First Homes is a government-backed affordable home ownership product aimed at eligible first-time buyers. First Homes are sold at a discount of at least 30% below market value, with the discount retained for future sales to eligible purchasers. First Homes are recognised as a form of affordable housing for planning purposes.

First Homes in Greater Cambridge

South Cambridgeshire District Council and Cambridge City Council have considered the role of First Homes through the adopted Greater Cambridge Housing Strategy 2024 to 2029.

While we support a range of affordable housing options to help meet local housing needs, we have concluded that First Homes are not currently a preferred affordable housing tenure in Greater Cambridge. This reflects the area's exceptionally high house prices and affordability challenges, alongside concerns that the national First Homes price caps can limit the size and type of homes that can be delivered.

Our priority remains increasing the supply of affordable homes that best meet local needs and contribute to creating healthy, sustainable communities. This includes social rented housing, affordable rented housing, shared ownership and other affordable housing tenures delivered in accordance with local planning policy.

Planning Applications

Developers wishing to provide First Homes as part of the affordable housing provision on a development site should refer to the Greater Cambridge First Homes Interim Position Statement, which sets out our current approach and local eligibility criteria. 

First Homes Interim Position Statement [PDF, 0.2MB]

First Homes Issues & Options Paper [PDF, 0.2MB]

The Interim Position Statement remains the councils' guidance document for determining planning applications involving First Homes pending any future review of policy through the planning process. 

National Policy Context

National planning policy continues to support the delivery of First Homes as an affordable housing product. However, following updates to the National Planning Policy Framework in December 2024, local planning authorities have greater flexibility to determine whether First Homes are appropriate and whether they meet identified local housing needs.

Applicants are encouraged to discuss affordable housing proposals, including any proposed First Homes provision, with the councils at an early stage through the pre-application process.