Firstly to make sure that you qualify for a First Step Home, you need to check the list below. If you can tick one or more in each of Sections A and B, move to step 2

Qualification Criteria (Brief outline which may vary with each Local Authority)

Section A

• Living in unsuitable or un-secure accommodation? This can be on grounds of cost, overcrowding, unfitness or lack of basic amenities, infirmity, physical or mental disability or social or care needs of applicants or family members.
• Homeless or threatened with homelessness
• Unable to purchase or otherwise normally secure (normally rent) suitable accommodation on the Open Market?

Section B

• Do you live in the Parish of the proposed development, and have done for the past 5 years?
• Do you work in the Parish of the proposed development, and have done for the past 5 years
• Were you born in the Parish of the proposed development?
• Did you spend time in education in the Parish of the proposed development, whilst under 18, whilst resident in the Parish?
• Did you reside in the Parish of the proposed development for at least 5 years duration at any time?

• Download Housing Application Form
• Once downloaded, please complete and send it to either our Bristol office for Somerset applications or our Truro office for Devon and Cornwall applications. View Office Address
• Alternatively, see the development you are interested in and contact the respective Estate Agents who are dealing with this development and who will guide you through the process.

• Keep in touch with First Step Homes or The Estate Agents to monitor your application.
• Arrange to see a mortgage advisor to establish the amount of money you can borrow. Our agents will be pleased to provide details of an advisor who is familiar with our developments and the restrictions involved with such a purchase, to help you with this.

Once data on qualifying applicants has been collected, First Step Homes (SW) Ltd will apply to the Local Authority for planning permission. Once this permission is granted, qualifying applicants will be invited to progress to stage 4.

• Reserve your new First Step Home (reservation fee applies).
• Contact the Estate Agent to reserve your new home and at this stage you should instruct solicitors to act in the conveyancing of your purchase (the Estate Agents can advise you on this).
• Apply for a mortgage. Getting a mortgage offer can take time but our agents will recommend an independent financial advisor who is familiar with our product, to guide you smoothly through this process.
• You can also keep an eye on the progress of the build of your new home by visiting the News section of our website and see our First Step Homes Newsletter.

• Enjoy property ownership and living in your attractive new home.

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