The good news? The Scottish Government’s First Home Fund is back in 2026, offering eligible first-time buyers up to £10,000 towards their deposit.
At Places for People, we’re here to help you make the most of this opportunity and take that first step towards owning your own home.
In this section:
The First Home Fund is a shared equity scheme designed to help first-time buyers in Scotland get onto the property ladder sooner.
It’s a simple idea: by reducing the upfront deposit you need, home ownership becomes more achievable.
The First Home Fund is interest-free and requires no monthly repayments.
Instead, the Scottish Government takes a small equity share in your home based on how much support you receive.
For example:
If you receive £10,000 towards a £200,000 home, the government owns a 5% share.
If you later sell your home, they receive 5% of the sale price.
You still own and live in 100% of your home, just with a shared stake.
For many people, saving a deposit is the biggest barrier to buying a home.
The First Home Fund can:
It’s not just good for buyers, it helps keep the property market moving and supports new homes being built across Scotland.
The First Home Fund is available on selected developments and plots across Scotland.
Availability is limited and subject to eligibility.
Applications are expected to open on Monday 22nd June 2026, and demand is likely to be high.
Preparing now could help you move quickly when the scheme launches.
At Places for People, we’re here to support you every step of the way, from finding the right home to understanding how schemes like the First Home Fund can work for you.
Up to £10,000 towards your deposit.
Yes, the scheme can be used on new build and existing homes.
The government receives a percentage of the sale price equal to their original contribution.
Previous schemes were very popular and funding was allocated quickly, so acting early is recommended.
