Places work when they have good homes.
At Places for People, we don't just build houses, we create and manage places. With 50 years' experience in placemaking, we know what makes communities thrive.
We build thousands of well-designed, innovative homes across the UK each year, but as a Group, we do so much more than that…
First Home Fund Scotland
Buying your first home is exciting, but saving for a deposit can feel like the biggest hurdle.
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.
What is the First Home Fund?
The First Home Fund is a shared equity scheme designed to help first-time buyers in Scotland get onto the property ladder sooner.
- Get up to £10,000 towards your deposit
- Available on homes worth up to £300,000
- Can be used on new build and existing homes
- Must be purchasing with a mortgage
It’s a simple idea: by reducing the upfront deposit you need, home ownership becomes more achievable.
How does it work
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.
Who is eligible?
You may be eligible if you:
- Are a first-time buyer (never owned a property anywhere in the world)
- Are buying a home in Scotland as your only residence
- Are purchasing with a mortgage
- Are buying a property valued at £300,000 or less
Why it matters
For many people, saving a deposit is the biggest barrier to buying a home.
The First Home Fund can:
- Help you buy sooner instead of renting longer
- Reduce the amount you need to save yourself
- Open up more options, including energy-efficient new build homes
- Support confidence across the housing market
It’s not just good for buyers, it helps keep the property market moving and supports new homes being built across Scotland.