LIFT Shared Equity Scotland
The LIFT Scheme: Shared Equity for First Time Buyers in Scotland
Struggling to afford a home on your own? The Scottish Government's LIFT scheme can buy a share of the property with you, so you only need a mortgage for your part. Here is how it works and whether it could help you.
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Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage.
There may be a fee for mortgage advice. The actual amount you pay will depend upon your circumstances. The fee is up to 1% but a typical fee is 0.3% of the amount borrowed.
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How It Works
You Own Most of the Home and the Government Holds the Rest
LIFT stands for Low-cost Initiative for First Time Buyers. Under the Open Market Shared Equity scheme, the Scottish Government takes a 10% to 40% share and you buy the rest.
- ✓No rent: you pay nothing on the government's share
- ✓Smaller mortgage: you only borrow for your share of the price
- ✓Buy more later: you can usually increase your share over time
- ✓When you sell: the government gets its share of the value at that time
How We Help
How to Buy With LIFT
Five steps from first chat to getting the keys.
Check You Qualify
It is aimed at first time buyers and certain priority groups who cannot afford a suitable home without help.
Apply to the Agent
Applications go through the scheme's agent for your area, who will assess your income and savings.
Get Approval
If approved, you get a maximum price and share. Price limits depend on your council area and the size of the home.
Find a Home
Look on the open market as normal, within the price limit for your area.
Get the Right Mortgage
Not every lender works with LIFT. We will find one that does and handle the application.
Your Options
Shared Equity Routes in Scotland
There is more than one way in. We can help you find the right one.
Open Market Shared Equity
Buy a resale or new home on the open market, with the government holding 10% to 40%.
Check My Options →New Supply Shared Equity
Buy a new home from a housing association or council development. You apply to them directly.
Talk It Through →Affordability Check
The scheme checks you cannot afford a suitable home on your own. We can look at this with you first.
Get Straight Advice →Deposit
You still need a deposit for your share, usually a small one. Gifted deposits may be possible.
Book a Chat →Buying More Shares
You can usually buy more of the home later as your income grows, until you own it outright.
Ask a Question →Closed Schemes
Help to Buy Scotland and the First Home Fund have closed. LIFT is the main government help available now.
Talk It Through →Common Questions
LIFT Scheme Questions, Answered
The things first time buyers ask us most.
Is the LIFT scheme open in 2026?
Yes, the Open Market Shared Equity scheme is open for 2026/27, but funding is set each year, so it is worth applying sooner rather than later.
Who can apply for LIFT?
Mainly first time buyers. Some priority groups can apply too, such as social renters, people over 60, disabled people, and armed forces members and recent veterans.
How much will the government own?
Usually between 10% and 40% of the home. You buy the rest with your deposit and mortgage.
Do I pay rent on the government's share?
No. You only pay your mortgage on your share.
What happens when I sell?
The government gets back its share of the sale price at that time, not the amount it put in. So if the value goes up, its share goes up too.
Can any lender give me a LIFT mortgage?
No, only some lenders work with the scheme. We know which ones do and can compare them for you.
Related guides
- First time buyer deposit guide
- 5% deposit mortgages
- How much can I borrow?
- All mortgage questions answered
Written by Tony Flynn, mortgage broker at Tony Flynn Mortgages, helping homebuyers across Lanarkshire and Scotland. This page is general information, not personal advice. Speak to Tony about your own circumstances.
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See If LIFT Could Work for You
Fill in the form and we will be in touch within one working day. We will look at your income and savings and tell you straight whether LIFT or a normal mortgage is the better route.