HomeBuy is a government funded programme of low cost home ownership products developed to make home ownership more affordable and help people get a foot on the property ladder. Orbit First Step is the HomeBuy Agent for Norfolk and Suffolk.

On this page you can download an application form for the HomeBuy scheme.

PDF version of the application form

The PDF application form is designed to be printed out and completed by hand. It can then be submitted by post or fax.

Postal Address

Orbit First Step,
Garden Court,
Harry Weston Road,
Binley Business Park,
Coventry CV3 2SU
Fax – 024 7643 8034
Email – ofs@orbit.org.uk

How can I find a property?

Use the Orbit HomeBuy Agents Property Search feature

What Happens Next?

Once we have received your completed application form we will assess it based on your personal needs, affordability and other criteria. Please note that for some schemes you may need to show a local connection to an area.

If your application meets the criteria we will write to confirm that you have been accepted onto our database of successful applicants. This does not guarantee that you will be offered a property or an Open Market HomeBuy loan, but we will advise you which option is the most suitable for your personal circumstances. The Orbit First Step Sales and Marketing team and those within other Housing Association will try to match your application to the best available housing solution, and they will write to you with more details.

Financial Advice

We advise all applicants to obtain independent financial advice before arranging a mortgage. Below is a PDF document with details of independent financial advisors that we understand have experience of low cost home ownership. You may wish to make contact with one or more of them to discuss your requirements. We hope that should you decide to use the services of one of the advisors listed that you will be happy with the service provided and we would be pleased to receive your feedback. Please either write, telephone or use our on-line enquiry form.

	Orbit First Step – Solicitors & IFA Panel – Norfolk & Suffolk
	Orbit First Step – Solicitors & IFA Panel – Greater Midlands

Legal Advice

If you are buying a new home you will need a solicitor to carry out the legal work involved (this is called conveyancing) and you will have to pay for this service. Solicitors’ fees will vary, and some may be more experienced in dealing with HomeBuy purchases than others, so ‘shop around’ and compare prices before you instruct a solicitor to carry out work on your behalf.

If you are looking for a solicitor a good place to start is the Law Society website. This site allows you to search for a local solicitor who can meet your needs via a link called ‘Solicitors Online’. This site also provides a guide to professional conduct.

Most of the communication with your solicitor can be carried out by phone, post and email, so you don’t necessarily have to meet with your solicitor unless you choose to do so.

Costs involved in buying a home

Buying a home can be expensive and it is important to consider the costs and responsibilities before making a decision to go ahead. As a general rule, you will need around £2000.00, either from your own savings or from family and/or friends, without the need to borrow additional money on your mortgage or take out a personal loan.

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	Application Form - The PDF application form is designed to be printed out and completed by hand. It can then be submitted by post or fax.	May 2007