FIRST STEPS to home ownership

In April 2011, the Mayor launched the FIRST STEPS website to make it easier for Londoners to find and buy a low cost home in the capital.

It has information on low cost homes from over 40 housing providers, as part of the Mayor’s FIRST STEPS programme. You can look for a property to suit you and find out which properties might be affordable.

Find a property or find out more on FIRST STEPS now 

The FIRST STEPS programme

The Mayor’s FIRST STEPS programme aims to help many more Londoners onto the housing ladder. The combination of harsh economic conditions and high property prices means it is harder than ever for low and middle income Londoners to own their own home. That is why the Mayor is committed to delivering 20,000 more intermediate homes in London by 2012.

Intermediate housing gives Londoners a chance to get a step on the housing ladder at a lower cost than renting privately  buying a property on the open market.

The programme will ensure that intermediate housing better meets the needs of Londoners by:

• Widening eligibility – reflecting London’s higher house prices and cost of living. We will make more families eligible and recognise that levels of income rather than jobs should determine who has access to First Steps.
• Improving access, information and the experience of buyers through better marketing and improving lenders’ understanding of low cost home ownership products.
• Developing new products specifically tailored to London.

London Housing Strategy