FHC
  • News
  • Low Cost Initiative

Low Cost Initiative for First Time Buyers (LIFT)

The LIFT Open Market Shared Equity (OMSE) is a shared equity scheme from the Scottish Government created to help first time buyers, and other priority groups, get onto the property ladder.

Through the scheme, buyers fund the majority share of the property (usually through mortgage and deposit) and receive an interest-free loan of between 10% and 40% of the property price from the Scottish Government for the remaining share.

The share funded by the Scottish Government is held under a ‘shared equity agreement’; buyers own the property outright and can choose to either increase their share over time or wait to repay the percentage share when the property is sold.

To be eligible, the property must be:

  • Advertised for sale publicly e.g. on a website or social media site, and
  • Priced within the maximum threshold for the Local Authority area.

Buyers in North Lanarkshire can consider properties up to the below price thresholds:

Property size Threshold price
2 apartment* £50,000
3 apartment £65,000
4 apartment £75,000
5 apartment £105,000
6 apartment £170,000

Local authority and housing association tenants, disabled people with a housing need, members of the armed forces, veterans who have left the armed forces within the last two years, partners or spouses of those killed while serving in the armed forces within the last two years, and people aged over 60 with a housing need can all apply to the scheme, even if they have previously owned a property.

Link administers the LIFT Open Market Shared Equity scheme on behalf of the Scottish Government throughout Scotland. Find out more and apply online www.linkhousing.org.uk/lift-tenants 

Monday, 14 March 2022


Apply for a house
Pay your rent
Complaints, Compliments and Comments
Complaints, Compliments and Comments
Pay your rent
Newsletter
Freedom of Information

Forgewood Housing Co-operative Limited © All Rights Reserved

Forgewood Housing Co-operative Ltd is a recognised Scottish Charity. Registered in Scotland No: SC045344