“Starter” is the word Jamaicans most often attach to the smallest, cheapest homes the National Housing Trust offers. An NHT starter scheme is a development built around those entry-level units, typically one-bedroom homes that can be extended later, compact two-bedroom units and serviced lots, so that a first-time buyer on a modest income can get a foot on the ladder.
How it fits the NHT’s offering
The Trust does not run starter schemes as a separate loan product. Starter units are sold through the ordinary housing scheme process: advertised with a fact sheet, applied for online during an intake window, and allocated by the Priority Index Entitlement points system, which favours lower earners and long-standing contributors. Financing comes from the buyer’s NHT loan, which for scheme units can cover the full price subject to affordability.
Help for first-time buyers
Several features are aimed at the people starter units serve:
- At least 20% of units in each development are reserved for contributors aged 35 and under.
- The Home Grant, of up to J$3.5 million, is available to contributors earning up to J$30,000.99 a week.
- A deferred mortgage can postpone payment on part of the price for buyers whose income cannot cover it all.
- A short-term lease of up to three years lets some buyers occupy first and buy later at the original price.
- Parents can assign their points to a child or co-apply under Parent Assist arrangements.
Things to weigh
Starter units are small by design. Many are built as “core” houses intended to be expanded, so buyers should check what extensions the scheme rules and approved plans allow before planning to add rooms. Developments are often on the edge of towns, so transport costs belong in the budget. As with any scheme, titles may follow some time after occupation.
Similar ideas exist elsewhere: entry-level starter homes in the US, or first-home schemes in Canada and the UK that cap prices or restrict resale.
Related terms: The National Housing Trust (NHT) Home Starter Program, NHT Housing Scheme, NHT Scheme Unit, Starter home, NHT Home Grant, NHT Points System.
Accurate as at October 2026. Allocation rules and grant amounts are set by the NHT and can change.
