewards available
See All Available Homes

 

Close