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Our Latest Advice For First-Time Buyers
First-Time Buyer's Stamp Duty & LLT Calculator
*Additional fees for Freehold & Flying Freehold
- £90 registration fee
- £20 Jurat's fee
*Additional fees for share transfer (LTT)
- £90 registration fee
The amount of stamp duty shown is for guidance purposes only and is based on the latest rates set out buy the governement of Jersey.
For the most accurate breakdown of your status as a first time buyer, you should get in touch with our property team below.
Key Contacts.
FAQs for first time buyers
In order to be considered a first-time buyer in Jersey (Channel Islands), there are several conditions that need to be met.
You should not have previously owned a property. The definition of a first-time buyer typically refers to someone who has never owned a home before. However, if you have not owned a property for the past three consecutive years, you may still be considered a first-time buyer.
The property you purchase must be intended as your principal residence. This means that it should be the main place where you live. If you own a first-time buyer property, you are required by law to occupy that property as your primary residence.
There are restrictions on leasing out a first-time buyer home, the circumstances where it may be possible to lease out such a property are very limited and are covered in section 5 of the First Time Buyer Policy Guidance provided by the Government of Jersey.
There are also stamp duty considerations. If the property you're buying is under £500,000, you may be eligible for certain stamp duty benefits as a first-time buyer.
Please note that these conditions can vary and it's always best to consult with a legal or real estate professional for advice tailored to your specific situation.
Yes, first-time buyers do pay stamp duty in Jersey, Channel Islands, but they benefit from reduced rates compared to non-first-time buyers.
As of the start of 2024, the law has been changed to offer discounted rates for first-time buyers. If you're a first-time buyer purchasing a property for £500,000, you will incur a stamp duty or Land Transaction Tax (LTT) of £8,080. This is compared to a significantly lower £1,080 when buying a home for under £450,000.
However, it's important to note that certain restrictions apply. For instance, if you hold Licensed status (essential employment), you cannot benefit from these concessionary stamp duty or land transaction tax rates, even if you are a first-time buyer.
Please note that these figures and rules can change, so it's always best to consult with us on 875875 for tailored advice for your specific situation.
One of the primary schemes is the Government of Jersey's First Step, an open-market shared equity scheme. This initiative allows you to buy a percentage of a property and pay rent on the remaining share, which is owned by a housing association or private developer. Over time, you can increase your share until you own the property outright.
Another scheme is the Andium Homebuy, which enables you to purchase an Andium Homes property through a shared equity basis. You buy a share in the property and pay a reduced rent on the remainder. The minimum share you can buy is 40% and the maximum is 80%.
The Minister for Housing also announced a £10 million shared equity scheme to help first-time buyers get onto the property ladder. The exact details of this scheme are not specified, but shared equity schemes generally involve the buyer owning a portion of their home and the government or a housing association owning the rest, with the buyer paying rent on the portion they do not own.
It's important to note that these schemes have specific eligibility requirements, so it's recommended to check with the relevant authorities or a legal advisor to understand what might apply to your situation.
Benest & Syvret can provide invaluable assistance to first-time buyers in various ways:
- Expert Legal Advice: The legalities of buying a property, especially for the first time, can be complex and overwhelming. Benest & Syvret can help you navigate this process, explaining all aspects of the law that apply to your purchase, including contracts, title deeds, and any potential legal issues with the property.
- Contract Review and Negotiation: Skilled property lawyers can review all contractual documents involved in the transaction, ensuring that they are legally binding and in your best interest. They can also negotiate terms and conditions on your behalf.
- Conveyancing: This is the legal process of transferring ownership of a property from one person to another. Benest & Syvret can manage this process, ensuring everything is done correctly and legally.
- Stamp Duty and Other Tax Issues: They can advise on the financial aspects of buying a property, including how much stamp duty you'll need to pay and any other potential tax implications.
- Assistance with Mortgage Process: Property law firms can guide you through the mortgage process, helping you understand the terms of your mortgage agreement and ensuring that it is suitable for your circumstances.
- Property Searches and Surveys: Lawyers can arrange for necessary property searches and surveys to be carried out, which can uncover potential issues such as structural problems, boundary disputes, or planning restrictions.
- Closing the Deal: Finally, a property law firm will handle the final stages of the property purchase, including managing the exchange of contracts and the handover of the keys.
By instructing Benest & Syvret, we can make the process of buying your first home less stressful and more streamlined. This allows you to focus on the excitement of your new home, knowing that you have the legal side of things in safe hands.
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