Is my partner a first-time buyer? (UK)

Question

My partner had previously co-bought a house (in the UK with a mortgage) in 2002, the house was then sold in 2013 (no profit made after mortgage pay-off and fees).
Fast forward to 2021, we're buying a home together as we've been renting and saving for 8 years since.
I myself am definitely a first-time buyer as I've never owned property but it seems to be very vague and differently answered wherever I look to find out if my partner is as well.
I mean first-time buyer in relation to the government's SDLT, not in the eyes of lenders for a mortgage/loans.
All the different answers around vary greatly and often contradict each other. If more info on my partner's situation/history is needed, just let me know.

GS - Apologise to Monica · Accepted Answer

This is explained in this guidance note from the government.
Chapter 3 has the definition of a first time buyer:

In order to count as a first time buyer, a purchaser must not, either
alone or with others, have previously acquired a major interest in a
dwelling or an equivalent interest in land situated anywhere in the
world.

[...]

If the property is purchased jointly, all the purchasers must meet these conditions.

So if you buy it jointly, you won't qualify for the SDLT reduction on the basis of being a first time buyer.

Is my partner a first-time buyer? (UK)

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