Help to buy scheme

Housing support

First- time buyers in West Lothian are being encouraged to find out how the Scottish Government’s Lowcost Initiative for First Time Buyers ( LIFT) scheme could help them purchase an affordable new home.

The LIFT scheme provides eligible applicants with funding between 10 per cent and 40 per cent toward the purchase price of a property which has been advertised on the open market.

It helps first-time buyers and also gives priority access to groups including social renters, disabled and older people with housing need, armed forces personnel and veterans who have recently left the armed forces. LIFT customer Morag Campbell said: “It helped ease some of the financial pressure I felt and I managed to buy a home sooner than I thought was possible. I’ve lost count of the number of people I’ve recommended the LIFT scheme to.”

Link Gro u p chief executive, Craig Sanderson, said: “It’s great to know the LIFT scheme has helped so many people purchase a high-quality home at an affordable price. We look forward to helping more buyers take their first step onto the property ladder.” West Lothian Council’s executive councillor for services for the community, George Paul, said: “I would encourage first time buyers in West Lothian to see if the LIFT scheme can help them. We know it can be difficult to get on the housing ladder in the current economic climate, and this scheme could make a real difference to local people.” Find out more by visiting www. linkhousing.co.uk/lift.