Help with Homeownership for First Time Buyers

The Scottish Government’s Low-cost Initiative for First-Time Buyers (LIFT) shared equity scheme helps first-time buyers purchase property. There are two LIFT schemes available:

New Supply Shared Equity scheme (NSSE)

The NSSE scheme helps people buy a new-build home from a council or housing association. Although buyers will own the property outright, the Scottish Government’s interests will be covered by a standard security on their property. Not all registered social landlords have a shared equity scheme.

The Scottish Government updates the schemes available across Scotland. You can find a list of the current schemes here: Find a project in your area - mygov.scot

Open Market Shared Equity scheme (OMSE)

The OMSE scheme helps priority access groups to buy a home for sale on the open market, within certain price thresholds. This scheme is available to the following groups:

• People aged 60 and over.
• Social renters (people who rent from the council or a housing association).
• Disabled people.
• Members of the armed forces.
• Veterans who have left the armed forces within the past two years.
• Widows, widowers, and other partners of service personnel for up to two years after their partner has lost their life while serving.

Contact LINK Homes (OMSE Administrator)

The scheme is administered by LINK Homes. They can be contacted using the details below:

Email: lift@linksharedequity.co.uk

Telephone: 0330 303 0125