# Scotland's LIFT scheme secures funding for 2025/26

Posted 17/04/2025 by [Alex Moore](/blog/authors/alex-moore)

   ![Low-cost Initiative for First Time Buyers (LIFT)](https://www.your-move.co.uk/uploads/blog_post/12_1365_s.jpg?v=254377) The Scottish Government's Low-cost Initiative for First Time Buyers (LIFT) scheme has helped over 12,000 people buy a property since 2007.

So it's good news that funding has been secured for 2025/26 in support for social renters and other priority groups to buy a home on the open market.

Priority Groups eligible for funding in 2025/26 are:

- Social renters (people who rent from a Council or Registered Social Landlord).
- People with a disability who can demonstrate a housing need.
- 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 who have lost their life while serving in the armed forces within the last two years.
- People aged over 60 with a housing need are a priority group who do not need to take out a mortgage.

## What is the Low-cost Initiative for First Time Buyers (LIFT)?

As the name suggests, LIFT is an initiative aimed at helping get first time buyers and priority groups on the property ladder through [shared equity](https://www.your-move.co.uk/buy/shared-ownership-and-equity-loan-schemes).

Currently there are [two LIFT schemes](https://www.gov.scot/policies/homeowners/low-cost-initiative-for-first-time-buyers/), the Open Market Shared Equity (OMSE) scheme and the New Supply Shared Equity (NSSE) scheme.

The OMSE scheme helps priority access groups buy a property that's for sale on the open market, within certain price thresholds.

The NSSE scheme helps people buy new build properties from either a council or a housing association.

Through both the OMSE and NSSE scheme you'll pay for the majority of the property, at least 60%, and the Scottish Government will purchase the remaining share.

For example, if you paid for 70% of the property with this scheme the Scottish Government would purchase the remaining 30%.

Even though you don't own the property in it's entirety, you will have 'complete title' to your property, meaning you'll share the same responsibilities as any other homeowner.

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   ![Alex Moore](https://www.your-move.co.uk/uploads/blog_author/12_20_t.jpg?v=27156) [Alex Moore](/blog/authors/alex-moore)

Your Move E-Marketing Executive