Low-cost Initiative for First Time Buyers (LIFT)

Since 2007, our Low-cost Initiative for First Time Buyers (LIFT) shared equity schemes have helped over 12,000 people to buy a home.

There are two LIFT schemes:

1. the Open Market Shared Equity scheme (OMSE). In 2016 and 2017 OMSE will provide £80 million to help people buy a home – within certain price thresholds – for sale on the open market
2. the New Supply Shared Equity scheme (NSSE) helps people buy a new-build home from a council or housing association. Although buyers will own the property outright, our interests will be covered by a standard security on their property

More information for first-time buyers is available on the mygov.scot website:

• apply for the NSSE scheme
• apply for the OMSE scheme

Guidance for registered social landlords, councils and property professionals:

• New Supply Shared Equity scheme: administrative procedures for registered social landlords
• Open Market Shared Equity scheme: administrative procedures
  • updated OMSE administrative procedures, May 2016
  • guide to OMSE administrative procedure updates, August 2016
• After sale shared equity procedures for registered social landlords