Pillar guide

Scottish home-buying schemes, explained

Scotland has run several schemes to help people onto the property ladder. Here's what each one was for and who it suited — in plain English.

Government home-buying schemes can lower the deposit you need or reduce how much you have to borrow. They open, change and close over time, so treat the descriptions below as general context and always confirm what is currently available before relying on a scheme. For the tax side of any purchase, see our LBTT calculator.

Help to Buy (Scotland)

Government equity loan toward a new-build home, reducing the deposit needed.

Who it’s for: Buyers of a new-build home who need help bridging the deposit gap.
How it works: The government took an equity stake in the property, reducing the mortgage and deposit required. Schemes like this open and close over time, so always check current availability.

LIFT — Open Market Shared Equity

Buy a home on the open market with the government holding a shared-equity stake.

Who it’s for: Priority groups and first-time buyers purchasing on the open market.
How it works: The government funds a share of the purchase price and holds a corresponding equity stake, lowering the amount you need to borrow and deposit.

LIFT — New Supply Shared Equity

Shared-equity purchase of a newly built home from a housing association or council.

Who it’s for: Buyers purchasing a newly built home from a housing association or council.
How it works: A shared-equity arrangement on new-supply homes, with the public stake reducing your upfront and monthly costs.

First Home Fund

A shared-equity contribution for first-time buyers toward a first home.

Who it’s for: First-time buyers needing a contribution toward a first home.
How it works: Provided a shared-equity contribution to top up a deposit. As with all schemes, funding rounds and eligibility change.

Right to Buy

Scheme allowing eligible council/housing-association tenants to buy their home.

Who it’s for: Eligible council or housing-association tenants in qualifying circumstances.
How it works: Allowed certain tenants to buy the home they rent, sometimes at a discount. The scheme has been ended for new applicants in Scotland — included here for context.

How to use a scheme in practice

Schemes work alongside a normal mortgage, not instead of one — you’ll still need a deposit and a lender willing to lend. Start by checking eligibility, then model the numbers: use the affordability calculator to see your borrowing range and the repayment calculator for monthly cost.

Scheme rules and availability are set by the Scottish Government and can change without notice. This page is general information, not advice — confirm current schemes and your eligibility with the official source or a qualified adviser.

Wondering if a scheme fits your situation?

Ask Annah about Scottish home-buying schemes and how they interact with deposit, LBTT and affordability.

Ask Annah now