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 (OMSE) scheme, which in 2018/19 will provide £70 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), which 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
• Guide to OMSE and NSSE administrative procedure updates, October 2017
• After-sale shared equity procedures: guidance
• After sale shared equity procedures: summary of changes