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Am I a first time buyer?

Hello, I am really confused with the definition of a first time buyer.
I have never bought a property but my parents gifted one of their flats in Poland to me around 12 years ago (to avoid inheritance tax in the future).
I have permanently lived in uk for the last 11 years.
My parents both live in Poland and they are paying off mortgage for the mentioned flat while also letting it out.
Since I never bought a property - am I a first time buyer?
Thanks

Comments

  • da_rule
    da_rule Posts: 3,618 Forumite
    Sixth Anniversary 1,000 Posts
    The first time buyer declaration from HM Treasury defines a first time buyer as someone who doesn't own or hasn't owned any interest in land whether in the UK or elsewhere.

    https://www.helptobuy.gov.uk/documents/2015/12/eligibility-of-ftbs.pdf
  • davidmcn
    davidmcn Posts: 23,596 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Name Dropper
    A first time buyer for what purposes? There isn't a universal definition.

    If your Polish flat is worth more than £40,000 then you'll be liable for the higher rate of SDLT/LBTT when you buy in the UK on the basis it will be your second property.
  • MyOnlyPost
    MyOnlyPost Posts: 1,562 Forumite
    To some degree it depends why you want to know. As above by that criteria for HTB you are not, however for mortgage purposes (special deal for first time buyer etc. ) you probably are.
    It may sometimes seem like I can't spell, I can, I just can't type
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