New mortgage discount scheme of up to 90% for first-time buyers in certain priority groups
Social renters, disabled people, those aged 60 and over, members of the armed forces and veterans living in Scotland may be eligible for the Open Market Shared Equity Scheme.
A scheme to help people in priority groups buy a home on the open market is open for new applications. The Open Market Shared Equity Scheme (OMSE) is available to people across Scotland who can't afford the full price of a home from groups which include social renters, disabled people, people aged 60 and over, members of the armed forces and veterans.
Applicants can apply for between 60 and 90 per cent of the property's value without having to purchase it in full, with the Scottish Government owning the remaining share.
Commenting recently at the start of this year's application drive, Social Justice Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville said: 'The cost of living crisis, high energy prices, inflation and interest rates make it increasingly difficult for some people to buy their own home. We want to give people in the priority groups the same opportunity as other buyers to own their home and I would encourage anyone looking to buy a home to apply to the scheme.'
Ms Somerville added: 'Giving more people the chance to buy an affordable home also plays a crucial role in reducing homelessness and eradicating child poverty in Scotland.'
Applications to the Open Market Shared Equity Scheme can be made on the Link Housing website here.
Priority access groups to the Open Market Shared Equity scheme
The scheme is available across Scotland to these priority access groups only:
people aged 60 and over
social renters - people who rent from the council or a housing association
disabled people
members of the armed forces
veterans who have left the armed forces within the past two years
widows, widowers and other partners of service personnel for up to two years after their partner has lost their life while serving
How the scheme works
Guidance on mygov.scot explains that through the OMSE scheme you will be able to buy a home without having to fund its entire cost and will get help from the Scottish Government.
You'll pay for the biggest share which is usually between 60 per cent and 90 per cent of the home cost. The Scottish Government will hold the remaining share under a shared equity agreement which it will enter into with you.
For example, if you pay for 75 per cent of the home, the Scottish Government will help with 25 per cent of the purchase price.
You'll have 'complete title' to your home and your name will be on the title deeds for it. But there will be a mortgage (or 'standard security') on the home to make sure the Scottish Government's share is protected.
It also means that if you ever choose to sell the home, the Scottish Government will get a share of the money.
How to apply
If you want to apply for the scheme you should read through this information leaflet first.
If you're eligible for the scheme contact the administering agent Link Homes - full details on mygov.scot website here.
There are currently 13 lenders offering mortgages for the Open Market Shared Equity scheme:
Bank of Scotland
Barclays
Capital Credit Union
Glasgow Credit Union
Halifax
Leeds
Lloyds Bank
Nationwide
Natwest
Scottish Building Society
Skipton
TSB
Scotwest Credit Union
If your application is approved, you will get a 'passport letter' which says you can now look for a home under the scheme. The 'passport letter' will tell you the maximum price you can pay for a home. It will also tell you what your next steps should be.
Once you have found a home you like you will be asked to provide a copy of the valuation. This will usually be provided in the Home Report, which the home's seller will give you.
When you're ready to buy, you will need a solicitor to act on your behalf to assist you with buying the home. The Scottish Government has its own solicitor who will handle work involving its equity share.
You will then have to pay for your share of the home's price in the usual way, along with any other costs, such as legal costs, registration fees and any stamp duty.
More details about the scheme including what happens after your buy a home can be found on mygov.scot here.
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