16 June 2025
The Minister for Housing has re-opened a successful scheme to help Islanders buy
their first home.
First Step, which helps aspiring homeowners onto the property ladder, opened again
on Monday 16 June.
Since last year, more than 50 open-market homes have been purchased as a result of
the £10 million of Government funding, which paid for loans of up to 40% towards the
property purchase. This year, £2m has been added for a further tranche.
The loans have helped Islanders purchase properties of all sizes, ranging from one-bedroom flats to four-bedroom houses.
First Step, which is delivered in partnership with Andium Homes, was launched by
Deputy Sam Mézec in February last year. The Minister said that he was delighted to
reopen the scheme for a fourth time.
“I have seen for myself how much the scheme has made a real difference to Islanders
who would have otherwise been unable to own their first home,” he said. “It is a
meaningful way of tackling Jersey’s housing crisis and giving Islanders hope that they
can access homeownership affordably and securely with the help of Government.
“We have also seen how well the scheme has been received and understood by the
housing market, and I am grateful for all the work of estate agents, law firms, and
mortgage providers in working with Government and Andium Homes to make a real
success of the scheme.”
The scheme will be open to applications from Monday 16 June for four weeks,
closing on Sunday 13 July.
Applicants must:
- hold Entitled status
- not own any property in Jersey or overseas
- be registered on the Assisted Purchase Pathway
- be able to provide a 5 per cent deposit towards the purchase
- be able to access the maximum lending available to them from one of the
scheme’s partnering mortgage lenders
- not be under offer on another assisted purchase scheme.
Islanders must be registered on the Assisted Purchase Pathway before applying for
First Step. If someone is already registered on the Assisted Purchase Pathway, they do
not need to re-register. Applications will be means-tested against the financial
criteria which is outlined in the policy guidance.
Chris Kynicos, Sales, and Lettings Lead at Andium Homes, said: “In the first three
tranches, we’ve helped numerous individuals, couples and families become
homeowners for the first time.
“From their initial application through to the final purchase in court, the Andium
Homes team have helped each applicant navigate their way through what can be a
daunting task, and one that many may only do once in their lifetime.
“We’d encourage anyone looking for their first home to get in touch either in person
at our offices on Don Street or call 500700 and our team will be happy to help.”
Islanders wishing to join the Assisted Purchase Pathway, or those wanting to update
their details, can do so via the Andium website: First Step (andiumhomes.je).
gov.je