LIFT - Shared Ownership for First Time Buyers

Open Market Shared Equity Scheme

Applications now being accepted for 2012!

The Open Market Shared Equity scheme allows people on low to moderate incomes to buy homes that are for sale on the open market where it is affordable for them to do so.The scheme has been helping to support the housing market during the difficult economic climate. The scheme is currently only accepting application forms from social renters, people in the armed forces and veterans who have left the armed forces within the past year, and widows, widowers and other partners of service personnel.

The minimum equity stake that buyers must take in a property is 90 percent and the maximum equity stake is 60 percent. Lenders normally require buyers to provide a modest deposit of 5% of their equity stake. For example:

- £100,000 purchase

- LIFT provide 10%: £10,000

- You provide 5%: £5000

- You mortgage 85%

Applications to the scheme are assessed by registered social landlords who administer the scheme on behalf of the Scottish Government. Registered social landlords will undertake a detailed financial assessment of individual household circumstances using certain criteria, such as looking at the disposable income the household has. This information will be obtained from the standard application form which applicants to the scheme must complete.

There are limits set on the price of homes that can be bought under the open market scheme to ensure that only 'starter' properties are available through the scheme - these are known as threshold prices. These limits vary according to house prices in different parts of Scotland, called threshold price areas, and are reviewed regularly.

For help on getting a LIFT application, or if you have an application pack and are looking for help completing it call 01501 741222 / 07581 340208 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it