Please take a moment to review our frequently asked questions.
Still need help? Contact Us:
- Phone: 500700
- Email: FirstStep@andiumhomes.je
- Visit: 33-35 Don Street, St Helier Jersey JE2 4TQ
Q. I currently own a property, can I qualify for First Step?
A. To qualify for First Step, you need to be a ‘genuine’ first-time buyer. As such, should you currently own a property, then you are not eligible.
This is reflected in accordance with paragraph 4.7 of the first-time buyer guidance for First Step, where only genuine first-time buyers who have never owned or had an interest in any residential property in Jersey or anywhere else in the world, including with a spouse or civil partner, are eligible for the First Step scheme. The Minister for Housing may exercise discretion to allow a person who is not a first-time buyer, and who does not currently own or have an interest in any residential property, to buy a home through the scheme in limited circumstances.
Q. Can I repay the First Step equity loan?
A. A home owner under the First Step scheme can reduce their equity loan by repaying the full loan at any time or in tranches, something called ‘staircasing.’
This is based on the market value of the property at the time. The minimum staircasing increment at any one time is 5% and restricted to one transaction per year. The home owner is responsible for all costs associated with each staircasing transaction.
Q. You have requested a most recent tax assessment. What is this?
A. If you are liable to Jersey tax you’ll receive a tax assessment from Revenue Jersey showing how your tax has been worked out.
It will include:
- a breakdown of all your income which is liable to tax in Jersey
- any expenses you are entitled to claim against that income
- any allowable pension contributions
- the tax at the standard rate
- marginal relief calculation (if any)
- the tax you have been charged
- your long-term care contribution
You may have received your 2023 tax assessment, but if you haven’t then please provide a copy of your 2022 tax assessment.
Calculating your tax (yearly tax assessment) (gov.je)
Q. You have requested a copy of a mortgage-in-principle from one of the mortgage providers supporting the scheme. How do I get this?
A. We are being supported by the lenders and mortgage brokers listed on the previous page. Please contact any of them, whether over the phone or in-person, and ask for their mortgage team. Tell them you would like a mortgage-in-principle which can be used for the First Step scheme. They will be happy to assist.
Q. You need to be have entitled status to apply for First Step. Do I have Entitled Status?
A. A residential and employment status determines where you can work and live. There are 4 categories in Jersey. You can find your status on your registration card.
An extract below to the definition of ‘Entitled’ is taken from the Residential and employment statuses and what they mean (gov.je) website. Please visit this website for more details.
| Type of residential or employment status | Definition | Housing | Work |
| Entitled | Someone who has lived in Jersey for 10 years. | Can buy, sell or lease any property | Can work anywhere and doesn’t need permission to be employed |
Q. Which properties are available for purchase through the First Step scheme?
A. First Step is a scheme for open-market properties ONLY.
Under the First Step scheme, a successful applicant is able to buy a ‘re-sale property’ – that is, a property that has been previously occupied or sold as a place of residence. This includes freehold, flying-freehold and share transfer properties. The scheme does not apply to new build properties, including conversions of buildings that have never been used as homes and occupied. The scheme also does not apply to properties available for sale through other assisted home ownership schemes e.g. Andium Homebuy.
Q. Which property type am I able to purchase?
A. You are able to purchase a property type that is 1+ bedroom greater than your current household need.
Example 1:
If you are single or a couple with a current need for a 1-bedroom property, you can purchase a 1 or 2-bedroom property.
- Current need: 1 bedroom property
- Eligible options: 1 or 2-bedroom property
Example 2:
If you are a single or a couple with one child/dependent with a current need for a 2-bedroom property, you can purchase a 2 or 3-bedroom property.
- Current need: 2 bedroom property
- Eligible options: 2 or 3-bedroom property
In the application form, please select ALL property types that you would be interested in, ensuring they align with the criteria mentioned above.