First-time buyer scheme relaunched in Jersey

A total of 51 applicants had been offered equity loans so far, the government said

A scheme to help first-time buyers get on the property ladder has reopened for its third round of applicants.

The Government and Andium Homes' First Step scheme, which launched in February, offers loans of up to 40% of the cost of a home.

A total of 51 applicants had been offered equity loans so far, the government said.

Housing Minister Sam Mézec said the scheme had made "a real difference" for those who could not afford their own home.

"I am hopeful that we will be able to reopen First Step in 2025 to help even more islanders into home ownership," he said.

The government said it believed the scheme would benefit up to 60 households and that an additional £2m for the £10m scheme had been proposed for the 2025 budget.

Dominique Caunce, Andium Homes’ policy and stakeholder engagement lead, said feedback had been "really positive" and they were encouraging "all those unsuccessful in the initial tranches to reapply".