Buying a home
There are many options available to help people buy a home in the highlands.
Rent-to-buy scheme
This scheme helps people in rural and small communities. You rent a new home for 5 years while saving for a deposit.
- aimed at people on modest incomes
- you get a cash-back sum at the end of the 5 years if you buy the home
- this sum can be used as your mortgage deposit
Learn more about the rent-to-buy scheme
Low Income First Time (LIFT) new supply scheme
This scheme helps you buy a share of a new build home.
- you buy between 60% and 90% of the home
- the Scottish Government owns the rest
- you do not pay rent on the part you do not own
- you can buy more shares later or when you sell the home
Learn more about LIFT new supply scheme
Open market shared equity scheme
This scheme helps first-time buyers and priority groups buy a home on the open market.
- you get help with 10% to 40% of the purchase price
- you must pay back the Scottish Government’s share when you sell the home
- you do not pay rent on the part you do not own
Learn more about the Open Market Shared Equity Scheme from:
Shared ownership
Shared ownership lets you buy part of a home and rent the rest.
- you can buy between 25% and 75%
- you pay rent on the part you do not own
- you can buy more shares after living there for a year