Quick answer
- Use the right order: mortgage, ceiling, funding gap, FHS application, solicitor documents, closing funds.
- Do not rely on FHS until the property route and local authority ceiling are checked.
- Keep lender, solicitor, Revenue and FHS documents consistent to avoid delays.
On this page
The safest order to follow
The First Home Scheme application is easier when the order is right. Many delays happen because buyers choose a property before checking the local authority ceiling, apply before mortgage approval is clear, or leave solicitor documents until the closing date is already close.
This checklist is designed as a planning aid. The official FHS portal, lender and solicitor still control the actual application steps.
Main application checklist
| Step | Action | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Check basic eligibility | Buyer status, property use and route must fit before you spend time on numbers. |
| 2 | Get mortgage approval in principle | FHS depends on the gap after your mortgage and deposit are considered. |
| 3 | Check the price ceiling | The property must fit the local authority, property type and route ceiling. |
| 4 | Calculate the funding gap | Use mortgage, deposit, gifts and Help to Buy to estimate how much FHS might need to cover. |
| 5 | Apply through the FHS process | Use the official application route and keep documents consistent. |
| 6 | Add solicitor details when required | FHS contract documents must be reviewed, signed, witnessed and returned correctly. |
| 7 | Coordinate closing funds | Lender, FHS, solicitor and developer/seller timing must match. |
| 8 | Keep long-term records | Equity share, service charges, redemption and future switches depend on accurate records. |
Calculator order before you apply
- Mortgage Affordability Calculator. Check likely borrowing power first.
- Help to Buy Calculator. Estimate Revenue refund support if buying or building a qualifying new home.
- FHS Price Ceiling Lookup. Check local authority, route and property type.
- First Home Scheme Calculator. Estimate the funding gap and likely equity share.
- Mortgage Repayment Calculator. Stress-test the monthly repayment before going further.
Example: correct order vs rushed order
| Buyer approach | What happens | Risk level |
|---|---|---|
| Correct order | Checks mortgage, ceiling and funding gap before making offer. | Lower risk because the buyer knows the main limits early. |
| Rushed order | Goes sale agreed first, then checks FHS ceiling and solicitor documents later. | Higher risk of delay, disappointment or funding shortfall. |
Documents and people to keep aligned
- Lender: mortgage approval, loan offer and any conditions.
- FHS: application status, customer portal, equity share and funding approval.
- Solicitor: Customer Contract, declarations, title documents and funds requisition.
- Developer or seller: price, contract timing and closing date.
- Revenue: Help to Buy approval if you are also using HTB.
Common mistakes
- Checking county instead of exact local authority area for the price ceiling.
- Forgetting that Help to Buy can reduce the maximum FHS share.
- Applying with numbers that do not match lender documents.
- Leaving solicitor details or contract review too late.
- Not planning for service charges and redemption after purchase.
Frequently asked questions
Should I apply for FHS before mortgage approval?
In practice, you should get your mortgage position clear first because FHS is based on the gap after mortgage and deposit are considered.
Should I check the price ceiling before making an offer?
Yes. Check the exact local authority, property type and route before relying on FHS support.
Can I use Help to Buy and FHS in the same purchase?
Yes, where both sets of rules are met. But using Help to Buy can affect the maximum FHS support, so calculate both together.
When do I need a solicitor?
You can usually start before adding solicitor details, but the solicitor becomes essential before contract documents and funding release.
What is the biggest application mistake?
The most common planning mistake is choosing the property first and checking ceiling, mortgage and FHS gap later.
Does this checklist replace the official portal?
No. It is a planning checklist only. The official FHS portal, lender and solicitor control the final process.
Sources & references
Related calculators
Use these tools for the numbers behind this guide.